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Gary's weekly views
Each week an article by Gary has appeared in the Plympton Plymstock and Ivybridge News in South West Devon. The articles are published here
THE FAMOUS GREEN BERETS
It makes you proud to be British doesn’t it? To see our locally based forces in action in Iraq doing their job so magnificently, whether storming the defences of Basra and destroying enemy positions or patrolling the streets in their famous green berets winning hearts and minds. So far, the war has demonstrated once again the sheer professionalism and courage of our troops, the quality of their training and the skill of their leadership.
The war has also underlined once again the real difference between American and British forces.
US troops are great at blasting their way through enemy resistance, using their superior firepower and incredible technology to obliterate anything that moves. They tend to shoot first and ask afterwards, sadly leading to too many friendly fire incidents. British forces share much of the hi-tech weaponry but deploy in a much more cunning and skilful way, learning the lessons learnt in many years of engagement in Northern Ireland. But it is as much a difference of culture as anything.
I first saw the stark contrast in Bosnia in 1997. The peacekeeping forces were split into three separate districts, the British being responsible for one, the Americans the other. (I can’t now remember who controlled the third.) British soldiers were constantly out and about, helping old ladies cross the road and fully engaged in local life, often at risk to themselves, but building confidence in the communities around them. The US forces stayed behind their high compound walls, only exiting from time to time in massive mechanical convoy to blast a few people into eternity and only to return, job done, to their fortresses. I exaggerate, but only slightly.
Even now, in the taking of Basra by British forces, we can see the success of exercising patience, winkling out intelligence and then striking with deadly precision when the time is right. The American armed forces are more powerful than the next 27 strongest armies of the world put together. They could do this alone, but they know full well that our presence and unique skill mix add real value, especially in situations like Iraq where getting the locals onside is essential.
And who are these British forces of whom we speak? Many of them are local lads and lasses, former pupils of local schools, products of our own community. Ordinary Westcountry men and women, highly trained, very brave, and operating like real heroes. And we should all be right proud of them.
posted by Nigel on Monday, April 14, 2003
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