How Close is 'Close Combat'?

[John M]

I think you muddle the tactical/operational and strategic levels (or at least don't differentiate between the aspect of 'war' and 'warfare'). Tactically/operationally our Soldiers are engaged in close combat. I think what you are highlighting is the inherent problem with a conflict in which one side is engaging in limited war and the other in total war. We are tools of policy and that policy will dictate to what extent violence is applied. There are a myriad of reasons why ISAF are engaging in limited war, but I would not have any reservation in stating that US forces are both willing and able to unleash violence of action if called upon to do so (you may have a different vantage from the UK). Nor should we abandon the necessity of close combat as it would be our ultimate undoing as a military profession and 'managers of violence.'