Mechanization hurts COIN forces

[Cavguy]

Just to add some more depth to your excellent choice of a "case study", here's an article from the Nov-Dec '04 issue of Armor Magazine describing that fight:

Sadr City: The Pure Armor Assault in Urban Terrain

John Moore, the author, is a friend of mine. He is currently a Russian FAO stationed at the hardship post of the Marshall Center in Garmish, Germany. I was the BN S4 at the time.

He received the Silver Star for his action, along with one of his Platoon Leaders. A mechanic from his company filling in as a tank loader was killed in the early stages. Most everyone on the assault got (deserved) valor awards. My OIF 05-07 XO was one of his PL's and has two BSM/V's.

That issue of ARMOR also has the story of how 2-37 re-took Najaf from the Mehidi army during the Sadr Rebellion.

Great Plug!