Operation Moshtarak

"I want to thank Amy Sun, the Fab Folk, and my kids Megan, Kalie and Logan for drumming up so much support for FRI’s run at this years Milbloggies award. I also need to thanks America’s First Sergeant at Castra Praetoria and Kanani Fong at The Kitchen Dispatch for their support for FRI’s first attempt at winning a milblog award. For my readers who have not voted yet I’m about 20 down and can use some help (look for me in the “Veteran” category). Vote early vote often – that is the Chicago Way.

Operation Moshtarak which was the taking of the Taliban infested area around Marjah by the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade has proven to be much more difficult than previous operations in the Helmand Province. The clearing phase was successful despite problems with the new rules regarding artillery and air delivered ordnance. It is the holding phase which is proving to be a problem. The Taliban still control most of the village hamlets and are exacting a heavy toll on local people who cooperate with the Marines of Afghan Government. The New York Times has a pretty good article on the problem here. The Marines have a limited number of options with which to deal with entrenched guerrillas. They did a good job of driving the Taliban underground. Their campaign against known Taliban leaders and fixers which was conducted by the varsity SF guys was also very effective netting every named target on the Joint Prioritized Effects List (J-PEL) except one who made it back to Pakistan despite being wounded. His code name is now Dr. Brydon."
FRI

he's got my vote, now if I could only remember my password...