We a bit more than halfway through our exercise, and things are going just OK. We evaluate towns, areas and roads as Green (favorable), Amber (neutral) and Red (hostile). So far we have upgraded any amber to green, or red to amber. We're only 6 days into it, so there is still time.
We have been trying to get some wells tested and get potable water to various towns, and we just got testing done yesterday, so that should help.
We have not been able to pay any claims yet. The first time we sent a claims team out it got mobbed, there was pushing and shoving, and the team withdrew without paying a claim. The second time, the team drove into an ambush and ended up getting several soldiers killed. Of course, it's tough to pay a claim when people are shooting at you.
Our commanders still think in terms of lethal influences on the battlefield, and the operations reflect that. We have many non-lethal means to affect the battlefield, but as yet these are not being effectively brought to bear. For example, our Public Affairs Office can publish the good news of us getting wells tested and water to the Iraqis, which will help turn towns green.
Typically an engagement must have a mix on lethal and non-lethal. So, for the bridge opening ceremony, we would want to publicize it and invite locals, get articles in the local paper and on radio, meet with local leaders, and try to build relationships and good will for our efforts in building and opening the bridge. We also need to sweep the bridge for explosives, patrol the area to prevent getting mortared, set up checkpoints to screen people and vehicles for weapons and explosives, and arrange perimeter security to prevent direct small arms fire.
It is not easy to synchronize the lethal and non-lethal so that everything comes to bear at the right place at the right time.
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