Back at our SEAL camp, known as “Sharkbase,”^1 we finalized an
innovative plan designed to catch the terrorists by surprise and reduce
risk to our force while giving us the greatest chance of success. We then
gathered all the SEAL operators into the mission planning space to brief
the plan. In addition to the SEALs, EOD bomb technicians, and
interpreters who would accompany us on the operation (we would link
up later and brief the Iraqi troops), we pulled in the key support
personnel from our task unit, who would remain behind and man the
TOC. It was critical that we all understood the plan, how and when to
communicate and what to do if and when things went wrong. Time was
of the essence if we were to succeed in this hostage rescue. Quickly, we
powered through the brief.
I gave my closing comments as assault force commander. Our
shooters had just been fed a lot of information. My final remarks were a
way to prioritize that information—the three most important things I
wanted the assault force to remember and keep first and foremost in
their minds:
1) Maintain the element of surprise; stealth is more important
than speed as we approach this target.
2) After the breach, once we make entry, speed is most important.
Let’s get this target cleared and secured in a hurry.
3) Good PID (positive identification) of any potential threats. Be
wary not to injure the hostage. And be ready to render medical
assistance.As ground force commander in charge of the operation, Jocko gave
his closing comments, simplifying the complex legalese of our rules of
engagement into a clear, concise statement that everyone understood: “If