Quote Originally Posted by Entropy View Post
"Sealing the border" is flat impossible, much less 24/7 surveillance of the border (by air or otherwise) which is also essentially impossible. With all due respect to Mr. Smyth, does he have any clue what the FOV is for a typical UAV sensor?

No amount of forces we could ever hope to deploy along the border will prevent infiltration. At best the tide can be stemmed from time-to-time, while a real solution to the problem is implemented. And any such solution requires, in my view, the realization that Pakistan and Afghanistan cannot be treated seperately.
Entropy, thank you, perhaps I should take this opportunity to make a few points clear(er):
1. I don't believe the article called for (or even envisioned) 'sealing the border'. As you correctly point out, such a proposition is impossible, not only because of the vast scale and daunting topography of the Durand Line, but also because perhaps upwards of 60 000 people routinely cross the border each day.
2. Similarly, there was no call for 24/7 surveillance, but better surveillance. As written: The existing mix of ISAF ISTAR platforms is impressive, but insufficient for the specific demands of an operating area that covers tens of thousands of square miles, is bisected by an international boundary and in which the enemy may adopt a raiding strategy.
3. I do have a clue of the FOV for a typical UAV sensor, and should perhaps have included that limitation in the article's list of comparative ISTAR attributes, but as the case being made is for ISTAR assets with much greater FOVs/collection capabilities, your observation reinforces the point.
4. I agree, realistically no amount of forces on the border will stop infiltration, and the paper is not about preventing infiltration, but addressing it. To stop insurgents raiding from Pakistan requires action within Pakistan - as you clearly recognise - but the article is focused on what ISAF can do within the art of the possible, not what it could do if there were no political context to its activities. To reduce (not eliminate) the increasing vulnerability of ISAF/Afghan forces to short-notice or surprise attacks from within the FATA/NWFP demands better protection and better situational awareness, and one (not the only) way to promote those enhancements is to put the best (ISTAR) assets for the job in theatre.
5. RAPTOR/DB-110s capabilities are rightly classified, but believe me that they are much better than a typical UAV's FOV.

Separately, and this is an observation that has nothing to do with your remarks, I've noticed that in attempted discussions about improving the Joint conduct of the enduring ops in either Iraq or Afghanistan, the conversation often deteriorates into a 'Land v Air' debate. This tendency appears especially strong West of the Atlantic and is routinely unhelpful. There are obviously strong views held in either 'camp', and many will be valid, but sometimes they appear to obstruct, not rpomote, progress and when material is viewed through one of those lenses perhaps people read what they wish to see and not what is written.