colonel, an extremely smart, charismatic, and professional officer who
set the standard for military leaders. He was one of the finest battlefield
commanders with whom I had the honor to serve. The colonel
commanded with subtle intensity that was complemented with a
genuinely kind and easygoing attitude. He was an incredible leader; and
leading men in the violent battle in Ramadi demanded every ounce of
leadership possible.
Camp Corregidor was combat living defined. Everything was
difficult there. A fine, powderlike sand, which U.S. troops called “moon
dust,” caked buildings, equipment, weapons, vehicles, clothing, and skin.
But that was the least of the problems. Camp Corregidor bordered one of
the most dangerous areas of Ramadi, called the Ma’laab District. The
camp was under constant attack from mortars, machine guns, and
rockets.
The colonel expected the highest level of discipline from his 1/506th
Soldiers; he knew that slacking here, even when just going to the chow
hall for lunch, could result in horrific wounds and death. Discipline in
such a situation started with the little things: high-and-tight haircuts, a
clean shave every day, and uniforms maintained. With that, the more
important things fell into place: body armor and helmets worn outdoors
at all times, and weapons cleaned and ready for use at a moment’s
notice. Discipline created vigilance and operational readiness, which
translated to high performance and success on the battlefield.
We sent Task Unit Bruiser SEALs from Delta Platoon to live and
work out of Camp Corregidor to train and combat-advise Iraqi soldiers
there and support the 1/506th Band of Brothers. When the SEAL element
arrived, they humbly took on the same habits as their 1/506th hosts.
Despite more relaxed grooming standards SEALs typically enjoy
jeff_l
(Jeff_L)
#1