Category: Tactics

Where I Call Out Oliver Willis on the Blue Dogs

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Willis suggests that the campaigns against the Bush Dogs Dems is a waste of resources, and we should focus on places like Donna Edward’s challenge to Al Wynne.

He is completely wrong.

The “Bush Dog” Challenge is almost entirely about the war. There are other issues in the mix, but the war is the 800 pound gorilla in the room, and getting out of Iraq is a winner for Democrats, as the overwhelming majority of Americans, including Republicans want us out now.

They are pushing this position out of cowardice and stupidity, and getting them back on track serves to strengthen, not weaken the Democratic hold on their seats.

In addition, letting them be stupid and craven without consequence serves to destroy what is already pathetically weak Democratic party discipline.

More on the Delusional USAF View of Airpower in Counterinsurgency.

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This time from Air Force Magazine, the organ of the Air Forces Association, see my post last night on the batsh%$ insane Air Force two star.

Petraeus basically argues that aggressive use of Air Force capabilities, except in a Tet Offensive situation, is actually counter productive.

Given the fact that the US air strike happy doctrine has led the Brits to demand that the US cease operations in their area (blogged here), it’s clear that Petraeus is right, “However, air assets should be at the disposal of the ground commander, according to the new doctrine manual.”

Needless to say, the USAF hates this with a passion. Not only does this belittle them, it also makes most of their newer toys unnecessary:

Maj. Gen. Allen G. Peck, commander of the Air Force Doctrine Center at Maxwell AFB, Ala., said he had seen the doctrine penned by Petraeus and Amos, and said that it reflected “a very two-dimensional view of how to fight a counterinsurgency.” If airmen had written it, it would be “different,” Peck observed.

He’s also completely wrong.

It’s like allowing a pyromaniac to advise on fighting house fires.

Maj. Gen. Allen G. Peck, commander of the Air Force Doctrine Center at Maxwell AFB, Ala., said he had seen the doctrine penned by Petraeus and Amos, and said that it reflected “a very two-dimensional view of how to fight a counterinsurgency.” If airmen had written it, it would be “different,” Peck observed.

And it would be wrong, and strengthen insurgencies, and cost soldiers and marines their lives.