World Affairs Board - View Single Post - Dutch Soldiers Stress Restraint in Afghanistan

Ray · 04-12-2007, 22:51 PM

Colonel,

I think you have not got what I have stated.

As I see COIN, it is all about winning the hearts and mind.

However, if fired upon or attacked, then one has to show that one is not afraid of a fight even if they would rather not do so. If the fight is brought upon you, then you sure give it back and then go back to the business of Hearts and Minds!

The hearts and mind thing cannot be done if you are under fire!

Withdrawing when fired upon, to my way of looking, is just not acceptable.

Nor would I find it acceptable to AVOID Hostile areas.

It would never happen under my command!

04-12-2007, 22:51 PM	#19 (permalink)
Ray Postmaster General *Military Professional* Join Date: 08-20-03 Posts: 27,057 Country:	Colonel, I think you have not got what I have stated. As I see COIN, it is all about winning the hearts and mind. However, if fired upon or attacked, then one has to show that one is not afraid of a fight even if they would rather not do so. If the fight is brought upon you, then you sure give it back and then go back to the business of Hearts and Minds! The hearts and mind thing cannot be done if you are under fire! Withdrawing when fired upon, to my way of looking, is just not acceptable. Nor would I find it acceptable to AVOID Hostile areas. It would never happen under my command! __________________ "Some have learnt many Tricks of sly Evasion, Instead of Truth they use Equivocation, And eke it out with mental Reservation, Which is to good Men an Abomination." I don't have to attend every argument I'm invited to. HAKUNA MATATA Last edited by Ray : 04-12-2007 at 23:01 PM.