This is Part II of an interview "FbL" conducted with the 3ID Chief of Staff, Colonel Mark McKnight. See Part I for background and topics such as Iraqi security, Concerned Local Citizens groups, and the enemy tactics 3ID is encountering.
The big softball question I pitched to COL McKnight was whether there was something the major media wasn't covering that he wished they would. His two-part answer to was a bit unexpected, as it didn't revolve around the activities of American soldiers.
In pointing out what he says has been a continuing deficiency in major media reporting, COL McKnight referenced his last deployment (according to his bio, COL McKnight's was Commanding Officer of 3ID's 1st Brigade Combat Team when it was deployed to Iraq in 2005). "Bombing always gets traction," gets play in the media. Thus in 2005, they "only wanted to report on death and destruction." So the story of the Iraqis' response, beginning "almost from the moment of attack," was never told; there wan't media coverage "when Iraqis showed up the next day to sign up, to rebuild." Iraqi civilians would return to the site of the bombing, clean up, and then line up again to join the police or army. He sees this pattern continuing in his current deployment, as the resiliency and determination of Iraqis in the face of terror and hardship is not being covered.
Colonel McKnight continued, describing his admiration for what he called "Iraqis' constant bravery and courage to work their way through... adversity." When one has "lived amongst them and served with them," COL McKnight said, "you appreciate their courage." He added that Iraqis want what is best for their families and their country, and are "pursuing that with great bravery and courage," a story he says isn't heard.
American civilians in Iraq a another group of people who are not getting the attention COL McKnight believes they deserve. Everyone focuses on the work American soldiers are doing, but he pointed out others he described as integral to success in Iraq--contractors working in HQ and the embassy, State Department personnel going out in Provincial Reconstruction Teams, businessmen assisting in rebuilding and guiding economic development, law enforcement advisers providing security and training--civilians of all ages and backgrounds working side-by-side with soldiers throughout the AO. He also expressed frustration that other coalition members do not get a lot of attention for their work, and mentioned a new Georgian brigade that is about to relieve their redeploying countrymen, whom he praised for their professionalism and contributions.
I asked COL McKnight what had been 3IDs biggest success so far, and what would be his biggest concern if they were to leave tomorrow. He reported that reducing overall violence in Baghdad (by reducing flow of fighters and weapons into the city) has been 3ID's biggest achievement because it has given average Iraqis "a period of respite... an opportunity to get government and services functioning." He added that 3ID has also been successful in helping to support reconciliation between what he called "central government factions," and that his biggest concern would be not having enough time to "get more police and Iraqi Army personnel involved... both training and positioning [deployment]."
When talking to Colonel McKnight, it becomes obvious that senior leadership is feeling good about the positive security developments in 3ID's AO. He reports that the most pressing need is for people to assist in the development of Iraq's economy, to get services functioning so that jobs and production can grow. "We are very good at security operations," he says, "but other enablers can help us with the economy." He speaks of the need for "private investment and expertise that can stand up the economic system," and the help needed to build the necessary public and private infrastructure. However, he expects to see more of that "soon, as things continue to calm down."
Overall in this interview, COL McKnight answered questions with a "from the ground, up" perspective, rather that with an overly-administrative focus that some in his position can demonstrate. He constantly focused on the needs of and gave credit to the people on the ground in his responses, whether discussing Iraqi Security forces, coalition soldiers, American civilians or average Iraqis. As I understand it, this "ground, up" perspective is a key component of effective COIN strategy/philosophy, and so has likely played a significant role in 3ID's success in their AO.
I appreciate COL McKnight taking the time to answer my questions and expect to have the opportunity to speak with him again in the near future. If you have questions or would like clarification on anything addressed here, please leave a comment below and I will bring it up in my follow-up with the Colonel. Next interview: Division Command Sergeant Major Jesse Andrews, Jr.
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