10 Ring Tao
08-22-2004, 16:44
During the 8 hour travel time to and from new mexico recently, I was able to read American Soldier. The first third is Tommy Frank's biography focusing on how/why he became a professional soldier, and how he became the commander of CENTCOM and it's AOR (area of responsibility). The last two thirds take you through Frank's personal experiences as he gains command shortly post 9/11, then through the afganistan and iraq wars.
It was particularly interesting to see what an affect Frank's personal relationships with foreign leaders had on operational plans, and all the behind the scenes beaurocratic BS that went on. I understood and agreed with why we attacked iraq, but after reading this I realize what a smooth transition it was from afganistan to iraq. WMD was not the only reason saddam needed to be taken out.
Great read, highly recommended!
It was particularly interesting to see what an affect Frank's personal relationships with foreign leaders had on operational plans, and all the behind the scenes beaurocratic BS that went on. I understood and agreed with why we attacked iraq, but after reading this I realize what a smooth transition it was from afganistan to iraq. WMD was not the only reason saddam needed to be taken out.
Great read, highly recommended!