.Live Blogging an Embed: Q&A With the Marines
This blog is part of a series of posts providing live updates on a reporter’s embed with Marines in Ramadi.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE TASH, Iraq (5:51 p.m. Iraq time) — I’ve asked the members of E Company, First Regimental Combat Team, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines to respond directly to some questions sent in by readers. They discuss the lower level of violence, political corruption and how they feel about having a reporter live with them. I will answer some questions as well.
Q. Are the marines seeing improvement, a return to social normalcy in the daily lives of families? Are children returning to school? Are the marines seeing improvement in the infrastructure so needed? Water and power supply not as threatened? What are the political bodies actually promising the populace? What are the political platforms these tribal leaders convey?
– Susan Audet
A. Every indication shows that the people of Iraq are returning to a “normal” life. Normal in this culture is much different than normal in our culture, but that could be said of almost any country across the globe. As our convoys travel the roads throughout our area of operations, we have often seen large groups of children (up to 50 in spots) playing soccer in their school clothes, with backpacks on and books in hand as they travel to school.
We have a very involved civil affairs program, and have covered a broad spectrum of improvements with this program. Everything from sewage to education to water to basic quality of life has been improved, and we work hand in hand with not only the Iraqi government but also local tradesmen to accomplish this. While we analyze the projects needed, local contractors and laborers are given the job themselves, this facilitates ownership and pride in the area, as Iraqis see their countrymen and women improving the quality of life of all Iraqis daily.
Water and electricity are on every Iraqi’s mind. Each day both of those infrastructures improve. Many Iraqis now have clean water and electricity. The cities were some of the first to receive these projects and be connected to city-run water and electricity. This is seen through the thousands of satellite television dishes that hang off every roof top and apartment window.
Many street corner shops are now filled by Internet cafes all providing a continuous feed of television and the world wide web made feasible by a working and reliable power infrastructure. Many of the current projects are attempting to provide that same level of convenience to the rural areas where many farmers and herders live.
There are still places and times when the necessary water or electricity is lacking but local leaders with the support of coalition forces and NGOs are working to improve the situation daily.
Politics are always a sensitive subject, regardless of the culture in which they are discussed. Here, the political parties are much like those in the United States. Each party presents its agenda in an effort to win the hearts, minds and votes of the people. One thing that must be understood is that the sheiks of the 12 tribes here do not promise the populace anything politically. The tribal leaders are
less akin to political affiliations then they are to religious beliefs. It has been this way for a few millennia, and will continue to be this way due to their culture here. We must support that, and we will continue to do so, lest we truly do become conquerors and not liberators.
– First Lt. Andrew Johnson and First Sgt. Denis Bradley
Q. It’s been my experience that a special operations effort, without knowledge of language and culture, is a dangerous waste of effort, money and lives. How many of these Americans speak nuanced local Arabic? And have an basic knowledge of the culture? Or are they operating with locals who are just trying to stay alive no matter who wins? Local knowledge and respect for it leads to the answers of Ms. Audet’s important questions above.
– Axl
A. The Marines here rely on interpreters to communicate with Iraqis. I’ve been impressed with the level of knowledge displayed by the officers here. The first thing we did upon my arrival, after dropping off my gear, was to attend a briefing with Captain Brian O’Shea in which he discussed in detail the local geography and the key Iraqi players. The younger Marines who are here on their first deployment are obviously less knowledgeable about these things. It’s difficult for an outsider, even one who speaks the language, to truly understand everything about a foreign country, but I think it is fair so say that there are some marines who have a basic knowledge of the culture.
– Eric Owles, NYTimes.com
Q. From what I understand the government in Iraq is quite corrupt, so what measures, if any, are being taken to reduce that corruption?
– Rick
A. I understand there have been challenges with specific individuals who have taken advantage of their position for personal gains, not unlike other areas in the world. I also understand that corrective actions have been taken against these individuals. I feel confident the road ahead is promising for the people of Ramadi.
– Capt. Brian O’Shea
Q. First, please tell the marines they have our FULL support here at home and we thank them for the service and work they’re doing in Anbar province. Second, I’d love to know if they think the “peace” can be maintained? Do they truly believe the different tribes can work together or is there a sense that after our troops leave, they will go back to infighting?
– Aaron in Boston
Q. I would like to know what the marines think would happen in Ramadi if we packed up and left the province in the hands of the locals. I expect an embed would have a pretty good idea about that after a week on the ground.
– Dave St Andre
A. Luckily the number of marines is not reflective of the level of security. As the Iraqi police numbers grow in quantity, and more important in quality, the actual number of marines in Ramadi is decreasing. For instance the area my battalion occupies now used to be occupied by eight battalions and a Brigade Combat Team. My company takes the place of where a battalion and a tank company used to
operate less than a year ago. You can take comfort in knowing that security in the area is actually improving as the Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces make this well-planned transition. Every day the Iraqi police become more and more skilled and self-reliant.
– Captain Brian O’Shea, USMC
Q. Are you given special training ( Boot Camp for Journalists?) so that you’re qualified to be embedded with a combat unit?
– Alex M
A. I attended a week-long training course in Virginia run by former British soldiers that is designed for aid workers and journalists working in hostile environments from war zones to earthquakes. I took classes in first aid, outdoor survival, negotiating checkpoints, hiring locals and moving safely through combat. Obviously a week is not long enough to become proficient in everything you need to know to stay safe in Iraq. When I arrived in January I stuck close to reporters who had been in the country since the start of the war. Most of the time I am working unembedded, traveling and interviewing Iraqis without American troops. But I’ve learned something new each time I’ve gone out with G.I.’s. After my first night here in F.O.B. Tash, I asked to be moved to a room with some senior enlisted marines. I’ve found that talking to the sergeants is the best way to learn about the military.
Q. You’re a couple of hundred miles down river from Sukkariyah, Syria, I know, but I’d be very curious to hear any privileged insights or reactions you might glean re: the special ops attack there. As today’s Schmitt-Shanker article says, the timing is indeed startling. The operation seems a throwback to circa 2003, i.e., the days before our high command acquired a bit of political savvy. Although our official sources claim only militants were killed, hardly anybody believes this, given our track record of tolerating collateral damage (= excessive force = murder). Why do we now risk provoking Syria into lending an even more active helping hand to anti-US militants? Please let us know what you find out. And stay safe.
– CSThompson
A. You are correct that we are a couple of hundred miles down river from Syria. So far down river that insight into operations along the border are outside the scope of my situational awareness. The Coalition Force and American leadership here in Ramadi continue to skillfully bring this city and the Anbar Province further out of violence and bloodshed and closer toward full participation in the forthcoming free elections. This is a process that has taken many years. To say the leaders are politically savvy would be a gross understatement.
Capt. Brian O’Shea
Q. Thanks for your reporting - Has Cpt O’Shea’s company had an embedded reporter before you, and how does the company, in general, feel about you tagging along? Mostly McCain supporters?
-MF
A. I was in a unit in Afghanistan in 2004 and Geraldo Rivera flew out and did a short piece on our unit in June of that year. Other than that brief period I have not yet been fortunate enough to have a reporter embedded with my units.
I remember watching embedded reports from marine units during the Gulf War. What made even more of an impression on me were the great pieces done by brave reporters from the current war. As a marine I was professionally proud that the American public got a chance to see what true heroes these marines, these young patriotic volunteers are. As a citizen I was excited and encouraged that the American people get to receive an objective and transparent education into the military that serves them.
Less than one half of one percent of the American people wear the cloth of their country, even fewer do so in harm’s way. The education piece about your Corps of Marines and what they do for you is important. As a citizen I think it is important that I receive an objective and unbiased look into the different organizations of my government. I think exercising the First Amendment — an integral part
of the Constitution these volunteers took an oath to defend with their lives if necessary — is a great way to do just that. As far as how do I feel about Eric tagging along, I am disappointed he cannot stay longer.
I would like to answer your second question about the elections. As a member of our nation’s military I’m fortunate enough to remain apolitical. Members of service take an oath to the Constitution of the United States and not to a political party. This unbiased military loyalty to our country’s ideals has precedent back to General George Washington. As private citizens, the marines and sailors of Company E reserve for whom we actually voted and supported. I hope you will take comfort in knowing however, that we are all supporters of the Constitution and our free society.
Baghdad Bureau
FORWARD OPERATING BASE TASH, Iraq (5:51 p.m. Iraq time) — I’ve asked the members of E Company, First Regimental Combat Team, Second Battalion, Ninth Marines to respond directly to some questions sent in by readers. They discuss the lower level of violence, political corruption and how they feel about having a reporter live with them. I will answer some questions as well.
Q. Are the marines seeing improvement, a return to social normalcy in the daily lives of families? Are children returning to school? Are the marines seeing improvement in the infrastructure so needed? Water and power supply not as threatened? What are the political bodies actually promising the populace? What are the political platforms these tribal leaders convey?
– Susan Audet
A. Every indication shows that the people of Iraq are returning to a “normal” life. Normal in this culture is much different than normal in our culture, but that could be said of almost any country across the globe. As our convoys travel the roads throughout our area of operations, we have often seen large groups of children (up to 50 in spots) playing soccer in their school clothes, with backpacks on and books in hand as they travel to school.
We have a very involved civil affairs program, and have covered a broad spectrum of improvements with this program. Everything from sewage to education to water to basic quality of life has been improved, and we work hand in hand with not only the Iraqi government but also local tradesmen to accomplish this. While we analyze the projects needed, local contractors and laborers are given the job themselves, this facilitates ownership and pride in the area, as Iraqis see their countrymen and women improving the quality of life of all Iraqis daily.
Water and electricity are on every Iraqi’s mind. Each day both of those infrastructures improve. Many Iraqis now have clean water and electricity. The cities were some of the first to receive these projects and be connected to city-run water and electricity. This is seen through the thousands of satellite television dishes that hang off every roof top and apartment window.
Many street corner shops are now filled by Internet cafes all providing a continuous feed of television and the world wide web made feasible by a working and reliable power infrastructure. Many of the current projects are attempting to provide that same level of convenience to the rural areas where many farmers and herders live.
There are still places and times when the necessary water or electricity is lacking but local leaders with the support of coalition forces and NGOs are working to improve the situation daily.
Politics are always a sensitive subject, regardless of the culture in which they are discussed. Here, the political parties are much like those in the United States. Each party presents its agenda in an effort to win the hearts, minds and votes of the people. One thing that must be understood is that the sheiks of the 12 tribes here do not promise the populace anything politically. The tribal leaders are
less akin to political affiliations then they are to religious beliefs. It has been this way for a few millennia, and will continue to be this way due to their culture here. We must support that, and we will continue to do so, lest we truly do become conquerors and not liberators.
– First Lt. Andrew Johnson and First Sgt. Denis Bradley
Q. It’s been my experience that a special operations effort, without knowledge of language and culture, is a dangerous waste of effort, money and lives. How many of these Americans speak nuanced local Arabic? And have an basic knowledge of the culture? Or are they operating with locals who are just trying to stay alive no matter who wins? Local knowledge and respect for it leads to the answers of Ms. Audet’s important questions above.
– Axl
A. The Marines here rely on interpreters to communicate with Iraqis. I’ve been impressed with the level of knowledge displayed by the officers here. The first thing we did upon my arrival, after dropping off my gear, was to attend a briefing with Captain Brian O’Shea in which he discussed in detail the local geography and the key Iraqi players. The younger Marines who are here on their first deployment are obviously less knowledgeable about these things. It’s difficult for an outsider, even one who speaks the language, to truly understand everything about a foreign country, but I think it is fair so say that there are some marines who have a basic knowledge of the culture.
– Eric Owles, NYTimes.com
Q. From what I understand the government in Iraq is quite corrupt, so what measures, if any, are being taken to reduce that corruption?
– Rick
A. I understand there have been challenges with specific individuals who have taken advantage of their position for personal gains, not unlike other areas in the world. I also understand that corrective actions have been taken against these individuals. I feel confident the road ahead is promising for the people of Ramadi.
– Capt. Brian O’Shea
Q. First, please tell the marines they have our FULL support here at home and we thank them for the service and work they’re doing in Anbar province. Second, I’d love to know if they think the “peace” can be maintained? Do they truly believe the different tribes can work together or is there a sense that after our troops leave, they will go back to infighting?
– Aaron in Boston
Q. I would like to know what the marines think would happen in Ramadi if we packed up and left the province in the hands of the locals. I expect an embed would have a pretty good idea about that after a week on the ground.
– Dave St Andre
A. Luckily the number of marines is not reflective of the level of security. As the Iraqi police numbers grow in quantity, and more important in quality, the actual number of marines in Ramadi is decreasing. For instance the area my battalion occupies now used to be occupied by eight battalions and a Brigade Combat Team. My company takes the place of where a battalion and a tank company used to
operate less than a year ago. You can take comfort in knowing that security in the area is actually improving as the Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces make this well-planned transition. Every day the Iraqi police become more and more skilled and self-reliant.
– Captain Brian O’Shea, USMC
Q. Are you given special training ( Boot Camp for Journalists?) so that you’re qualified to be embedded with a combat unit?
– Alex M
A. I attended a week-long training course in Virginia run by former British soldiers that is designed for aid workers and journalists working in hostile environments from war zones to earthquakes. I took classes in first aid, outdoor survival, negotiating checkpoints, hiring locals and moving safely through combat. Obviously a week is not long enough to become proficient in everything you need to know to stay safe in Iraq. When I arrived in January I stuck close to reporters who had been in the country since the start of the war. Most of the time I am working unembedded, traveling and interviewing Iraqis without American troops. But I’ve learned something new each time I’ve gone out with G.I.’s. After my first night here in F.O.B. Tash, I asked to be moved to a room with some senior enlisted marines. I’ve found that talking to the sergeants is the best way to learn about the military.
Q. You’re a couple of hundred miles down river from Sukkariyah, Syria, I know, but I’d be very curious to hear any privileged insights or reactions you might glean re: the special ops attack there. As today’s Schmitt-Shanker article says, the timing is indeed startling. The operation seems a throwback to circa 2003, i.e., the days before our high command acquired a bit of political savvy. Although our official sources claim only militants were killed, hardly anybody believes this, given our track record of tolerating collateral damage (= excessive force = murder). Why do we now risk provoking Syria into lending an even more active helping hand to anti-US militants? Please let us know what you find out. And stay safe.
– CSThompson
A. You are correct that we are a couple of hundred miles down river from Syria. So far down river that insight into operations along the border are outside the scope of my situational awareness. The Coalition Force and American leadership here in Ramadi continue to skillfully bring this city and the Anbar Province further out of violence and bloodshed and closer toward full participation in the forthcoming free elections. This is a process that has taken many years. To say the leaders are politically savvy would be a gross understatement.
Capt. Brian O’Shea
Q. Thanks for your reporting - Has Cpt O’Shea’s company had an embedded reporter before you, and how does the company, in general, feel about you tagging along? Mostly McCain supporters?
-MF
A. I was in a unit in Afghanistan in 2004 and Geraldo Rivera flew out and did a short piece on our unit in June of that year. Other than that brief period I have not yet been fortunate enough to have a reporter embedded with my units.
I remember watching embedded reports from marine units during the Gulf War. What made even more of an impression on me were the great pieces done by brave reporters from the current war. As a marine I was professionally proud that the American public got a chance to see what true heroes these marines, these young patriotic volunteers are. As a citizen I was excited and encouraged that the American people get to receive an objective and transparent education into the military that serves them.
Less than one half of one percent of the American people wear the cloth of their country, even fewer do so in harm’s way. The education piece about your Corps of Marines and what they do for you is important. As a citizen I think it is important that I receive an objective and unbiased look into the different organizations of my government. I think exercising the First Amendment — an integral part
of the Constitution these volunteers took an oath to defend with their lives if necessary — is a great way to do just that. As far as how do I feel about Eric tagging along, I am disappointed he cannot stay longer.
I would like to answer your second question about the elections. As a member of our nation’s military I’m fortunate enough to remain apolitical. Members of service take an oath to the Constitution of the United States and not to a political party. This unbiased military loyalty to our country’s ideals has precedent back to General George Washington. As private citizens, the marines and sailors of Company E reserve for whom we actually voted and supported. I hope you will take comfort in knowing however, that we are all supporters of the Constitution and our free society.
Baghdad Bureau
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