Today I had the opportunity to shoot a couple of rounds. And by opportunity I do not mean at the enemy but rather at some stationary targets on the firing range. It was a good chance to shake off about 4 years of rust...I did well but just about anyone can hit a stationary target in a non stressful situation. The remainder of my day was spent in a couple of meetings training my Iraqi counterpart on the procedures and thought process that the US military uses in its planning process. The Iraqi's seem eager to learn and although they are unfamiliar with our process they seem to have already thought through several of the concepts we discussed but in a slightly different manner.
Part of my job here is not to force my/our way of thinking on the Iraqi's but to assist them in getting the job done. As an individual I could quickly asses - plan - and implement a solution to the daily problem/situations we face. But my job here is not to "give them a fish" but to help teach them "how to fish." However, I must keep in mind that my way of fishing is not the only way to fish. I am here to offer suggestions, and if they want - amplifying information as to why I make those suggestions, and to allow the Iraqi's to proceed as they see fit. Even though our policies, procedures and problem solving approach are among the best in the world we, the US, did not come by these techniques overnight...and neither will the Iraqi's. Some of our military is fighting the door-to-door battle which is very important for the "near" fight. I, however, am helping with the "long" fight which will allow us, the US, to step back after giving the Iraqi's the tools and confidence to "fish" for themselves.
I think that is enough for today...write ya later.
1 comment:
Now see, when you say you got a chance to shoot a couple of rounds, to an Air Force member, that means you were able to go golfing. It's a good thing you clarified that.
Have fun "fishing" in the desert.
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