tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20236701.post4738499286759135778..comments2024-01-02T19:45:37.874-05:00Comments on National Security Policy: Will there be a Vietnamization of Afghanistan?Robert Farleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12233771830519084383noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20236701.post-8233979063548949022010-11-22T11:36:31.445-05:002010-11-22T11:36:31.445-05:00I should also add that though the scale of home de...I should also add that though the scale of home demolitions suggested by the quoted Afghan officials have not been confirmed by US forces, the fact that some 174 homes have been destroyed since September has been verified officially. Perhaps the scale is not as important as the public perception of the tactic. In that article one quote attributed to a district governor supportive of the policy should give anyone pause: "We had to destroy them to make them safe.” While not an American serviceman, an ally making a statement that bears more than passing resemblance to arguably the most famous quotation to come out of Vietnam is disconcerting. It is not that Kandahar will actually resemble Ben Tre, but it is certainly not in NATO's interest to offer such an easy comparison for the enemies' public relations war.RoareeTheLionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03149984134795912441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20236701.post-72859974468540542422010-11-22T11:24:05.953-05:002010-11-22T11:24:05.953-05:00I did not mean to suggest anything having to do wi...I did not mean to suggest anything having to do with Vietnam "just cannot be right." Especially late in that conflict lessons were learned that would be vital for future COIN operations, but unfortunately certain organizational obstacles prevented those lessons from becoming part of US military canon. The primary resemblance to Vietnam comes in some of the tactics adopted (regardless of what one assesses their value to be) and the scale and length of the conflict. I am primarily concerned that the use of consistent and meaningful metrics for determining relative success may be lost over time.<br /><br />Further, I maintain that the Soviet comparison is valid to some degree. I did not mean to suggest that NATO forces truly resemble the sheer violence and monolithic force of the Soviet occupation. But I am concerned that any NATO tactics that bring to mind still fresh memories of Soviet aggression will prove counterproductive. To that extent, if David Kilcullen is to be believed, the use of armor not only brings images of Russian tanks to mind, but are ill-suited to a COIN campaign as they serve to alienate the population from coalition forces. Further, their antipersonnel uses are relatively limited, so the risk of such alienation may outweigh the benefits of their use. That said, I believe the generals know better than I what kit is best-suited to a particular operation. However, I do think that some consideration must be given to how the image of American tanks roving across Afghanistan may negatively impact our mission.RoareeTheLionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03149984134795912441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20236701.post-13375911926363194242010-11-22T10:43:30.061-05:002010-11-22T10:43:30.061-05:00I would caution heavily against the tempting relat...I would caution heavily against the tempting relationship between American tactics in Afghanistan with those of the Soviets in the 80s. The author cited American forces destroying hundreds of houses wholesale as if it were a proven fact, while the blog that mentioned it as "according to local Afghan authorities." A bit of a weak reference if we are gong to make such a wide claim against American forces.<br /> As for the reference to tanks, once again, this should not be considered proof that we have taken on Soviet tactics. Studying their tactics will show how spurious this is (see "The Bear Went Over the Mountain"). Mechanized forces have become available as the OPTEMPO in Iraq has drawn down. Tanks and heavy vehicles, when used properly, are valuable assets in a COIN/CT fight.<br /> The "Vietnamization" reference is legitimate, but necessary. Side Comment: funny that anything to do with Vietnam just CANNOT be right. The concept, steady transition of authority from one force to another, is the fitting and proper way to finish our operations in both theaters. <br /> To wrap up: Comparing ISAF tactics to the Soviets', I believe, is a weak argument. And "Yes" there will be "Afghanistanization." It is the right thing to do.Marshal Davouthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08778125548997124362noreply@blogger.com