Dear President Obama
Dear, President Obama
I know that you just took office about 48 hours ago and you’ve got a lot on your plate; but I thought I’d provide you with a small letter for SA, situational awareness. I’m sure that GEN Petraus will provide one for you also; but mine comes from the trenches of the War On Terror. My team is out here every day making sure that the policies you set forth get carried out; so we see the impact, successes and failures first hand.
First, let me describe the current situation from my fighting position. It’s not great. Currently we’re chasing the wrong thing, that being enemy forces. They can always recruit more people, we need to attack the motivations to join the enemy. Eliminate the supply.
Predators, ROVER and other implements that we’ve paid billions for are most often used to second guess the guys on the ground and tell them that they’re not seeing what they’re seeing. If this seems convoluted it is! It boils down to this, you’re getting shot at and some dude a long way off is telling you you’re not and that by the way you better not shoot back at the enemy.
Logistics suck! No if, and or buts about it. This is day 26 for this team without mail. This is a lot different then you’ll see at the big FOBs where there’s ubiquitous ice cream, coffee and hot chow, and totally different than Iraq. They throw away more than we eat. I haven’t seen a PX in three months and I just ran out of deodorant and soap today, my wife mailed some to me in the middle of December but haven’t seen it yet. As they say, “Amateurs talk tactics, professionals talk logistics”.
There are some great American Warriors here doing their darn best to win the war, but the higher ups are too afraid; so they won’t let them off the FOB to do the work that needs to be done. They track things like how many rounds we expended and what patch you’re wearing on your ACUs instead of issues like how many feet of road or the number of schools built.
So now that I’ve painted a little picture of what it looks like, let me indulge myself and highlight a couple of things I think we could do to close the deal.
Roads, we need more of them. A lot more! This is the cornerstone to building Afghanistan and the government. The Romans were successful not because of military technology, it helped, but because they built an extensive road network. Many of which still exist today and are in better shape than roads in Afghanistan.
Without roads the Afghans don’t really need a centralized government. That’s a broad statement but I’ll qualify it here in a minute. The tribe pretty much provides what they need. The tribe protects them, settles disputes and enforces laws. They’re more than capable of doing this and have been for the last several centuries. They fulfill the basic governmental requirements common defense, law and order.
The tribes though can’t build and maintain roads. Now, you need a centralized government to construct, maintain and protect the roads. You get an influx of money as people work on the roads and they quit getting paid to blow us up and it stimulates a demand for goods and services.
With the road comes inter-province commerce for which you need regulation by a central government; a function a tribe can’t accomplish. Sounds kind of like a little situation we had around 1776. The road brings money, communication and progress. You cut the link between Pakistan and the tribal regions because it’s now easier to travel to the interior of Afghanistan to get medical treatment, goods, services the whole lot.
So with a simple road we’ve now created an environment friendly to the support of the Afghan central government. That doesn’t exist now. It’s a lot easier to explain to the Afghans that the Army and police protect the roads and regulate commerce. Additionally taking the, “this is a war on Islam” factor out of the situation.
We’re making sure people can conduct trade and are free to travel as they wish. Sounds like freedom.
Democracy and liberty are damn hard concept to explain to someone who doesn’t see any benefit from the government in Kabul. So what if I elect the guy if he does nothing for me? The population earns money and then we explain that the government will protect their continued ability to do so and that’s a discussion someone understands.
Next we need education. Only about 10% of the Afghans are literate. This means that 90% of knowledge and news is spread through verbal means. Thus, you’re at the whim of whoever is telling you the information. You get the info with the bias and slant of the communicator, no real way to get an independent source.
If we start educating people they can form their own opinions. Once again this sounds a lot like freedom to me. But, I’m just a dumb ground pounder.
We open up a whole new world to people if they can read and write. The Taliban has the corner on the market for information; they tell the locals what they want. We don’t even participate in the information operations fight. We’ve put in radio stations but that’s a small step, they need to be able to read and write for themselves.
Finally, start letting us make decisions at the tactical level. That doesn’t mean we go out and start shooting everyone. It means we go out with our Afghan brothers and protect roads, trade and schools. We help them enforce the laws that have come with the roads. It’s damn hard to do that sitting on a FOB or only going out to attack people. Quit rewarding commanders who only think they’re killing enemy. No one ever won an insurgency by killing insurgents. Instead reward those guys making a real long term impact and get the counter-insurgency fight.
Also, force the Afghan government to start taking the lead. Make them build roads outside the major cities and quit letting them do nothing while we shovel money into this country to no avail. Make the government a meritocracy instead of a means of rewarding tribal loyalty, this goes for the Army and police too. As long as these guys just enrich themselves nothing is going to happen and the people will become more pessimistic forcing them back to the tribe that looks out for their welfare.
So Mr President just a few thoughts from the trenchline. You probably won’t hear any of this from the higher ups. They’ll tell you we need more combat troops, but we can’t even support the ones we already have here. They should tell you to send engineers and logisticians, but that’s not too sexy.
Very Respectfully,
VAMPIRE 06
Right on! Stay as safe as you can and continue mission Vampire 6.
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I fear our new POTUS is more likely to pull you out of there before its time then increase the people there to help do the right thing.
Time will tell.
But, you've posted several times about the need for roads...and I fully agree with you as does history time and again.
So, here's a thought...
The Romans used thier soldiers to build roads. It kept them busy, helped keep them strong and the populations of the territories they occupied saw that not only would these soldiers FIGHT for them but, actually IMPROVED the lives of everyone. Thus, not only was it great PR for the Roman Empire and training for the troops, it also provided a real attachment to the same troops within the communities.
In short, the people started wanting to keep the soldiers SAFE...not kill them.
They were no longer "oppressors" but instead became "valued friends"...
This seems like a real no brainer to me but nobody ever said Upper Echelon had brains now I suppose...sigh.
From what you and others have written (that I have had the honor and pleasure of reading safely here in Texas) it seems there are some very simple, very low cost ways to deal hard, permenant blows to our enemies.
Why its not done I don't know.
But I intend to write my two senators and the congressman from my district and see if I can find out!
Probably won't do much but, I will do what I can in support of you.
Sorry its not more.
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Sir,
That was articulated in a way that most everyone, including the new President should be able to understand. Also it's something that has been echoed by those who went before you and unfortunately will probably be echoed by those who come after you.
Perhaps, a collective cry from those "boots on ground" across the entire country of Afghanistan would get his attention. Something along the lines of "I HAVE A DREAM" for Afghanistan.
Hang on Sir, I hear the Cavalry is on it's way.
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Man, you said a mouthfull. Mr. President, may I please add a ditto?
This guy gets it.
Rock on, Vampire 6.
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AMEN, BROTHER. Stupid is as stupid does.
Thats upper brass NOT being effective.
Some of them act like and are wishy washy, just like politicians.
Take care my friend.
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Ut Oh, common sense???? You know that never works!! But good try, I hope he gets a chance to read it!! AZ Angel
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Working diligently on getting your mail to you guys, we will shake every tree, ring every bell and scream as loud as we can until you get you mail. Sent this blog to Harry Reid ((smile))) hope he gives it to the new Prez.
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Hooah, Sir.
You are dead on target.
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Thank you!! Someone needs to see that the new Pres reads this..surely someone up there in that White House CAN read?
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Great blog! Wish this would make it to Obama and those in charge. It would save lives.
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The so-called GWOT is only a bumper sticker slogan. It's very similar to the war on drugs, which also is just wishful thinking.
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I posted this link on the 'contact us' form at whitehouse.gov. Hopefully they will read it.
Thanks for your service and sacrifice - thank all of you.
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All I can really say is...
Amen Brother
From Paktika with love.
-Mud Puppy
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I spent a year in Afghan in 05. What you say was true then. Your letter should be mandatory reading for our lawmakers and policy makers.
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VAMPIRE 06, I read this post with a great deal of interest and empathy. It seems to me that your analysis and recommendations make a hell of a lot of sense. I sincerely hope that the president gains the insight of people such as yourself. I know that he is a sensible, intelligent man and believe that he will do the right thing. Keep safe!!
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You are at the tip of the spear. Simple and to the point. Rally up fellow soldier and make a change in the way we do business. We all can make a difference one soldier at a time.
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Your letter is very thoughtful. I hope you are really sending it to Obama via snail mail. Even if he doesn't read it; an aid will. You never know how your influence will ripple. Also, you might like to check out the American Friends Service Committee site - roadmapforpeace.org. They seem to be thinking along lines similar to yours. Take care of yourself and your fellow soldiers.
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I felt the need to come back after digging around Google a bit. As of 01/06/2009, a national representative of the American Friends Service Committee is "recently returned fro Afghanistan". His name is Peter Lems. His email address is plems@afsc.org. I think you and others like you have valuable information and insight to offer him. And that's all the busybodying I'm going to do tonight. Take care.
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Well said Vampire... Now if only someone is listening...
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What you are saying makes sense to me. If I could do absolutely anything in the world I wanted to do, one of the things I would like to do is plant fruit trees in Afghanistan. Not in this lifetime, I guess...
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This letter that was wrote to President Obama was inspiring. I am glad that someone is letting the president know first hand what it is like over there. He needs to know what our troops need and stop all piddling around. I pray that the President will alloy the troops to make so important decisions because the fact is that you, who are on the front lines, know what you need. It seems like sometimes they want us to fail because the country fails to provide the supplies, troops and etc that we need over there. Hopefully this letter will open our countries eyes. Thank you for all you do.
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V 06 & everyone else--
Like Joe from Memphis, I also left a note with the link to the Sandbox which I copied and pasted from my address window at www.whitehouse.gov under the "contact us" option. Maybe if enough of us do the same, it will filter up.
I also thank you for your service.
Respectfully,
Robert in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
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Excellent post--picked up by Canadian milblogger Damian Brooks of "The Torch" (now vistiting Kandahar on a Canadian Forces journalists' trip, a first for a Canadian blogger):
"Please send mail"
http://toyoufromfailinghands.blogspot.com/2009/01/please-send-mail.html
Mark
Ottawa
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all news is biased
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What a beautiful and practical statement. Make the people like us instead of just shooting things! It sounds like this is one soldier, at least, who does not like the way the war has been handled these past eight years. Nothing in here that a conservative OR a liberal could disagree with; it's just common sense. Fortunately, Obama has repeatedly stated that he wants to focus more strongly on Afghanistan, and also to increase our intelligence efforts so we're not just blowing up weddings with airstrikes. You can't just use 'hunt the terrorists down in their caves' as a strategy; instead you do like our soldiers are saying and make their country better so they won't want to kill us anymore.
Now let's apply that sort of thinking to Gaza also.
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Just by coincidence:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/23/AR2009012303505.html
'...
Dalawar, a member of the Mohmand tribe, said he is no fan of the Taliban. But in places such as Khuga Kheyl, the pressure on tribal elders to join the Taliban is intense. Electricity is scarce. Paved roads are nonexistent. And insurgent hideouts are abundant on both sides of the border. Dalawar said insurgent commanders regularly try to entice him to join the fight against coalition forces.
"They tell us to fight alongside them. They say: 'We will give you roads. We will give you electricity.' The Taliban, they tell us: 'Look, the Afghan government has given you nothing. If you fight with us, you can have everything,' " Dalawar said. "When we tell them, 'No, we will not do this,' then they tell us they will take our villages by force if they have to."..'
Mark
Ottawa
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If only the powers that be had the insite of the people in direct contact. I spent 18 months in Afghanistan and agree completely with everything said here. Today the information logjam is among the Fobbits-- in Viet Nam it was the REMFs -- same people-same problem
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Your observations should be printed as a full page notice on one of the MSM newspapers. I hear you. America should hear you. The free world should hear you.
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I think your letter is great and exactly what the President needs. It's got to be helpful hearing from the mouths and minds of the people who are actually engaged in an activity instead of the ones who take credit for it. Keep up the great work and remember that at the end of the day, it's just you and God.
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Bravo, Vampire 06. I served as a civilian in Afghanistan in 05-06, and if we had really begun to work on these things then, maybe things would be different now. I worry that the 30,000 new troops under discussion will be put to work chasing enemy forces - which is an exercise in futility and only underscores the need for resistance to the foreign invader - rather than focusing on things like roads and creating demand for what a central government can supply. Keep writing!
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Vampire 06
If you shoot me an email I'll be happy to get some stuff shipped to yall.....even though logistics suck.
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You brought up some good points in your letter to Obama. My brother served in Afganistan for a year and a half, he has said some of the same things! What you guys are doing is awesome for everyone! God bless!
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First of all let me tell you that I totally agree with you, and thank the Lord above that I can’t understand on a personal level what you are feeling. I agree that the real problem to go after isn’t the ones shooting, because if we were to get rid of all of them, they would just recruit more and more, the real problem is the head of all of it, wherever that may be. It is amazing how smart and dumb the U.S. can be at the same time. GET A CLUE, on what the REAL problem is Obama!
Building roads is definitely the cornerstone to Afghanistan and their government. Roads seem to give a sense of pride and a high demand to receive and ship goods, not to mention the jobs that it would create, it would rescue the 15 year olds that are being trained to blow us up, and would give them a way out, a way to provide for their family in an honest living. You are also completely right on how would to take the word, “War”, totally out of the situation, it would constitute more freedom than anything, and the Afghanistan people would see us as protecting not controlling.
Education is the key to independence for the people that fall prey to the government and how they feel instead of making an opinion of their own. And you are not just a dumb ground pounder, you have more knowledge on these issues than anyone else and your opinion on these matters should be heard and taken into consideration with much thought. We need to get over there and educate, train, and provide a way out for the people of Afghanistan instead of killing the young kids that are taught how to shoot as soon as soon as they can walk, they need to be taught how to read and conduct a successful life.
Lastly, I couldn’t agree with you more, I am so sick and tired of the United States doing other country’s government’s jobs!!! Obama needs to force them to run their own government and let us just teach them how to protect it to be successful. Maybe just maybe, we wouldn’t lose so many American lives the way we are now; and from the trench line is the only place that tells it like is!
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Vamp. Your insight into this war is appreciated and worthy of repetition to others stateside. I did run across this article that seem to concur with you: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=52809.
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What an eloquent entry - a refreshing and logical approach to the WOT - a phrase by the way, that should be banned. The very word 'war' gives them legitimacy. I suggest that everyone who reads this send it to their senators, representatives and the White House via email and ask all your friends to do the same. As the FCNL says 'War is NOT the answer'. Thanks for your blog!
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Your post makes such eminent sense I am sure it will reach the right eyes in the White House, especially now that we have a president who does not live in a bubble of sycophants and who apparently is always eager to learn. I am doing my part by sending your post along to my congressman, my senators and President Obama. I am also sending the link to a large circle of friends, asking them to pass it along to their own lawmakers and circle of influence. I am very afraid we could turn Afghanistan into another Vietnam if we don't get rid of the old, stale strategies and start listening to people like you. Keep up the good work!
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An interesting, informative, and well-written letter which should be front and center on the President's desk in the Oval Office. Great suggestions, accurate and effective use of historical example.
Keep writing.
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no new post in 8 days, hope all is well
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Just finished reading Three Cups of Tea. Your plan and the authors', Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin, sound so reasonable.
I hope our new President reads your letter.
Even Chairman Mao was hip to the road solution.
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Roads and Reading. I've heard a lot of fine details, but that's got to be one of the best broad pictures I've heard from anyone. I especially like the bit about '10% literacy equals 90% verbal communication, and who knows who's doing that communication'. We're worried about radios, meanwhile there's guys telling stories over tea.
Something tells me the Big O ain't going to get this letter, but maybe it'll pop up on his blackberry.
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Vampire 6
Big Tobacco told me to send you some coffee. Now you know how to get a hold of me.
Semper Fi, Hank
Owner/Founder
Devil Dog Brew and SnipersBrew.com
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Vampire 06,
You're a first rate writer! (You might want to think about more extensive work after Afghanistan and whatever follows.)
Your feelings about roads and historical references to the Roman republic/empire are spot on. Although initially intended to facilitate rapid military movements, the Romans observed over the centuries that roads, like bridges, also bring people together and enable efficiency in government and commerce.
Although that "bringing together" probably wouldn't eliminate tribalism, is that really a defect? The Romans discovered through experience that tribal differences in such places as Italia, Africa Province and Further Gaul weren't as diverse as they first appeared to be. Tribes could be -and were- motivated to put aside their differences once the benefits to commerce and communication provided by roads became apparent.
Schools, hospitals and modernization (or institution) of water, sewage and electrical systems are important too, but none of that can occur without road networks.
You make a very good point.
CPMariner
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Came over via a Twitter tip from JP/Milblogging.com. This is a nice, succinct suggestion of how to improve the Afghan infrastructure in a way that helps us as well. I certainly hope that this bubble up to the President and his advisors.
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Probably the best sit rep that won't get the notice it so rightly deserves which is criminal.
The question is just how many roads and schools have been built in the last year? Are we making progress there at all?
Get this blog entry to Obama in written letter form, I say damn the liberals, tell it like it is, I'm a Brit and so far Obama has done more in two weeks than Gordon Brown has done in a year.. lead and they will follow.
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Great article, your common sense is sensational.
I served in Iraq and saw people spend phenomenal amounts of time with grapghs and stats but it didn't see to help them in decison making one iota, in fcat they didn't seem to use them, just madly report crap and keep busy.
I suspect it is an esay diversion from the fearful task of facing up to the reality.
It takes courage to look a problem and situation clearly in the fcae. You hvae done that. Well done.
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