Matt's Question

Matt,

We have a good relationship with the coalition unit. Without saying too much, we work with the IA Brigade Commander and staff, and the coalition unit works in various capacities with their subordinate units. You have to have a good relationship with them. I put as much work into my relationship with the coalition unit as I do with the IA. One, they are your supply line and link to civilization. Two, your plans and the US unit plans must be synched, else you are just spinning your wheels.

Anything above Battalion, though, and it becomes "those !@#$% Brigade/Division guys, they just don't get it!" Because they don't. This is a Company Commander's fight. In my opinion, the Brigade Combat Team (BCT) doesn't do much in a Counterinsurgency (COIN) fight except get in the way. The staff is too big, it is inefficient, and too far removed from reality. It is another layer of chiefs who don't have land or tribes.

Don't get me started on Division.

Anybody else?