Complaceny Kills... use link to teach Marines/Soldiers

[Maximus]

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=cb4_1174174085

Please view very disturbing link recently posted on liveleak.com.

I'm posting this here with the assumption that most readers support the current strategy of moving our forces in with the people and out of the fortress FOBs. I certainly do. There's an increase in risk, at least initially, with this plan until we build relations w/ the people and create a legitimate indigenous force to operate alongside. This link demonstrates the importance of why we can never get complacent; why more armor, sappi plates, NVGs, etc. aren't the answer; and why we need to make sure our Marines/Soldiers understand the dedication and strategy of our enemies.

Truly disturbing that this insurgent was able to pull this off and have his buddy covering him with a video camera in the process. Reminds me very much of the tactics discussed in Poole's Phantom Soldier, Tactics of the Crescent Moon, and Terrorist Trail.

I'll use this link to reinforce enemy TTPs and what we must do to combat them.

[Bill Moore]

While it is hard to form the perfect 24-7 defense in an urban area I can't believe a tank was left unsecured with that much dead space around it? I only hope no one was in it, but still that is well over a million dollars up in smoke. The enemy showed tactical common sense by good use of dead space, and audacity to make two trips (second apparently to put a fuel/oil mixture in place to ensure we had plenty of flame and smoke for additional damage and drama effect). I don't know why, I seen worse videos of soldiers being mutilated, but this one was very disturbing.

[jmcavin]

Two possible examples of complacency. Both disturbing and lethal.

1) The Bradley is occuied and no scouts out for local security. Whether they entered a nearby building, or were on a security halt, local ground security is a MUST.

2) The Bradley is unoccupied/abandoned. This defies all training and common sense, but so do the events depicted in the video.

I was unable to make out what was depicted in the red circle on the video. Was it another Bradley in "overwatch"?

[Stan]

Hi Maximus !

I'm posting this here with the assumption that most readers support the current strategy of moving our forces in with the people and out of the fortress FOBs. I certainly do.

Based on my background in hostile environments and upheavals, as well as time in Armor, I disagree with being moved into the 'neighborhood'. The Bradley's unoccupied location as Bill and JM point out so well, is merely an invitation.

The orange/yellowish plenum immediately following the detonation indicates the presence of military-grade high explosives (RDX or GI Joe Comp. B). The addition of some 30 liters of fuel to create a quasi ANFO was as Bill put, Holywood effects. The undercarriage of the Bradley and the detonation of HBX would have simply scattered the fuel oil all over, but performing little more.

Looks like Bravo Sierra propaganda, especially three repeated detonations and the horrible ranting and music

Indeed a shame and an expensive lesson.

JM, I saw the red circle as the forward observer for the enemy team. He must've had some big cajones to remain there !

[RTK]

Two possible examples of complacency. Both disturbing and lethal.

1) The Bradley is occuied and no scouts out for local security. Whether they entered a nearby building, or were on a security halt, local ground security is a MUST.

2) The Bradley is unoccupied/abandoned. This defies all training and common sense, but so do the events depicted in the video.

I was unable to make out what was depicted in the red circle on the video. Was it another Bradley in "overwatch"?

A few thoughts, as a scout and bradley guy.

1. If the brad is occupied, I have real problems with the fact that the turret doesn't move an inch the entire time. They're in a closed protected security posture and the ISU doghouse doors are open (typically you close these if you're going to park the system). This necessitates active turrets. The more active the weapons platform, the less inclined they are to mess with you. Goes with the principle "if you look like you're getting ready to get into a fight, they probably won't mess with you."

2. That red circle is the insurgent overwatch. After the satchel goes off, you can hear the RPK fire and see impacts.

3. The Bradley is looking right at the film crew. If anyone was watching their thermals in the turret they'd be able to see this.

Scary indeed. I'm going to use this video in my classes from here on out.

[bismark17]

Thanks for posting that for the educational value. I used to command a platoon of those back in the early 90's and even then it possessed great optic devices. Plus, as others have pointed out it appears to be isolated and without any interlocking support from other Bradlys or even dismounts.... Strange.....

[Ironhorse]

Like RTK says. Plus the insurgent actions indicate they believed it was occupied.

Unless they stole it off the lot and staged the whole thing.

But I think the most likely solution is some lads lost their lives in an unfortunate moment of less diligence, and some insurgents with big brass ones were drinking tea that eve talking about it and watching it.

This will get around to reinforce the point we all already know. Bradley, LAV, truck, etc. - Maximus hit it head on. Complacency kills.