Former US Marine Corps officer, Dave Berke, joins to discuss war crimes, maintaining moral high ground in Battle of Ramadi. Topics include accurate communication in conflict zones, sniper team effectiveness, challenging dynamics with Iraqi soldiers, building trust with tribal leaders, rules of engagement, false claims, and successful liberation of Ramadi.
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Quick takeaways
Maintaining the moral high ground in warfare through clear chains of command and approval processes.
Implementation of combat outposts in enemy-controlled territories to disrupt insurgent activities effectively.
Thorough investigations and scrutiny crucial for upholding ethical standards and accountability in combat environments.
Strategic advancements made by military personnel through evolving warfare strategies like 'seize, clear, hold, and build.'
The critical role of the commander's field presence in ensuring better command and control during complex operations.
The transition from immediate enemy contact scenarios to periods without engagements indicating progress and success in combat missions.
Deep dives
Conflict Zones in Ukraine and Gaza
Two brutal conflicts are discussed in the world, one between Ukraine and Russia and the other in Gaza and Israel. Speculations about war crimes in these conflicts are made due to social media speculations and images, leading to unclear situations on the ground.
Documentation of Military Operations
The battle of Ramadi in Iraq is well-documented, with numerous reports, summaries, and investigations available from the military. Daily situation reports, operations summaries, and commanders' briefs provide detailed accounts of the events during the time of conflict.
Challenges Faced in Ramadi
Ramadi faces significant challenges with high enemy activity, making it one of the most dangerous cities in Iraq. Insurgents controlled key structures and placed IEDs, limiting the movement of US and Iraqi forces and creating a hostile environment for operations.
New Approach to Combat Operations
A new strategy involves setting up combat outposts in enemy-controlled territories to establish a permanent presence with a focus on training and fighting alongside Iraqi soldiers. Snipers were strategically deployed to target insurgents effectively and disrupt enemy activities in Ramadi, leading to significant engagements and victories.
The Importance of Mitigating Risk in Operations
In high-risk operations, it is crucial to have clear chains of command and approval processes to mitigate potential dangers. The speaker highlights the significance of understanding the responsibility of commanding officers in authorizing risky missions. By implementing strict control measures and mitigating risks, the operations were conducted more effectively.
Supporting American Troops and Iraqi Civilians
The podcast discusses the vital role played by U.S. forces in supporting American soldiers and Iraqi civilians during challenging missions. The collaborative efforts between different military branches and civilian structures were crucial in providing security and assistance to those in need.
Scrutiny and Investigations in Combat Zones
To uphold ethical standards and accountability, thorough investigations and scrutiny were essential in combat environments. The podcast highlights the impact of investigations on maintaining discipline, rule adherence, and strategic success in military operations.
Progress and Challenges in Warfare Strategies
Through evolving warfare strategies like 'seize, clear, hold, and build,' progress was made in combatting insurgents. The narrative highlights the increase in casualties due to aggressive strategies aimed at reclaiming control from hostile forces, emphasizing the sacrifices and strategic advancements made by military personnel.
Building Elements for Operations
Building elements partnered with Iraqi conventional forces and a special mission unit to conduct operations. Operations involved multiple elements going out at the same time, largely smaller missions led by trained and trusted personnel.
Commander's Field Presence
The commander's field presence was critical, especially during larger operations like court in search or complex direct action missions. Going into the field allowed for better command and control, understanding of operations, and assurance that missions were in line with personal expectations and training.
Transition in Combat Outposts
Combat outposts established throughout the deployment showed a transition from immediate enemy contact scenarios to periods without any engagements. This shift indicated progress and success in the overall mission, leading to improved security and stability in the area.
Legacy and Reflection on Contributions
Recognition of team contributions, awards received by team members, and feedback from Brigade Commander highlighted the significant impact and success of operations. Commitment to keeping fellow soldiers and civilians safe, improving living conditions, and demonstrating the moral high ground were key aspects of the mission and its legacy.
