Combating ISIS: Have the tables turned?

2014-12-10T13:24:16-05:00

Recently, reports have come out about Britain's SAS (Special Air Service) running around in small teams basically assassinating Islamic State (IS) militants. While they are doing that, our military is strictly adhering to a combat advisory role. A SAS representative has been quoted as saying, "They can run and hide if they see planes in the sky but they can’t see or hear us. Using so many snipers takes the fear factor to another level too; the terrorists don’t know what’s happening." Clearly they are diminishing the manpower and effectiveness of the IS, and also lowering morale via fear. Are the airstrikes from the U.S. accomplishing the same?

As our aerial bombardment campaign continues, one can imagine the extreme manpower costs of gathering intelligence, planning air missions, and then the cost of carrying out each individual operation. Sure we have drones, but they still require a pilot, and we also have pilots physically in their aircrafts executing these missions. Having teams on the ground would not only reduce the total manpower commitment, but when individuals gather the intelligence themselves, it tends to be more accurate.

The “telephone” game comes to mind. Basically, it is a game that shows how badly communication can be altered and distorted if it is transmitted indirectly. It comes to mind because, with all of the aerial bombardments and missile strikes, the collateral damage of such events is inevitable. Mistargeting of facilities, vehicles, and social events that result in a loss of life or property reflect poorly on the United States and all we can do is apologize. If we have our operators on the ground who can see the enemy with their own eyes and have a previously approved set of engagement criteria, would that not eliminate mass collateral damage events?

For too long, the United States has tied the hands of its military personnel and stopped them from taking responsibility and making immediate choices in moments of need. Our officers and enlisted leaders are some of the best in the world. We are at war with an enemy who follows no rules. Our rules of conventional war, while inherently good, are not always applicable in the quick-thinking and quick-acting environments of the asymmetrical warfare realm. I feel it is time to push responsibility back down to the people on the ground where it belongs.

For any of you who have seen the movie "Tombstone" with Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp and Val Kilmer as Doc Holiday, this type of tactic should ring to you as clear as day. Most Islamic State personnel proudly display their black banners and “uniforms” which are black balaclava-like facial coverings and typically monotone-colored clothing in OD Green or black. The cowboys from "Tombstone" had their red sashes. Seems easy enough to follow: kill those with a red sash, or in this case, those with a black hood and ISIS banner, within reason of course.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Dec 10 at 2014 1:30 PM

2014-12-10T13:30:02-05:00

We can better identify targets and they are less likely to run from us. Sounds better than the current UAS policy from the US.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Dec 10 at 2014 1:50 PM

2014-12-10T13:50:50-05:00

I like this article... a lot!

Response by SSG Rafael Rodriguez made Dec 10 at 2014 2:39 PM

2014-12-10T14:39:28-05:00

Enough said; SSG Jason Cherry said it all, we should have never left IRAQ that way, all those lives lost, resources lost, etc.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2014 3:09 PM

2014-12-10T15:09:55-05:00

SSG Jason Cherry OMG, they are assassinating ISIS members!? Don't let Diane Feinstein find out...she will inititiate a 5.5 year investigation that will cripple the SAS. Mum's the word.

On a more positive note: Good for them. I guess insurgency, and small teams is the way the new war is going to be won...One-Three enemies at a time.

Response by PO1 Michael Burdick made Dec 10 at 2014 3:24 PM

2014-12-10T15:24:31-05:00

Boots on the ground has always proven to be the best remedy for dirt bags like ISIS. One shot one kill.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 10 at 2014 3:23 PM

2014-12-10T15:23:38-05:00

Huzzah, S.A.S.!!!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2014 3:26 PM

2014-12-10T15:26:06-05:00

I've been to Iraq multiple times and had friends both wounded and killed there, I know it is still questioned why we went in the first place but I also disagree with ever pulling out of the country. We left with little to no regard for local population, now when they need us we are dropping bombs. I know this helps but doesn't fix problems. I agree now more than ever that our presence is needed but we need to go in for one reason and one reason only, the elimination of the Islamic State militants. No need to win over the people, if they have their freedom and are able to go along with their lives then they will thank us.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 10 at 2014 4:03 PM

2014-12-10T16:03:43-05:00

I am pretty sure that the $40+ millions that ISIS has will continue to support their recruiting efforts. One of the main reasons that some of the dictator regimes didn't have the issues we are seeing now, is because they kill anyone that opposed them.

Response by Sgt Norman Thums made Dec 10 at 2014 7:40 PM

2014-12-10T19:40:45-05:00

American fighting men are ambassadors of good ill and good will. We kill the bad guys and help those who deserve it.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Dec 12 at 2014 11:30 AM

2014-12-12T11:30:03-05:00

It's about time someone took the fight to these SOBs.

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2015 11:00 AM

2015-07-08T11:00:37-04:00

Be careful not to let the cat out of the bag. Fighting ISIS is a money generating machine for certain businesses worldwide...but comes at the expense to the American taxpayer and the US soldier!

Response by MAJ Alvin B. made Nov 19 at 2015 5:10 PM

2015-11-19T17:10:58-05:00

Counterinsurgency operations are one of the basic missions of most Special Operations Forces (SOF). Given the nature of this conflict to date, I do no believe the tabes have been turned, nor will they be for some time to come. If the reports are true, then ISIS will be facing a new challenge to their dominion at least within the areas in which these teams are operating. ISIS has shown itself to be adaptable and resilient. We shall see if they can adapt to the threat form some of the most successful SOF units operating today.