Hmmm. Sounds like what I endured in Bosnia. I recall doing a joint patrol with a Turkish platoon. They were wearing t-shirts and carrying no weapons (they put their weapons in one unarmored vehicle and locked it.) My platoon, in accordance with our highly complex force protection posture matrix was at (if I recall correctly) threat condition D-K-4. Maybe I am rearranging that number/letter combo, but we had some gigantic matrix of absurd guidelines symbolized with letters and numbers. A simple A through D threat condition or some confidence in the judgment of small unit leaders simply would not cut it.Originally Posted by AdamG
While we walked alongside Turks in t-shirts, who were at ease with the locals and did not have a care in the world, we were hobbling along in body armor, helmets, full combat loads of ammunition (though we were forbidden from chambering a round), and protective masks. There were also requirements that we were to walk around with our weapons at the ready (but no round chambered, so we still looked friendly and approachable) and the Ground Forces Commander (O-6 billet) dictated our fire-team formations. They were to walk in a fire team wedge at all times (apparently, this formation is always appropriate).
It was a great place to operate. My job was made easy because every decision was made in advance by someone three or four echelons higher. The only thing left for me to worry about was how to alter the situation to fit their guidance. And if I was unable to alter the situation to fit their guidance, then my only task was to invent some fanciful rationalization to convey to my Soldiers, to assure them that their chain of command was not a bunch of boobs.
Army Safety at it again...
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