My Wife, who aside from the fact she married me,
Quote:
Originally Posted by
120mm
One thing that is useful to point out, I think, is that all this "SF's long history of working FID/UW/COIN" is actually not that long of a history at all.
is a smart gal points out frequently that to those under forty, "...ten years is a long time..." :D *
* Aside from which, having been there almost at the start of that working, I am not even coming on the 'many years' and 'history' bit. That's almost as bad as going into a Cracker Barrel to eat and seeing the wall hung with 'antique' tools you've used... :eek:
British Tracking Training
For William-
I was under the impression the Brits were still quite heavy on training their own tracking operators at their Brunei Jungle Warfare Centre and also in Belize. Is this not the case?
Series of Internet Articles by....
Michael Yon. He participated as a writer and attended the British tracking school on Borneo Island. There is a whole series of emails at the link.
Combat Tracking Training
Absolutely fascinating reading.
Background on Michael Yon
Why we don't employ more dismounted operations
Sir,
Even with the proven tactical benefits of utilizing combat trackers, it's hard to get a commanders approval to dismount, and pursue the enemy. The military, and the public to whom they ultimately answer, are afraid of high casualty counts. They mistakenly believe mounted patrol with MRAPs is the silver bullit. In reality, because of mobility issues, they become road bound, and easier targets. I don't even want to address, leaving body armor and helmets behind to lighten the load, and increase speed and mobility, and reduce water requirements, somebody might have a stroke. Or worse, the ACU uniform which is absolutely abysmal, seems effective only on the crushed rock floor of the FOBs.. Many an operator has dug deep into their pockets to purchase Multicam uniforms, or got back in BDUs to enhance their own survivability. When I attended tracking school over 20 years ago in Malaysia, we stayed in the field, live out of our rucksacks, and slept on the tracks. I can't imagine that happenlng here, although I belive that's how we will deny the enemy of his mountain santuaries, and focus our combat power more effectively. That said, there are some enlightend commanders, who understand the concept of combat tracking teams, to include an IED defeat organization. Consequently, I have stayed busy.