I anticipate that my mobilization orders will arrive shortly. My date to go on active duty is not too far away. It was announced this week that the Pentagon has abandoned the 24 month limit on cumulative service for Reservists and Guardsmen. I already served for 21 months during my two mobilizations in 2003 and 2004. This time limit will no longer be an issue for others returning to active duty, either voluntarily or involuntarily.
Arab governments throughout the Middle East are becoming increasingly concerned about the direction of the war in Iraq. Remembering that most Arabs are Sunni, these other countries are not happy with the sectarian violence in Iraq where Shiites have been taking their revenge on the Sunni minority of the late Saddam Hussein. Saudi Arabia has even threatened to take matters into their own hands should America pull out of Iraq.
Since we first arrived in Iraq, we have been fighting the Sunni insurgents. The question at this point will be how to deal with the Shiite-led militias like the Mahdi Army. Muqtada al Sadr has become a powerful figure and his militia now numbers in the tens of thousands. Fighting this Iranian-influenced and funded militia will be a daunting task, but our forces can do it – if we are permitted to do so by the Iraqi government.
There were two uprisings of the Mahdi Army in Iraq in 2004. This was when Al Sadr’s forces only numbered a couple of thousand or so. We were on the receiving end of many of his rockets and mortars back then and my fellow soldiers fought the black-uniformed militia in Sadr City, Najaf and other places.
Americans have tired of hearing about Iraq. They are weary of the political battles and the issues relating to tactics, strategy, sectarian violence and all of the other problems in that war, but so are the warriors fighting the battles.
Americans must not forget that the politics of the war have nothing to do with the service of our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines. Continue to honor their service, their sacrifice and their dedication to each and every one of you.
Your warriors want to finish the job and come home to you, but they want to come home as victors. They won’t be satisfied to simply give up, back out of Iraq and spend the rest of their lives regretting that their comrades died for a politically-abandoned cause.
That’s what happened to us in Vietnam. It will be a tragedy to do it again to another generation of young Americans.
When it comes to war, warriors will tell you: “Send us to win or don’t send us.”
SFC Chuck Grist
Showing posts with label Grist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grist. Show all posts
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Friday, January 5, 2007
Tolerance: A Long Journey Ahead
As I wait for my mobilization orders, I am re-publishing the op-ed pieces that I wrote during and after my 2004 tour in Iraq. I began the “American Ranger” blog on December 17, 2006. If you did not see the entries from last month, please check them out.
This is the latest:
TOLERANCE: A LONG JOURNEY AHEAD
Special to the Orlando Sentinel
August 8, 2005
As wars go, World War II was an easy war. I don’t mean it was easy to fight, but it was easy to understand why we were fighting. When one nation attacks another the solution is obvious: Our military forces must defeat their military forces, we must invade their country and we must remove their leaders from power.
With such a crystal-clear goal in mind, it was easy to sell war bonds, ration food and gasoline and instill in the minds of all Americans that each person was a critical component in the struggle for victory. The nation pulled together, civilians and soldiers, and the spirit of America prevailed over ruthless and evil enemies.
After Sept. 11, America seemed reborn in a 1940s brand of patriotism, with a common national goal of bringing to justice those who had slaughtered so many of our fellow citizens. It was clear to virtually all Americans that the “holy warriors” of al-Qaeda and their Taliban protectors in Afghanistan would have to be decisively defeated.
Then came Iraq. Confusing issues like weapons of mass destruction made some Americans question how the war in Iraq became a part of the war on terror. As the initial reasons for invading Iraq became clouded, Americans began to have doubts. As in other post-World War II conflicts, public support has become tenuous as the toll of dead and wounded Americans continues to rise.
The brutal homicides of civilians in the United States, Baghdad, London, Spain, Egypt and other parts of the world have only confirmed that this new war is truly a world war between the civilized nations of good and decent people and an uncivilized, perverted group of killers who believe only in hatred and chaos.
This is a war that must be fought and won on all fronts though real victory will probably only come over decades. Unfortunately, with no nation to conquer, no standing armies to defeat and no front lines to move forward on a map, this epic battle is the ultimate guerrilla war.
The Islamic world is filled with millions of peace-loving citizens. Still, in dark corners of that world, hatred and ignorance have spawned men and women willing to kill themselves as they murder innocent people. Understanding why these terrorists continue to pervert their own religion is the daunting task of both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
The fact remains that it must be Muslims who refuse to tolerate this evil in their own ranks and who educate their next generation that it is wrong to commit such horrible deeds in the name of God. They must also teach tolerance, a democratic ideal not overly prevalent in the Muslim world.
I once told a story to a young Muslim in Iraq. Three men – a Muslim, a Jew and a Christian – were walking down a path to a common destination. They reached a forest and, when they could not agree on the same path, each took a separate way. When the forest ended, the paths converged once again and the three walked together to the end.
I tried to explain to my Muslim friend that those of us who believe in God all want to go to heaven but that we have chosen different paths on which to journey through the forest of life. In the end, we should respect the right of each person to choose their own path to that ultimate destination.
Before I left Iraq, the young Muslim and I embraced shook hands. With tears in his eyes, he said he hoped he would be able to see me again. Being a big strong soldier, I did not shed tears but I told him that, if it were God’s will, we would indeed meet again.
Different races, different faiths, different paths in life, but friends nonetheless. It all seems so simple.
SFC Chuck Grist
This is the latest:
TOLERANCE: A LONG JOURNEY AHEAD
Special to the Orlando Sentinel
August 8, 2005
As wars go, World War II was an easy war. I don’t mean it was easy to fight, but it was easy to understand why we were fighting. When one nation attacks another the solution is obvious: Our military forces must defeat their military forces, we must invade their country and we must remove their leaders from power.
With such a crystal-clear goal in mind, it was easy to sell war bonds, ration food and gasoline and instill in the minds of all Americans that each person was a critical component in the struggle for victory. The nation pulled together, civilians and soldiers, and the spirit of America prevailed over ruthless and evil enemies.
After Sept. 11, America seemed reborn in a 1940s brand of patriotism, with a common national goal of bringing to justice those who had slaughtered so many of our fellow citizens. It was clear to virtually all Americans that the “holy warriors” of al-Qaeda and their Taliban protectors in Afghanistan would have to be decisively defeated.
Then came Iraq. Confusing issues like weapons of mass destruction made some Americans question how the war in Iraq became a part of the war on terror. As the initial reasons for invading Iraq became clouded, Americans began to have doubts. As in other post-World War II conflicts, public support has become tenuous as the toll of dead and wounded Americans continues to rise.
The brutal homicides of civilians in the United States, Baghdad, London, Spain, Egypt and other parts of the world have only confirmed that this new war is truly a world war between the civilized nations of good and decent people and an uncivilized, perverted group of killers who believe only in hatred and chaos.
This is a war that must be fought and won on all fronts though real victory will probably only come over decades. Unfortunately, with no nation to conquer, no standing armies to defeat and no front lines to move forward on a map, this epic battle is the ultimate guerrilla war.
The Islamic world is filled with millions of peace-loving citizens. Still, in dark corners of that world, hatred and ignorance have spawned men and women willing to kill themselves as they murder innocent people. Understanding why these terrorists continue to pervert their own religion is the daunting task of both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
The fact remains that it must be Muslims who refuse to tolerate this evil in their own ranks and who educate their next generation that it is wrong to commit such horrible deeds in the name of God. They must also teach tolerance, a democratic ideal not overly prevalent in the Muslim world.
I once told a story to a young Muslim in Iraq. Three men – a Muslim, a Jew and a Christian – were walking down a path to a common destination. They reached a forest and, when they could not agree on the same path, each took a separate way. When the forest ended, the paths converged once again and the three walked together to the end.
I tried to explain to my Muslim friend that those of us who believe in God all want to go to heaven but that we have chosen different paths on which to journey through the forest of life. In the end, we should respect the right of each person to choose their own path to that ultimate destination.
Before I left Iraq, the young Muslim and I embraced shook hands. With tears in his eyes, he said he hoped he would be able to see me again. Being a big strong soldier, I did not shed tears but I told him that, if it were God’s will, we would indeed meet again.
Different races, different faiths, different paths in life, but friends nonetheless. It all seems so simple.
SFC Chuck Grist
Monday, January 1, 2007
Still Leading by Example: Lt. Gen. Hal Moore
The following entry is a follow-up to the December 30th piece about Mike Harrington. In November of 2005 I had the opportunity to meet Lieutenant General Hal Moore of “We Were Soldiers” fame. I took Harrington along with me and we had a wonderful visit with a First Cav legend.
(From left to right in the above photo: SFC Chuck Grist, Lt. Gen. Hal Moore, SFC Michael Harrington)
This op-ed article resulted from that meeting:
STILL LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Special to the Orlando Sentinel
November 20, 2005
When the unassuming senior citizen walked up to me and held out his hand, I thought I was prepared to meet retired Lt. Gen. Hal Moore of “We Were Soldiers” fame. I’m an old Vietnam veteran, but I was still in awe of a man who had been one of my own personal heroes for more than 35 years.
Most average Americans are familiar with Moore because he was portrayed by Mel Gibson in the highly successful movie. What most people may not know is that his leadership qualities have inspired so many for so long, from a young West Point cadet named Norman Schwarzkopf to the terrified soldiers in Vietnam’s Ia Drang Valley to countless military, corporate and community leaders of today.
Moore came to Central Florida recently to lend his name and speaking prowess to a new scholarship fund in the name of Cpl. Andrew Bowling, a Casselberry Marine killed in the battle for Fallujah last year. The night before the general was to speak at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Oviedo, I was invited to meet him at a private dinner. There is no First Cavalry veteran alive who would not grab an opportunity to break bread with Hal Moore.
I also wanted the general to meet a friend of mine. Sgt. First Class Michael Harrington, who had been attached to the First Cavalry Division in Iraq and who had performed a gallant rescue mission for some of his own comrades. As I related the story of Harrington’s actions during that mission, Moore listened intently. It was a great feeling to see the general put his arm around Harrington in a personal acknowledgement of the sergeant as a fellow warrior.
My friend and I were enthralled as we listened to Moore recall his trip to Vietnam to research the book upon which the movie was based. As he talked about meeting Lt. Gen. An, who led the enemy forces in that long ago battle, it was easy to become drawn into the story. When Moore spoke about returning to the battlefield where so many had died, he was able to take us there with him because he is so gifted with the ability to describe sights, sounds and emotions.
During our evening with Moore, I watched as other guests met and spoke with him. Some of these people were elected officials, law enforcement professionals and others who would give anything to possess the inspirational abilities and leadership qualities of this retired general. It is to their credit that they would even try to follow the example of such a man.
Although he is in his mid-80s, Moore still travels frequently around the country. When he is not teaching leadership to military and civilian bosses, he is reminding Americans of a new generation of young warriors who are standing up to defend this country. Many of them, like Andrew Bowling, are making the ultimate sacrifice.
It is said that soldiers follow commanders because they have to; they follow leaders because they want to. Moore has always led by example. He never asked his soldiers to do anything that he was not willing to do himself, and he understood that rank is something you wear; respect is something you earn. Ultimately, he not only earned that respect himself, he discovered that he had the gift to teach others how to earn it as well.
We often say that young Americans need more real heroes. It is a shame that every one of them can’t spend just one hour with Hal Moore.
SFC Chuck Grist
(From left to right in the above photo: SFC Chuck Grist, Lt. Gen. Hal Moore, SFC Michael Harrington)
This op-ed article resulted from that meeting:
STILL LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Special to the Orlando Sentinel
November 20, 2005
When the unassuming senior citizen walked up to me and held out his hand, I thought I was prepared to meet retired Lt. Gen. Hal Moore of “We Were Soldiers” fame. I’m an old Vietnam veteran, but I was still in awe of a man who had been one of my own personal heroes for more than 35 years.
Most average Americans are familiar with Moore because he was portrayed by Mel Gibson in the highly successful movie. What most people may not know is that his leadership qualities have inspired so many for so long, from a young West Point cadet named Norman Schwarzkopf to the terrified soldiers in Vietnam’s Ia Drang Valley to countless military, corporate and community leaders of today.
Moore came to Central Florida recently to lend his name and speaking prowess to a new scholarship fund in the name of Cpl. Andrew Bowling, a Casselberry Marine killed in the battle for Fallujah last year. The night before the general was to speak at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Oviedo, I was invited to meet him at a private dinner. There is no First Cavalry veteran alive who would not grab an opportunity to break bread with Hal Moore.
I also wanted the general to meet a friend of mine. Sgt. First Class Michael Harrington, who had been attached to the First Cavalry Division in Iraq and who had performed a gallant rescue mission for some of his own comrades. As I related the story of Harrington’s actions during that mission, Moore listened intently. It was a great feeling to see the general put his arm around Harrington in a personal acknowledgement of the sergeant as a fellow warrior.
My friend and I were enthralled as we listened to Moore recall his trip to Vietnam to research the book upon which the movie was based. As he talked about meeting Lt. Gen. An, who led the enemy forces in that long ago battle, it was easy to become drawn into the story. When Moore spoke about returning to the battlefield where so many had died, he was able to take us there with him because he is so gifted with the ability to describe sights, sounds and emotions.
During our evening with Moore, I watched as other guests met and spoke with him. Some of these people were elected officials, law enforcement professionals and others who would give anything to possess the inspirational abilities and leadership qualities of this retired general. It is to their credit that they would even try to follow the example of such a man.
Although he is in his mid-80s, Moore still travels frequently around the country. When he is not teaching leadership to military and civilian bosses, he is reminding Americans of a new generation of young warriors who are standing up to defend this country. Many of them, like Andrew Bowling, are making the ultimate sacrifice.
It is said that soldiers follow commanders because they have to; they follow leaders because they want to. Moore has always led by example. He never asked his soldiers to do anything that he was not willing to do himself, and he understood that rank is something you wear; respect is something you earn. Ultimately, he not only earned that respect himself, he discovered that he had the gift to teach others how to earn it as well.
We often say that young Americans need more real heroes. It is a shame that every one of them can’t spend just one hour with Hal Moore.
SFC Chuck Grist
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