[dennisw]

First of all I would like to thank those involved for mentioning the article and the book. I'm about half way through the book and I'm really enjoying it so far.

I believe Kaplan's theory or premise that America is an empire although a reluctant one is of real interest. His analogy between the current activities of our SF teams in Colombia, Phillipines, Afganistan etc. and to the engagements of the English military during Kipling's time is welcomed. His portrait of the American military personnel as soldier statesman actually implementing policies they have partially created illustrates the power inherent in individuals who are highly trained and motivated. In this era of big companies, big armies, etc. it's illuminating to see that there the substantive impact in the actions of individuals.

I have not reached the point in the book where Kaplan is offering advice on how to change SF, but I imagine it will be in sync with the last chapter of Masters of Chaos where the author disccuses the ideas of General Lambert.

How to redefine SF in this global fight against terrorism should be an interesting process. How to keep big Army at bey and allow SF teams to actually join the fight in places like Columbia and the Phillipines will be one of the crucial battles.

In essence, Kaplan is saying essentially what General Lambert's proposes for the future role of the SF: to formally assign SF the responsibility of worldwide asymmetric threats. The SF would have permanent assignment to watch the hundred plus terrorst groups and insurgencies around the world and when trouble appears, to raised a flag, then plan and execute the plan to stop the threat. To do so without a layer of beaucracy watching over their shoulder and micro managing their actions.

General Lambert states,"The Special Forces soldier today is audacious, brave, and better than ever, and works best when totally unfettered."

However, it seems unlikely that big Army would sit idly by while SF personnel engage in robust activities around the world and they sit and wait for a big war to fight.

Also, it seems unlikely that we our nation could sustain such policies over the period of time required to make such a system successful. Before you know it, a Carter of Clinton would become president and screw up the whole system.