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Old 12-01-2008, 12:57   #4
Bosnianguru
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: D.C.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mark46th View Post
"It's time that the truth be known who the U.S. Army Special Forces are..." BG Repass USASF Commanding General.

With all due respect, Sir, I completely disagree. The only people who need to know who we are and what we do, are the bad guys just before a bullet pierces their skull. Everyone else should live peaceful, productive lives not needing to know Special Forces exists or worrying if the person standing next to them is wearing a vest filled with dynamite and nails...

We will do our job quietly and professionally. The only recognition we need is from our peers. Our success will be measured by the lives lived in the peace and freedom we provide our country.
Great quote Mark and, for the most part, I agree. But the General is living the hell of making sure that SF assets assume their proper role in "the fight." Today, now that GWOT is sexy and well-resourced, everyone is suddenly either an expert in the field or capable of becoming one through correspondence courses and OJT. There is a significant push - likely succeed – to train and equip the General Purpose Force (GPF) to take on train-and-equip roles previously seen as requiring the highest levels of specialized training.

There are those who’re arguing that SF should be more like the Ranger Regiments and SEAL Platoons, and focused more on seeking and destroying HVTs, leaving the “lower-hanging fruit of the GWOT” to GPF, who can “quickly be brought up-to-speed” through MTTs and the Instructor Training Course.

I think the OPSEC constraints on publicizing what SF does should be as narrow as the eye of a needle, but it should be there. Just as the British (and other) SAS benefit from the glimpses of their work and successes, without compromising security, we too must be able to sell our services in the corridors of Washington, without compromising the secrecy and operational security that makes us effective.

But, again, I generally agree with you. Just think – know first-hand actually – what a crummy job it is to be in Washington trying to “keep things real” as the resources get allocated and the policies get set.

DOL
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