Tweaking the machinery of war

When the 3rd ID returns to Iraq in January, its new mission will be to stabilize and rebuild the country the division invaded last year. This month, 3rd ID aviators headed to Louisiana to be trained in combat and communication skills in preparation for the challenges that await them.

It's like working inside a kettle on a burner - that's what it feels like this September day in a sweaty, swampy corner of Louisiana, about an hour's drive from Fort Polk.

http://www.savannahnow.com/stories/092504/2467983.shtml

Interestingly, Fort Polk, LA gained the nickname Little Viet Nam during that war.

Took basic in Fort Polk.

Hello Fan,

It must have been built up like a vietnam village. The climate would be right.

Hello Dan,

Looks like you had good training at Fort polk.

I have never been there, I just liked the article because it showed how the US Military is adapting to a changing world. This will save American lives and help us to get the job done in Iraq. It shows good leadership. Maybe Bush's MBA degree is paying off.


Quote:
l With small bombs and suicide drivers, the Iraqis and other insurgents have been able to kill, maim and disrupt those trying to run military convoys. The Army has been teaching those in the convoys how to spot ambushes, prevent them or battle against the road warriors.

l Cooks, mechanics and other soldiers who hadn't fired their weapons since basic training are now being drilled constantly on how to handle guns. Every soldier will know how to fight when he goes to the war zone, a departure from when soldiering took second seat to learning a job or trade. To hone those battle skills, the training center provides soldiers with more live-fire drills.

l A major problem during the first days of the war was the lack of reliable communications. Now, secure Internet and e-mail is a must.

l Soldiers are going to have to deal with Iraqis daily. Their actions and words will make a difference. The troops and officers are learning Arabic phrases to give them at least a rudimentary understanding of the language.

And the troops and officers are training for war in Iraq with a different mindset than during the days of the Cold War or afterward.

The attacks of Sept. 11, and the connection made by the Bush Administration between terrorists and Iraq, have made it more personal for some of the soldiers and officers.

Also, before they trained often for training's sake.

Now, they train to stay alive.

The Savannah Morning News spent a weekend at the center earlier this month with troops and officers of the 3rd ID's aviation brigade and supporting units to see how the re organized Army plans and prepares against the new enemy.