Comments for Hussayn's Story

Comments for Hussayn's Story We're the Military and Airpower Guys of Jonah Goldberg of National Review Online + a stray we found wandering around looking lost. All original material JHD, BHD, JR, WT, and KA 2003-2007 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html Tue, 23 Sep 2008 16:54:10 Z Movable Type 4.12 en Copyright 2008 http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Hussayn's Story The visual-only sim can be a stomach-churner, but a couple of the IqAF Fling-Wing pilots who have come up here from Taji are pretty tough – the only thing that gets to them is my coffee. Hussayn was recovering from a cup of my extra-strength double espresso with a bottle of tamarind soda (if you’re curious, take a can of Doctah Peppah and add a couple of ounces of OJ, then sip, cautiously). He gave me a bit of perspective on what it’s like to have Crusader Myrmidons roaming your neighborhood. “After Baghdad falls to the US, I am cashiered... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html Wed, 14 May 2008 01:00:05 -0600 Comment from Martha on 2008-05-15 That is fantastic! Thank you for that! Keep up the great work! Thanks for all the hard work you do and for fighting the good fight. M http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73102 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73102 Thu, 15 May 2008 21:43:21 -0600 Comment from staghounds on 2008-05-15 so often repeated asto be easily predictable and a safe bet. Sixty years ago, we WERE insurgents. Not to mention 235 years ago. And we've successfully defeated insurgencies before, too. These things aren't secrets. It's almost as though we need two armies, a CI one and a big international war one. Because once they get that second or third star, general officers turn into that "... group of savages as to how to extract a screw from a piece of wood. Accustomed only to nails, they had made one effort to pull out the screw by main force, and now that it had failed they were devising methods of applying more force still, of obtaining more efficient pincers, of using levers and fulcrum so that more men could bring their strength to bear. They could hardly be blamed for not guessing that by rotating the screw it would come out after the exertion of far less effort; it would be so different that they would laugh at the man who suggested it." ]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73084 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73084 Thu, 15 May 2008 14:21:31 -0600 Comment from Tony Sidoti on 2008-05-15 A story worth sharing. Most Iraqis are like this man. I just wish that info made the news. Thansk for posting it. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73064 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73064 Thu, 15 May 2008 09:53:30 -0600 Comment from Jason Van Steenwyk on 2008-05-15 Here's what I wrote in June of 2005:

You will never have a perfectly surviveable system. And you cannot turn Humvees into tanks. You will bankrupt the country. No one ever gave a tip to me when I was buttoned up. I never had an interaction with an Iraqi in an armored Humvee with the doors closed and the windows up. (We didn't have grenade screens in those days. Heck, most of my Humvees had CANVAS doors, if they had doors at all.!) Part of the solution is going to lie not in making our vehicles invincible. You CAN'T make it invincible to a triple stacked anti-tank mine. So don't even try. Rather, the real solution to defeating this measure is not going to lie with the vehicles at all, but outside them. Dismount. Get into the communities. Leverage Iraqi contacts. Yes, we're doing that already, as much as we can. But these knuckledragging trogs in Congress are focusing on the wrong things. And the ignorant press is dragging us along with them, and damaging the war effort, by pulling us into a defensive mentality. The insurgency will not be defeated by putting an extra armor on our vehicles. The insurgency will be defeated by dismounts. Dismounts out there engaging with the Iraqi people and collecting real-time intelligence. And THAT is the effort the Media should focus on. THAT is the effort that Congress should focus on. Where is all the heat forcing colonels to jump through their asses to develop HUMINT? There isn't much. All anyone wants to hear about is armor this, and armor that. Fuck the armor. Get out and clobber the enemy, and let HIS sorry ass wish he had more armor. Get back on offense. Close with and destroy the enemy.

Thanks for making the point so directly and vividly. Your should be a must read for every counterinsurgent warrior. Jason]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73063 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73063 Thu, 15 May 2008 09:40:18 -0600 Comment from Ledger on 2008-05-15 Good story Bill. Keep them coming. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73049 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73049 Thu, 15 May 2008 04:11:46 -0600 Comment from BillT on 2008-05-15 The best way to get a country on side is to get an honest, uncorrupted military. Agreed, a hundred percent. Among the latest group I trained was a pilot who wore US Master Army Aviator wings over his right breast pocket. I pointed to them and said, "I wore those same wings for twenty years. A gift from a friend?" He said, "Yes, from my friend who flies Apaches. He went home to his family and gave me his wings as a gift." I said, "That is a good gift for one friend to give another." He said, "Yes. A very good gift." After a couple of seconds, he added, "I miss seeing my friend..."]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73046 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73046 Thu, 15 May 2008 01:39:12 -0600 Comment from Ymarsakar on 2008-05-14 Reminds me of all those "elite" cavalry that considered fighting on foot an indignity. True warriors fought on horsies, after all. Course the English longbow kind of put the kibosh on that idea when the French tried to use shock cavalry rather than shock infantry. Technology is always going to first give you the cavalry mount and then neuter it by giving ya a convenient way to take that mount out. We're just in one part of that cycle. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73045 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73045 Wed, 14 May 2008 23:40:01 -0600 Comment from Tom the Redhunter on 2008-05-14 Wow. The behavior of the American troops is right out of Field Manual 3-24. They've obviously taken it to heart. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73042 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73042 Wed, 14 May 2008 21:19:54 -0600 Comment from SGT Ted on 2008-05-14 We did the same type of policing in Karbala in 2003. Lots of foot patrols, knowing who's who in town, developing leads and trust and we had very little activity. When the Active Army MP unit from the 101st came in to take over from us, they threw everything we did and told them into the trash, told off our guys, turtled up and then proceeded to get shot, rocketed and bombed. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73037 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73037 Wed, 14 May 2008 18:05:15 -0600 Comment from Jon on 2008-05-14 Actually, John, it is impressing the 'helk' out of me. Not every interaction needs to be uber-serious, humour is a wondrous lubricant. All the brave men and women who are out there defending us have my deepest respect. I cannot thank you enough. BillT, boxers are comfortable, my boys don't like to be caged in too tight, they need room to breath. I've been called worse than square, I can take it. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73036 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73036 Wed, 14 May 2008 17:54:57 -0600 Comment from Richard on 2008-05-14 The Iraqi airforce is building up again. My girlfriend is an air-traffic controller at an RAF airfield where some of them are being trained in elementary flying. The best way to get a country on side is to get an honest, uncorrupted military. The best way to do that is if we train them, in the West. Good luck to all those in the Iraqi armed forces! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73035 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73035 Wed, 14 May 2008 17:36:07 -0600 Comment from BillT on 2008-05-14 ...the standard formula -- 48 oz. of water:1 lb. coffee grounds. Geez, Sly, why would I want to *dilute* it? John, my job is to *get* them here -- it's *your* job to impress them....]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73031 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73031 Wed, 14 May 2008 15:04:25 -0600 Comment from Damian on 2008-05-14 John, you can't expect to clean up the house after the party-guests have already arrived... http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73027 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73027 Wed, 14 May 2008 14:43:25 -0600 Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2008-05-14 we're a whatever-we-collectively-feel-like-being-when-we-post blog.]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73024 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73024 Wed, 14 May 2008 13:52:26 -0600 Comment from DL Sly on 2008-05-14 "...there's not enough material in a thong to filter a pound of coffee grounds..." Well, I have heard that a thong is like a barbed wire fence, it protects the property without blocking the view. 0>;~} And I'm guessing that you're using the standard formula -- 48 oz. of water:1 lb. coffee grounds. Wouldn't want to foul the caffeine particle accelerator and seepage system by removing any of the accumulated *flavor enhancing aging agents* off the sides of the pot.]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73023 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73023 Wed, 14 May 2008 13:50:26 -0600 Comment from kat-missouri on 2008-05-14 It's Bill's boxers http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73022 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73022 Wed, 14 May 2008 13:23:44 -0600 Comment from BillT on 2008-05-14 If you'd stop using the dusty thong as a filter... A foul canard! You know perfectly well there's not enough material in a thong to filter a pound of coffee grounds...]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73021 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73021 Wed, 14 May 2008 13:08:56 -0600 Comment from BillT on 2008-05-14 Was this the same unit/commander who's troops had been visiting on foot or a new unit that just arrived and had a different attitude/belief in how to patrol? It's been a couple of years between then and now, and Hussayn put the uniform on again over a year ago. He didn't mention specific units, but he knows divisional patches -- if the patrol had been "old friends" he'd have brought it up. My guess is just that the new commander's savvy and so are his troops.]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73020 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73020 Wed, 14 May 2008 13:02:41 -0600 Comment from Cannoneer No. 4 on 2008-05-14 PFC John D. Hart of Bedford, MA to plant in the minds of the mothers of America the notion that all soldiers are entitled to be bulletproof, that it is cruel and unusual punishment to be required to perform one's duty in an unarmored vehicle, and that US casualties in Iraq are not caused by the enemy but by incompetence, negligence and corruption on the part of the Commander-in-Chief and Secretary of Defense. This was part of the info war. Undermine the will, make casualties unacceptable, make force protection the primary mission, neuter the force. Worked like a charm.]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73018 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73018 Wed, 14 May 2008 12:34:09 -0600 Comment from DL Sly on 2008-05-14 "...the only thing that gets to them is my coffee." If you'd stop using the dusty thong as a filter... 0>;~}]]> http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73016 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73016 Wed, 14 May 2008 12:28:50 -0600 Comment from SSG Jeff (USAR) on 2008-05-14 Don't concentrate on the Humvees - it could be Strykers or Blackhawks for all that it matters - concentrate on the commander's mindset that put the soldiers in them instead of on foot. Was this the same unit/commander who's troops had been visiting on foot or a new unit that just arrived and had a different attitude/belief in how to patrol? If so, how to we pound into it at all levels of command that this is how it should be done, even through transitions? See what I'm getting at here? http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73014 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73014 Wed, 14 May 2008 12:04:51 -0600 Comment from willis on 2008-05-14 "That story brought tears to my eyes--sorrow for the mistakes that were made, joy/pride for the way it's being done right now..." Sadly, humans learn as much from mistakes as from doing things right, primarily because you really don't know what right is until you can compare it to something thats obviously wrong. We are learning how to fight the war against terrorists and we'll win it if we can keep the left out of the White House. In the end we will win by gaining the trust of the innocent and becoming terrorists to the terrorists. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73010 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73010 Wed, 14 May 2008 10:58:15 -0600 Comment from Brian H on 2008-05-14 Always thought up-armored Humvees were a wrong solution to the wrong problem; neither fish nor fowl, not good at doing anything well. Bet the second patrol leader never forgets that pistol lube/Wahabi swap! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73008 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73008 Wed, 14 May 2008 10:26:15 -0600 Comment from Ratt on 2008-05-14 Good Story, Thanks. Back in the states we know all Iraqis are not Terrorist, but we also know Congress and the Democrats are your worst enemies. And, don't worry, I can't stand McCain because of his Global Warming BS and his Pro-Amnesty Policies, but I'll pull the lever for him in November and thats only because he supports the War. So, Good Luck, God Bless, wear your seatbelts, don't run with scissors and come home safe. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73007 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73007 Wed, 14 May 2008 10:21:48 -0600 Comment from Casey Tompkins on 2008-05-14 I think we can safely call that story an excellent summary of both the mistakes and successes of our Iraq war strategy. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73003 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73003 Wed, 14 May 2008 10:13:16 -0600 Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2008-05-14 Well done, Bill - InstaBlackDeadAnimalsalanche, with a frisson of memeorandum. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73002 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73002 Wed, 14 May 2008 10:06:49 -0600 Comment from pj on 2008-05-14 My DAD a policeman from 1910 to 1943 said, police work is 99% psychological-you can't do that inside a vehicle-God bless your work! http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73001 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73001 Wed, 14 May 2008 10:01:58 -0600 Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2008-05-14 Chris - we're a whatever-we-collectively-feel-like-being-when-we-post blog. http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73000 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-73000 Wed, 14 May 2008 10:00:42 -0600 Comment from Chris on 2008-05-14 what is this, a psy-op blog? http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-72999 http://www.thedonovan.com/archives/2008/05/hussayns_story.html#comment-72999 Wed, 14 May 2008 09:58:47 -0600 Comment from Jason Van Steenwyk on 2008-05-14 Here's what I wrote in June of 2005:

You will never have a perfectly surviveable system. And you cannot turn Humvees into tanks. You will bankrupt the country. No one ever gave a tip to me when I was buttoned up. I never had an interaction with an Iraqi in an armored Humvee with the doors closed and the windows up. (We didn't have grenade screens in those days. Heck, most of my Humvees had CANVAS doors, if they had doors at all.!) Part of the solution is going to lie not in making our vehicles invincible. You CAN'T make it invincible to a triple stacked anti-tank mine. So don't even try. Rather, the real solution to defeating this measure is not going to lie with the vehicles at all, but outside them. Dismount. Get into the communities. Leverage Iraqi contacts. Yes, we're doing that already, as much as we can. But these knuckledragging trogs in Congress are focusing on the wrong things. And the ignorant press is dragging us along with them, and damaging the war effort, by pulling us into a defensive mentality. The insurgency will not be defeated by putting an extra armor on our vehicles. The insurgency will be defeated by dismounts. Dismounts out there engaging with the Iraqi people and collecting real-time intelligence. And THAT is the effort the Media should focus on. THAT is the effort that Congress should focus on. Where is all the heat forcing colonels to jump through their asses to develop HUMINT? There isn't much. All anyone wants to hear about is armor this, and armor that. Fuck the armor. Get out and clobber the enemy, and let HIS sorry ass wish he had more armor. Get back on offense. Close with and destroy the enemy.