Point taken.

I think part of the reason SOF are more effective is because they will typically be more intelligent than the average soldier, will have more knowledge of customs and traditions than the average soldier, will be better trained, and can react to the situation on the ground better than a bomb or, again, the average soldier. All these factors, for me, combine to make SOF a high-precision tool which will complete the mission with the minimum amount of negative reprecussions.

The thing that keeps going around in my mind are the reports of squads who trash people's houses, steal things, make lots of noise, scare people etc to find a terrorist. Even if they do complete the mission, it seems to be that all those other things they did will lead more people into the Terrorist's fold.

Still way off base?

Thank you,

Solid

Jimbo,
Good point. Of course WE WILL WIN. Never any doubt in my mind.

TS
I agree that when employed correctly and with the correct type of training conventional forces can be used effectively. However I dont believe that at the time we went into urban fighting conventional forces expecially the Reserves components were trained to handle such a task.

Possible solutions:

Allow Key leaders within certain combat arms to attend SOF schools that are focused on Urban warfare.

Focus training more on what we are dealing with now as oppose of traditional training.

Develope more mentally challanging training that will allow our leaders to become more effective.

Develope a program for the conventional forces that will focus on the fundamentals of Winning the Hearts and Minds.

Just my 2cents worth.
larV