Battle Ready

There was also a Pakistani battalion already in Mogadishu under UNOSOM I, but they were largely ineffective, with neither sufficient forces nor mandate to make a significant impact.

63

Oakley and Hirsch have written the best account so far of recent events in Somalia in their book, Somalia and Operation Restore Hope (United States Institute of Peace Press, 1995).

64

Oakley and Hirsch have written the best account so far of recent events in Somalia in their book, Somalia and Operation Restore Hope (United States Institute of Peace Press, 1995).

65

I later added a ninth HRS as our forces increased.

66

That is, the collection of weapons in secure locations.

67

The Mogadishu airport was their base.

68

The nonlethal issue stuck with me. After I returned from Somalia, there has been a major effort to develop more sophisticated capabilities. And over the years, I have been called to testify before several congressional committees and attend numerous conferences and study groups on this subject.

69

Annan is a tremendously impressive human being, with a rare intellect and the common sense to handle the most complex situations. His selection as UN Secretary-General was a splendid choice — and a much-needed change.

70

Zinni was replacing General Butch Neal, one of his oldest, closest friends in the Corps. After extensive experience in CENTCOM (three tours of duty in the command), General Neal had been selected for promotion and assignment as the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps.

71

Units that were not based permanently in the region but which rotated in and out from other U.S. bases.

72

Facilities operated jointly with the local governments.

73

Just as the term implies, we help other nations improve their security situation by improving their military and security forces.

74

The current Bush administration has seriously limited the powers of the CINCs; and Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld, who has a passion for centralized control, has changed their name. They are no longer CINCs; they’re “Combatant Commanders.”

75

Some journalists have accused the CINCs of becoming the proconsuls of this new American empire. This opinion is flattering, but far from the truth. Dana Priest has developed this point of view very well in her interesting and provocative book The Mission.

76

There were hundreds of these military and civilian personnel in the CENTCOM AOR — all worth their weight