CentCom Commander Outlines Strategic Implications of Pull-Out Method in Syria
by Untactic Al
November 27, 2019
The following is an Op-Ed letter written by Lt Gen Harry S. Balzac, Commander CentCom. Article 107 News in no way endorses the views stated here and they are purely those of the author.
Everyone has seen and heard statements in the news outlets recently about our forces pulling out of Syria and I’d like to share some things worth considering.
- It’s not as easy to pull out as most people think. Once in, the impetus is to stay until completion.
- Most go in with the best of intentions of pulling out before things come to a head, but are often overcome in the heat of battle.
- Timing of a pull out is critical and highly correlated to the friction factor coupled with the proximity of the engaged forces.
- Often a pull out comes too late and some friendly forces end up being left behind and trapped in the pocket after the withdrawal.
- If the pull out is too soon, friendly forces may not make the jumping off point and end up being scattered away from the main objective.
- The more difficult it is to get into an area of desired conquest, the harder it is to pull out early.
- Although pulling out early may be needed following a frontal attack, it may not be required at all in cases of an attack from the rear. Frontal attacks are very risky, especially for unprotected situations, but assaults from the rear are relatively safe.
- High energy conflicts are also very hard to pull out from as the pace of action moves quickly, often beyond the ability to think rationally and not lose control.
- Pulling out is often not an issue for new troops who have never seen battle as they often expend ammo well before coming in contact.
- Older troops often don’t have the staying power and may not be able to remain in contact for extended periods of time.
Hopefully, military planners will take these factors into consideration well before any commitment to engage since pulling out doesn’t always achieve the desired results.
Stand Proud – Stand Tall,
Lt Gen Harry S. Balzac
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Prior to joining the Article 107 News Team, Untactic Al had a controversial and checkered 36-year career in the United States Air Force. He recently received his DD-214 blankie. The fact that he made it as far as he did merely illustrates the incompetence of his leadership.
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An Article 107 News Publication
Article 107 of the military’s Uniform Code of Military Justice covers “False Official Statements.” As our name implies, we are a satirical site, and you shouldn’t think anything we publish is real. You should, however, mercilessly mock anyone who does. You can follow Article 107 News on Twitter at @Article107News. If you’re looking for real news, check out our sister site The Havok Journal. Or you can visit us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter at @HavokJournal.
