ALCON,

In regards to Mr Dilegge’s concerns about the originality and authenticity of this AAR, I believe it is quite authentic. I have read several dozen informal AARs from various Marines of all ranks (CPL to COL) and hundreds of formal AAR critiques; they all tend to same pretty much the same thing, particularly when it comes to better stopping power with individual weapons. I also believe that the author for this particular article is a Marine Gunner, based on his introduction (“Hello to my fellow gunners…,”). Because his MOS would expose him to a broad range of weapons systems and reports on their effectiveness of both the Army and the Marine Corps, his commentary may reflect a broader survey than the average Marine. As his comments were relayed through his father to the Washington Times, there may be some influence from editing as well. Washington Times editorial bias leans to the conservative right in general.


Semper Fidelis,

Major M. J. Dougherty
United States Marine Corps
J2 Estimates Branch
United States Forces Korea (USFK)
DSN: (315) 723-7769
Email (W): michael.dougherty@korea.army.mil
Email (H): mjdoug1@center.osis.gov