THIS is pure genius. PASHTYLVANIA, AFGHANISTAN – Marine Corps General Joseph Dunford, Jr. confirmed late yesterday that he has accepted a wager to spend no less than one year in the supposedly haunted command of United States Forces – Afghanistan (USFOR-A). Legend has it that there is a terrible curse on the command, located deep in the foreboding mountains of Afghanistan, and that inexplicably bad things happen to the careers of unwary commanders. “I don’t like this,” says Dunford’s career, folding its arms and staring out of Dunford’s car at the darkening sky as they drive up the winding switchbacks toward [...]
Heroes With Four Legs
For several years, Rebecca Frankel has been writing a weekly column about War Dogs and their contributions to both Iraq and Afghanistan. Here is a link to her latest installment. I have for a number of years believed that our military ought to have a way to officially recognize the heroism of these dogs. I also am of the belief that we owe them a great deal and that our nation can afford to care for them when they are no longer able to serve as Military Working Dogs. As soldiers their only fault is they are loyal to a [...]
Two Items re Afghanistan
Two items; one to be read: When you accompany our men on patrol, you cannot help but admire their fortitude. Each grunt — Army or Marine, adviser or squad member — straps on 95 pounds of armor and gear, goes through the checklist of tactical procedures, and steps in line behind the point man with the metal detector. They will walk carefully in single file for the next several hours. Over the course of his seven-month deployment, each one will sally forth about a hundred times, covering six to eight miles in every day or night patrol. He will take [...]
Army One-Star in Hot Water
HOLY SHIT. FORT BRAGG, N.C. — An Army brigadier general who served five combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan has been charged with forcible sodomy, multiple counts of adultery and having inappropriate relationships with several female subordinates, two U.S. defense officials said Wednesday. Looking back at THIS EPISODE, I wonder if he’s a West Pointer. If he is, I expect he’ll be fine. If not, well, I hope he has a good lawyer.
LtCol Raible– A Real Marine
A fighting man, a real Marine: Lt. Col. Christopher K. Raible was heading home to video-chat with his wife after dinner when the first blasts rang out. The pops in the distance on Sept. 14 at Camp Bastion in southern Afghanistan were harbingers of the most audacious Taliban attack on a major NATO base in the decade-long war. Like most folks in the sprawling remote desert camp, Raible, 40, a Marine fighter pilot, faced two choices: seek cover or run toward the sound of gunfire. Read it.
Should We Get Out of Afghanistan
The political world is reeling from the admission of Representative Bill Young, Republican, Chairman of the House Military Appropriation Committee, that it is time to get out of Afghanistan. Representative Young can be described as a hawk’s hawk and who until an interview with a Tampa newspaper had been an ardent and vocal supporter of our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Likewise Senator John McCain has indicated that it is time to reassess our policy towards Afghanistan, while not going as far as Representative Young, he nevertheless has indicated some willingness to backing away from his previous win it at [...]
ISAF Clarifies Statement (?)
“ISAF clarifies information on partnering with ANSF:” KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 18, 2012) — Recent media coverage regarding a change in ISAF’s model of Security Force Assistance (SFA) to the Afghan National Security Forces is not accurate. ISAF remains absolutely committed to partnering with, training, advising and assisting our ANSF counterparts. The ISAF SFA model is focused at the battalion level and above, with exceptions approved by senior commanders. Partnering occurs at all levels, from Platoon to Corps. This has not changed. In response to elevated threat levels resulting from the “Innocence of Muslims” video, ISAF has taken some prudent, but temporary [...]
RIP, Marines Killed in Bastion Attack
RIP. Update: Michael Yon on how the Taliban did the attack. (I know he’s not everyone’s cup of chai, but there it is. Offered for your review and comment.)
Good Question– What About Afghanistan?
Here’s a very good op-ed in the WaPo– “The Election’s Invisible War.” Rather than post a pithy excerpt, I’d prefer you go read the whole thing.
“Virginia Guard mom, [VMI] Marine Corps son reunite at Kandahar Airfield”
Now this is a fine story! “It feels really weird to say my mom is in Afghanistan,” Capt. Nance [VMI '06] said.” I bet. But the family that slays together, stays together! Good luck to all of them.
