Fallen Heroes

Here in the United States today isn't Veteran's Day but it is celebrated today.  I personally believe the only reason it is celebrated today (the actual holiday was yesterday) is so that government employees get a holiday.  But that's another story.  Because of this day there was a lot of coverage of events recognizing the sacrifices that these heroes and their families have made.  And I'm not complaining about it at all, they deserve it!  This is based on a book that honors those heroes.


One of the reporters for ABC News wrote a book regarding men and women who serve.  One of the stories in the book spoke about an attack on a base in Afghanistan.  This base was armed by roughly 40 soldiers and came under attack by over 400.  They inflicted very heavy damages on the attackers but sadly 8 soldiers were killed.  Considering the odds, I find that simply amazing and a testament to the training and capabilities of our military.  So you may be wondering what my problem is.  There are two.

First of all, the base was deemed no longer necessary from a military perspective.  If that was the case, why did we have troops there?  And a bigger question, why were there so few in such a remote area?  These soldiers were pretty much left to die.  The military leaders failed to do their job and do their best to prevent the loss of life.  They are supposed to their best to prevent soldiers from being in situations like this.  In this case they put them in that position on purpose.  Major failure!

The other problem, I believe, was a piece of the first.  This base was located in a valley surrounded by 400 foot cliffs.  What the heck were they thinking?  One of the most basic military concepts is to control the high ground!  Why would you build a base that gives the enemy every advantage?  Again, the military leaders failed these soldiers!  If you don't believe how important the high ground is you just need to do a little reading about the battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War.  In particular, look at Pickett's charge.  The Union soldiers held the high ground on Round Top and Little Round Top.  They easily shredded every charge mounted on them because they held the high ground.  A large part of the advantage has to do with gravity.  If you are charging up the hill you are going against gravity, you get tired.  If you shoot up the hill at the enemy, the projectile is fighting gravity. 

We have arguably the most advanced intelligence gathering system in the world, yet our military leaders made the choice to put these soldiers in what I would call a death trap.  Why aren't our military leaders using this intelligence to good use?  I'm talking about the intelligence that has gotten these general promoted to their post.  I would think something as basic as defending the high ground would be in strategy 101.

But on a serious note, I would like to thank every veteran for serving to protect my freedom to write a post that criticizes the military.