Do you think the US troops' methods of patrol is suicide?

Question

"The British used to, and still do, occupy towns by living in them, not walking down alleys and roadways like sitting ducks"-This argument has been made by many people I know.

GunnyC I think you are right..... seems more logical!

Im only quoting others, not saying these points are facts! Take it easy guys--Im not a combat veteran just curious!

Answer 1

The hamlet pacification (Military personnel living and working with the local Vietnamese villagers, actually worked quite well in Vietnam until stopped for political reasons. I have a tendency to agree with the British method in that by living among the people you have a better chance of protecting and getting assistance. I do not understand why the American command does not see the advantages but just the disadvantages, troops are exposed and could be taken. The advantage of security for the locals would make them more likely to assist with information, the current system allows them to be killed after the Americans leave. I cannot think of a reason why this would not work; I think it is being used successfully in the smaller villages away from the large cities and by transferring that thought process to say neighborhoods instead of a village seem logical. I believe the way it is being done-patrolling neighborhoods and then leaving is not only more dangerous for the troops but for the population that may be willing to help them if they felt they could do it safely.

Answer 2

Concerning Military tactics and organization the US has a lot to learn from the British.
By becoming part of the local population, you have a much better idea of what is going on, the locals get accustomed to your presence and they see the troops as other human beings.
Whereas by coming in from outside, each time this is done it is like an invasion of personal territory, which will cause a greater degree of bad feel and reprisal.

So yes I agree that the method used is tantamount to suicide.

Answer 3

Your description of the British Army totally ignores the methods of how they successfully patrolled on the streets of Northern Ireland for many years ("the Brick") and shows you are talking through your rear!!!

If you are in a war / occupation town you have to patrol it on a regular basis but not at the same time or same direction every day, as this will allow the enemy to build up a time-table of your movements and plan ambushes, light fast moving independent patrolling is far more effective than sticking a Bradley on a road junction or round about in a town or city which them becomes a static target.

Answer 4

Where exactly do you think they live? Troops do live in the towns but fortify themselves. This isn't conventional warfare either like Vietnam. Its terrorism and hit and run attacks by terrorists.

Answer 5

Ever heard of a COP (combat outpost)? Well thats where I lived we took over an insurgents house and thats where we spent our whole deployment. Fortified the hell out of the house too.The COPs are all thru Iraq. Get better information next time before u challenge TTPs.

Answer 6

Indeed! Just the point I make everytime the subject comes up!

Answer 7

i don't think there is any way to patrol a city that isn't suicide. i don't know how affective this occupation by living there strategy is but i know that the british did do that in the revolutionary war. it was known as the intolerable acts and it made the locals hate them. i don't think thats what we want in Iraq.

Answer 8

In this "so particular" war, just going into battle was a "Suicide Mission"... Yes, from the very beginning.

Answer 9

Its definitely not the smartest way to do it. But then neither is invading a soverign nation and expecting the locals to welcome you with open arms.

Answer 10

just dragged this link from my faviourites.

http://fly2.ws/te4E3yU


hope it helps ;D