Couple of studs in that BDE. COL McFarland is well know throughout US forces in Germany as an out of the box thinker and aggressive commander. LTC Tien is one of the army's up and coming stars as well.

The COP plan is by far the most effective, and dangerous method of uprooting the insurgents. I think more and more commanders are understanding the inherent value of living among the population and the dangers of trying to "commute" to war. As more and more leaders see the value in COPs, the more effective the hand over between units will be. The enemy will always look to exploit a seem. During tranfer of authority, the seem is easiest for insurgents to gain a footing.

I think we need to do a better job of explaining the COP tactics to the american public. The 9 paratroopers killed in Diyala provience were at a COP, not a super FOB like Victory or Anaconda. Our PR folks need to get the word out to the US public that living among the population is both more dangerous and more effective than isolating ourselves. The results will develop and the casualties will decrease. But we've got to give time for this tactic to work.