FOG HORN

“Years in Iraq change U.S. military’s understanding of war” I read this story in today’s Washington Post. I’d like to share it (with comment) with you. It’s well written and presents a balanced view of what is surely a highly
controversial topic.

Early in the article, the author raises the weapons of mass destruction (WMD) argument, which has received very shallow analysis by the media. Here is my take on it.

As Americans we tend to see things as black or white, something that is an outgrowth from the openness in our society. In reality, they are different shades of gray. So, our expectations – much of which were set by the media – when we entered Baghdad, were that we would find and secure the Iraqi “WMD store”, in the middle of a town square, like a Wal-Mart in Paducah, Kentucky. When that did not occur, we immediately began to question the decision to invade Iraq – making preposterous statements and drawing conclusions, like the George Bush revenge theory.

To make matters worse, our HUMINT (Human Intelligence) was virtually no existent. Lacking reliable intelligence on the Iraqi WMD program, the intelligence community, Congress and the Executive Branch had to make the assumption that Saddam Hussein had access to and the willingness to use WMDs. That assumption is reasonably supported by Saddam Hussein’s use of chemical weapons against the Kurds in the North and against Iran.

There was never a concern that Iraqi Republican Guards would parachute into Times Square and employ  WMDs to take back the city from the hookers. The real concern – one that I feel is valid – is that via internal corruption or sectarian loyalties chemical, biological or nuclear weapons would be made available to AlQaeda and Associates who would then, using an expansive terrorist network, smuggle them into the United States and employ them at will. This was the risk and I believe the thought process driving the decision to go into Iraq.

Lastly, and then I’ll get off my soap box.

Something that I tend to see quite a lot of – with increasing regularity – are the impassioned discussions about the lives lost. I’d like you to look at them in a slightly different light. But, first i want you to know that I’ve served for about twelve years, Navy and Army NG. Having said that, I have no illusions about what a war can cost, and having lost 1 man or woman in  hostile action in Iraq is too much. However, I am bothered by the fact that we use casualty statistics to accentuate “the great mistake” of our actions, all of which are designed to place blame on others, or simply set themselves up as luminaries. So, I’d like to show you some figures so that you can place things in your own perspective.

As of 21 October 2011, the United States has suffered 3,525 KIA in 9 years of military operations in Iraq. Let’s divide that figure by 9 to get an annual rate of 391.7 KIA per year. In the United States our national death rate is 803.6 deaths per year, per 100,000 population.

Draw your own conclusions. But, let me express what this analysis does for me!

If fills me with great pride. Pride in the men and women who served and in their leadership. That statistic stands as a monument to their courage and their effectiveness. It says to me that perhaps we should be celebrating their lives, successes and contributions.

The Aimpoint® FCS12 consists of a sight module with a Laser Range Finder, a ballistic computer and a heads-up display, as well as a wireless remote control. Operation of the FCS 12 is basically a point and shoot making operation in a combat situation extremely user-friendly and intuitive.

SCHMIDT & BENDER GMBH & CO KG introduce its new PMII Short Dot day optic. The 1-8×24 PMII has an illuminated reticle at the first focal plane and a red dot at the second focal plane. The scope can be used as a reflex sight for close range, or at longer ranges with up to 8 power of magnification. The red dot can be deactivated, leaving behind a plain illuminated reticle.

The main tube has a diameter of 30 mm, and a locking system that secures the adjusting caps of the elevation and
windage turrets against accidental shifting.

All branches of military service, including allies, have active weight reduction programs geared to aggressively reduce the warfighter’s load.

With the introduction of its new SCAR H PR (Precision Rifle), at MILIPOL 2011, FN Herstal places another tool  in the hands of the designated marksman. Although the DM role has had nothing more than a lukewarm reception the need for precision fire at the company or platoon level in MOUT operations is well-recognized.

The semi-automatic SCAR®-H PR precision rifle features a 20″ heavy barrel and a two-stage match trigger
module for high accuracy. The ergonomics are excellent; consistent with the other members of the SCAR® family. The folding buttstock and the cheek rest can be adjusted, respectively in length and in height, without tools. The operator can therefore optimize the rifle to his requirements (such as body size and body armor).

The SCAR®-H PR also features an extended top MIL-STD 1913 rail that can accept the in-line assembly of night
and day sights for longer ranges.

The SCAR®-H PR is magazine fed from either a 10 round or 20 round magazine and is chambered in the NATO 7.62 x
51.

Commonality of training and components throughout SCAR® family significantly simplifies, and reduces costs.

Rather interesting is FN’s decision to retain the same pistol grip as the M16 – Surely there are better grips available for a precision platform.

IWI ACE-32 7.62 x 39

IWI ACE 22 5.56 x 45 (Top) ACE 52 7.62 x 51 (Bottom)

The Galil ACE rifles are renown for their reliability; however, in the case of the older Galils, it came at a weight premium. The new Galil ACE rifle family has been upgraded.

The ACE 21, 22 and 23 are chambered in the 5.56 x 45 NATO round; the ACE 31 and 32 are both chambered in
7.62 x 39; and the ACE 52 and 53 are chambered in the 7.62 x 51.

All of these rifles are designed around the Avtomat Kalashnikova operating system.

Carmen Romero, the NATO Deputy spokesperson, briefed the press on events concerning Libya. She was joined by Colonel Roland Lavoie, Operation ‘’Unified
Protector’’ (OUP) military spokesperson, who briefed by videoconference, from Naples, on NATO’s operation in Libya in support of UNSCR 1973.

• The general consensus is that NATO operations, in Libya, are nearing an end; however, it is premature to declare and end point.
• The benchmark for the cessation of NATO operations in Libya has been and will continue to be, as intelligence is assessed, when loyalist forces no longer present a threat to Libya’s civilian population. It is believed, that as of this morning’s briefing, Libya’s civilian population is moving about freely and unhindered.
• NATO commanders report that Gaddafi forces are scattered and combat ineffective – appearing to be preoccupied with avoiding capture.
• The United States has expressed a concern about the lack of security around the weapon caches abandoned or taken from the loyalist army. NATO has asked the provisional Libyan government to account for and secure captured weapons in order to prevent these from falling into the hands of AQ and associates.

One of the more interesting products at the 2011 International Sniper Competition, Fort Benning, GA is Badger Ordnance’s S²NVI (Spotting Scope Night Vision Integrator). The Integrator is a new interface system optimized for attaching a night vision system to the M151 Spotting Scope (Leupold MK4 12-40×60mm).

The S²NVI is modular by design, allowing the scope to be mounted with the eye piece in either a high or low orientation, features multiple mounting holes for adjusting center of balance, accessory rails mountable at two different heights, quick attach/detach system, and nestling capability for easy storage and transport. Aerospace-grade aluminum alloy construction, hardcoat Mil Spec anodized finish. Weight: 12.4 oz.

Shown fully augmented with NVD, range finder, pointer/illuminator and ballistic computer.