ANATOMY OF A UNITED STATES RAID ON TERRORISM
While each decade that goes by reveals even more technology that can assist the special forces, it must be understood that, despite scientific advances in electronics, AI, robotics and smart weapons, there remain the essentials of human contact and planning that cannot be mocked-up by a computer. Sure, the models by the software programming can assist with logistics and placement of assets, but the fact remains that human interaction in the field still holds the highest value for the commanders who are planning these pinpointed assaults.
One of the most important determinations to take into account is that the modern battlefield is no longer only made up of uniformed and disciplined soldiers who fight on a chosen battlefield where all the different modes of combat are brought to bear. There are no echelons of cavalry tank units or bombardments of artillery through recon in the traditional sense. Not in this new millennium.
Today’s battlefield is filled with those who are predisposed to flight upon the first engagement, withdrawing to a more defensible position that usually includes a barren, desolate landscape filled with caves, holes and cubbies that serve to frustrate some of the most invasive explosive devices known to man.
The United States has in turn developed technologies in munitions that make the bunker busters of the Iraq War era look like firecrackers. That said, the point of the argument about the differences in the enemies of today versus the enemies of yesteryear is that these irregular adversaries are attempting to conceal themselves inside a civilian population, making it extremely likely (by design) that collateral damage to innocents is experienced. America’s military forces are the best trained soldiers in the world today and their sole employment of force is the application of controlled and discriminate violence. In other words, they are trained to ensure that as little potential collateral damage is encountered during any mission. The missions of the US soldiers also fall into ethical categories that require sound and patient decision-making by upper leadership.
The jobs of the modern US soldier is to be at once diplomat and highly trained killer. Not an easy balance to maintain, especially when it comes to the high pressure stakes in the milieus of the Middle East deserts. Whether they are assaulting a cave network or a small village, extreme care must be taken to ensure a minimal amount of casualties among the wider populace.
These leaders and their subordinates must work with civilian agencies, host nation officials, as well as other allied powers. Some may also be required to work in tandem with un-allied powers, as the president demonstrated when he requested Russian-Syrian airspace use for this particular raid. Remember, too, that this is not a war that has a beginning and an end. This war against terrorism really has no end. Terror exists because there are areas of the world where military dominance cannot be achieved in the local populace. These people are prime targets for terror and sadists like al-Baghdadi will make sure to tip the scales in their favor.
The “Long War” as it is called in strategic military circles is not won in a single combat engagement. Neither is it won in multiple encounters. This is won by constantly engaging these terrorists when and where they exist, preferably in their own chosen territory. In the old days of war, the victor typically was able to choose the “good ground” on which to fight. In today’s modern combat, while many different factors exist that will hurry victory along, the simple fact is that with the amount of firepower and the vehicles and systems by which we may deliver them, it is almost a foregone conclusion that the ground is always good.
Turn to the last page to read about how the intelligence is gathered and is the most vital part of any successful mission!
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