From: Association of Graduates <JPhoenix@aogusma.org>
To: "Gray-Matter" <gray-matter@mail.aogusma.org>
Subject: [gray-matter] Operation Iraqi Freedom
Date: Thu, 27 Mar 2003 12:48:30 -0500

"A war like no other." Operation Iraqi Freedom

It would be disingenuous to suggest that anyone with ties to the Academy is not spending an inordinate amount of time watching Fox News these days; CNN, the coverage hero of Desert Storm, having adopted a less enthusiastic approach towards some things military. GEN Franks is not seeking the TV time of his Gulf War predecessor, giving some other familiar faces their chance. Officers like his deputy commander, LTG John Abizaid '73 (see note at bottom), Commandant of Cadets during 1997-99, and BG Vincent K. Brooks '80, former First Captain, his operations deputy. This was criticized by reporters recently, and the truth of the American reports also was called into question. Brooks fielded that one well by saying, "In this room, you can be sure that I am telling the truth."

Nevertheless, in his initial briefing, GEN Franks introduced the American public to two concepts-mosaic and agility. The first is an appropriate metaphor for the sophistication of the high-tech air-land battle being fought in Iraq today by airborne, air assault, mechanized and armored cavalry forces; Air Force, Naval and Marine aircraft; and various special operations forces, including the green berets, SEALs, Delta Force, and even the Polish GROM. The second was occasioned by the decision to act on a target of opportunity provided by the CIA and attempt to decapitate (another new term) the Iraqi regime by bombing a high-level meeting. It also applied to sending in the ground troops without an extensive prior display of air power-let us hope that "shock and awe" does not become a household word. Again some new concepts were presented-in addition to the venerable D-day, S-day for Special Operations; G-day for Ground forces; and A-day for Air power. And the terms simultaneous and sequential were used to emphasize the fact that this is not your father's Gulf War. Flanking GEN Franks during his first briefing were several general officers from the other countries forming the Coalition of the Willing, including Great Britain, Australia and the Netherlands.

He also noted the presence of over 700 "embedded" correspondents traveling with the 3rd Mechanized Infantry Division, the Marines, and British units plus others assigned to less rigorous duty aboard various aircraft carriers and in headquarters. The early misadventures, usually fatal, of some "independent" journalists underscored the dangers of the battlefield. Those traveling with combat units hopefully gained an appreciation for the dedication and stamina of the average soldier and his first-line commanders, even if they displayed their lack of military awareness by considering every hostile round coming their way as "significant resistance." They also considered any attack on a supply vehicle as total interdiction of our supply lines. And they seemed utterly amazed that Saddam was actually cunning enough to rig bridges for demolition-Remagen, anyone? Of course, the message that everything was going well often lost out to juicier incidents of fratricide and wrong turns. Thus, the viewing public around the world saw the coverage evolve from irrational exuberance to guarded pessimism that this war would not be over in 100 hours to instant criticism of the overall strategy. Nevertheless, an Ernie Pyle may yet emerge from those reporters (and their unseen camera and sound assistants) who endured the dust storms, sleep deprivation, thirst, and danger-induced adrenalin flow that are the lot of the average combat arms soldier in battle.

There are many yellow ribbons and service flags displayed in the West Point area these days, and cadets are no doubt ignoring their studies to concentrate on America's latest effort as the world's only super power. I don't know if Plebes still memorize all verses of the Star Spangled Banner, but the verse that includes the words "Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just. And this be our motto, 'In God is our trust.'" is instructive, although not necessarily politically correct. One of our soldiers convalescing at a hospital in Germany perhaps said it best: "Getting shot at is nothing much. Getting hit stinks."

Your humble servant, J. Phoenix, Esquire

*Note: NBC's Today Show will be doing a piece on LTG Abizaid on Friday, 28 March '03