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Military Times: Why Obama's campaign in Iraq could require 15,000 troops
Posted on 8/9/14 at 11:28 am
Posted on 8/9/14 at 11:28 am
quote:
President Obama says it all the time – no combat troops will return to Iraq.
But many experts believe it will be extremely hard to achieve Obama’s newly expanded military mission there without more Americans on the ground.
“I think the slippery slope analogy is the right one for Iraq right now,” said Barry Posen, director of the Security Studies program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
On Thursday, Obama authorized a new open-ended operation in response to gains by the Islamic State militants in northern Iraq.
For now, the new mission relies on aircraft based outside Iraq. The U.S. will help defend the Kurdish city of Erbil from Islamic State fighters using “targeted air strikes,” Obama said. Those air strikes began Friday morning and included at least three separate bombings before noon, defense officials said.
The second mission is a commitment to protect some 40,000 Iraqi Yazidis who are trapped on a mountain surrounded by the militants. That began Thursday night with air drops of food and water for at least 8,000 people.
Military experts say tactical commanders will want more ground forces. Forward air controllers could provide more precise targeting information. U.S. advisers could support the Kurdish forces fighting the militants. And U.S. commanders may need to expand their intelligence effort on the ground.
In turn, U.S. forces might need a forward operating base with a security perimeter, more force protection and a logistical supply line. Medevac capabilities may require a helicopter detachment and a small aviation maintenance shed.
LINK
Posted on 8/9/14 at 11:31 am to Wolfhound45
If Barry sent in 15,000 troops, he'd simply refer to them as advisers and not soldiers!
Posted on 8/9/14 at 11:37 am to Wolfhound45
15,000? That's a lot of kinetic action
Posted on 8/9/14 at 11:52 am to ehidal1
quote:
15,000? That's a lot of kinetic action
Read the article. It actually reflects (very rough estimation) about a brigade combat team of combat power on the ground (roughly 2,000 to 2,500 personnel). The rest are support. And that is the conundrum President Obama faces if he decides to reengage in Iraq. Any organization capable of decisive action requires a large support framework for it to execute it's mission.
Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Honestly? He cannot win in this mess. The Iraqi people have to reject sectarianism and build a coalition government or the seeds for ISIS (and those that follow it) will continue to flourish.
Posted on 8/9/14 at 11:58 am to Wolfhound45
Wolfhound: I think you are right, he is in a bad spot. Seems to me though at least this time we have a group that will fight with us (the Kurds).
Posted on 8/9/14 at 12:02 pm to GeauxxxTigers23
quote:
1 MEU could end this.
Don't disagree my brother. Of all the services, the Marines are the most willing to serve in an austere environment. Period. But at the end of the day, they have to get there and they have to stay there and be supported there. And that is a huge investment.
I do not envy President Obama. This is a tough decision.
Posted on 8/9/14 at 12:05 pm to Wolfhound45
quote:
But at the end of the day, they have to get there and they have to stay there and be supported there.
That's what those homos in the Navy are for.
Posted on 8/9/14 at 12:09 pm to GeauxxxTigers23
quote:
That's what those homos in the Navy are for.
Posted on 8/9/14 at 12:20 pm to GeauxxxTigers23
quote:
That's what those homos in the Navy are for.
Even the Village People alluded to this!
Posted on 8/9/14 at 12:21 pm to Revelator
quote:
Even the Village People alluded to this!
Proof that art imitates life.
Posted on 8/9/14 at 12:34 pm to GeauxxxTigers23
quote:
1 MEU could end this.
Have to admit I had to do the Google thing for MEU That is a stout unit. Are they primarily geared for city warfare?
Posted on 8/9/14 at 12:36 pm to idlewatcher
quote:
Are they primarily geared for city warfare?
Marines bruh. Geared to kick arse in any clime or place.
Posted on 8/9/14 at 12:40 pm to GeauxxxTigers23
quote:
Marines bruh.
Can't get it out of your system, can you? I realize it has to be hard. Nice thing is, you can always go back.
Posted on 8/9/14 at 12:42 pm to Wolfhound45
quote:
Can't get it out of your system, can you?
It really is tough man. It was a pretty big part of my life for a long time. I'm holding on as long as I can before they start making me sing their stupid Wild Blue Yonder song.
Posted on 8/9/14 at 12:49 pm to GeauxxxTigers23
quote:
It really is tough man. It was a pretty big part of my life for a long time.
Brother, in my eyes you will always be a United States Marine.
Take pride. Semper Fi!
Posted on 8/9/14 at 2:31 pm to GeauxxxTigers23
quote:
It really is tough man. It was a pretty big part of my life for a long time. I'm holding on as long as I can before they start making me sing their stupid Wild Blue Yonder song.
Why did you leave the Marines?
Just time to retire or something else?
Posted on 8/9/14 at 2:32 pm to asurob1
I switched to the Air Guard. It's kind of a long story but it was the right career move. Thans for asking.
Posted on 8/9/14 at 2:33 pm to Wolfhound45
It took 150,000 to frick it up but it'll take a 1/10th of that to fix it?
Sounds like a good deal.
Sounds like a good deal.
Posted on 8/9/14 at 2:35 pm to SpidermanTUba
quote:I can clearly see why you are an Odrama lover.
It took 150,000 to frick it up but it'll take a 1/10th of that to fix it? Sounds like a good deal.
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