What do you think about it Stan?

[mqd123]

What do you think about that SEAL member and him writting a book about the killing of OBL? I read it, there wasn't anything in there tactically that I didn't know before reading it. So, I'm not sure what they'll prosecute him for other than to make an example of him.

[Stan]

Sept 11, 2012 18:14:20 GMT -8 mqd123 said:

What do you think about that SEAL member and him writting a book about the killing of OBL? I read it, there wasn't anything in there tactically that I didn't know before reading it. So, I'm not sure what they'll prosecute him for other than to make an example of him.

I haven't read "No Easy Day" yet and I'm assuming this is the book.

Though I am no expert I will say this, Development Group (DEVGRU) aka Seal Team 6 and Combat Applications Group aka Delta Force are specially trained, among other things, in CQB in worst case environments where you have bad guys, good guys and neutrals within the same rooms. They can also conduct special reconaissance and many other things where long hair and civilian clothes is appropriate, so thus there have been many, many operations they have conducted over the years that would make for great action movies.

From what I gather and the little I know, the operation to kill Geronimo was yes, strategically important but well beneath the skill sets required of "a" if not "the" Tier one unit. Helicopters come in deploy a squad or platoon of men, they go in and kill less than five bad guys. Light security, no booby traps, no surface-to-air missiles, etc.

The Blackhawk Down Operation (Gothic Serpent) sounded a lot harder since they were tasked with catching live targets in what became an overwhelmingly hostile environment.


The Rule of Engagement for OBL sounded easy enough...kill OBL or anyone who got in the way. And really, even if they broke some law of war who would be around to complain about it? These were a mix of nationalities living in Pakistan...and Pakistan didn't know they were there...right...?

Not to take anything away from DEVGRU but a platoon of 20 year old Marines or Soldiers could accomplish that with a decent amount of rehearsals. Again, OBL was a strategic target so you task your Tier One unit to do the job.

There were some minor specialties like explosive breaching used to blast doors and locks but these are skills taught throughout most infantry/ground pounding units as well.

So in the end, the Geronimo mission did not require HALO jumping, underwater infiltration, wearing fake beards, or jet packs. Pretty straightforward hard hit with overwhelming men and firepower.