Gen. Mark Milley was ordered by President Biden to protect the Kabul embassy “at all costs” but wouldn’t allow more troops to be brought in. The general initially stated he was left no choice but to abandon Bagram airbase in order to have a large enough force to do that. Now, the embassy is operating out of the international airport and Biden allowed more troops to be brought in for protecting the evacuation.
One might wonder why the American embassy, which was to be closed with the departure of our troops anyhow, wasn’t simply moved to Bagram where it was infinitely more defensible had the decision to remove all air support not been made. High value Taliban, al Qaeda and ISIS prisoners held at Bagram could have been flown to Guantanamo, to be exchanged for Americans and Afghan ally hostages as needed. A deep perimeter around the base could have been maintained with sufficient forces to facilitate the removal of friends and allies.
I disagree with the goals of this conflict for the last eighteen and a half years – to remake a 13th century society to mirror our own. As for this “withdrawal”, I was a young Marine Lance Corporal grunt 60 years ago who, not even being a tactical genius, could have foreseen the results of which we would have used two words to describe – the first being “Cluster.”
Category: Main
The Few and The Proud 2/26
Great story old Marine. I too was with 2/26 in 1967-68, I was a squad leader in 81mm, and often had line company commanders request me and my 81 team. I was still in country during the siege of Khe Sahn, and we controlled the mountain range north of the base, so the NVA had to come thru us before they could get to the base. Before we went to Khe Sahn we spent some time in Phu Bei rebuilding our Bn. after having been in a major battle close to the DMZ. I mention those places to you so you will have a reference point to help determine if we might have been with 2/26 at the same time.
I agree with you, the way things are going it looks like the country may need us old farts again, and as long as I can squeeze a trigger, I will be there. Semper Fi Brother.
Retired Navy Corpsman (8404)
As a Retired Navy Corpsman (8404) also Independ Duty Corpsman, I would like to say how Proud we Americans are or servicemen and women who give of their time and even some of their blood for this country by being members of the Armed Forces. When we join we take an oath to serve and to protect America against all Enemies Foreign and Domestic and this oath is never taken away from us. As a Veteran of Viet Nam, the Cuban Crisis, and the blockage of Haiti. Our Military should always hold our heads high as we have nothing to be sorry for.
Semper Fi original poem by Jim Barger
Semper Fi
We’ve lost part of America today
As soldiers answered their call
Afghanistan field crosses stand
Brave warriors until they fall
A message now delivered
Dress blues at the door
A gold star family now weeps
Men and women of the corps
Twenty years they sacrificed
For freedom they fought and died
Americans are so proud of you
You fill our hearts with pride
Thank You to All Afghanistan Vets
Thank You to All our Afghanistan Veterans !! I know First Hand how you all feel right now !! I served two tours in Viet Nam ( 22 1/2 months total )!! First tour w/Golf 2/9 – the second w/Hotel 2/26 !! You have Earned the Right to Hold your head High !!! Just like us who served in Nam ! We did what we were asked to do & in most cases – went Far & Above that mission !! Don’t look down – keep Looking Up – Job Well Done !! WELCOME HOME Brothers & Sisters !!!!! PS – us Old Farts are ready to Reenlist to help Save this Country if it comes to that !!!! Semper Fi !!!
Marine Tradition
As a second generation Marine: father, WWII, Pacific Theater, me Vietnam, 3rd Recon Bn., Recon squad leader, Delta Co. and 4th Combined Action Group leader, all these Vets should be proud to have served. We don’t look for thanks from the public; we just have the knowledge that we served our nation when asked without question. This has been the standard since the beginning of our nation. If we joined thinking that at the end there will be a parade and “thanks”, don’t join. Having answered your country’s call and done your best is enough thanks. Be proud all of you, all services. Those that went before you, especially those that gave all, including my Ranger brother-in-law in Vietnam , are proud of you. Remember that and hold it close to your heart.
Drafted
The attached is Chapter 2 of a memoir I am writing about my entire two years in the Marines.
Sgt. Tom Elliott
USMC 1966 -68
Thomas Elliott 2,000 Words
4711 Gate Way
Santa Barbara CA 93110
(805) 895-6095
Tr.elliott@cox.net
Drafted
During World War-2 drafted meant serving for the duration of the war. During the Vietnam War drafted meant “Two Years to Serve.”
106 RR
As a 2111, I was pretty familiar with the 106 RR but when I ended up serving my WESTPAC tour on Okinawa, I gained even more knowledge of this great infantry support weapon when I ended up teaching it’s maintenance to 2111 want to be’s sent to Okinawa from their unit’s in Viet Nam. Most of those guys probably didn’t absorb much about the weapons we were training them on since this was like an R&R for them.
And if anybody is confused about the basic 106 RR, the Ontos will really send them into a tail spin. One heck of a weapon!
Finally knocked out a 82mm
February 18, 1968, I was the Arty FO assigned to Fox 2/26 Marines on Hill558. Hill 950 was under attack and had taken numerous wounded. I used my training and located the offending weapon that was shelling the medvac choppers. Calling in arty was out of the question sowed around the hill looking for someway to take out this weapon. I stumbled on a 106 on a mule, as I was the only one that could see the firing pit, I was given the seat. Three 50cal spotters and one HE round the 82 was seen flying through the air. What a weapon, nothing else on Hill 558 could touch it.
Boot camp graduation yearbook
My father is Richard Miles went to boot camp at Paris island . He graduated April27 1976. Platoon 140, I believe he said one of his drill instructor was Sgt. Green. we are trying to find a copy of his graduation year book for Christmas. Also he was with 1st Bn. 3rd marines alpha co. They have a west pac yearbook also, has a camouflage cover, and a cruise book from 2nd Bn. 3rd marines supply . A white cover with red lettering. If anyone has access to any of these 3 books we would like to purchase any of them. At any price. He is disabled and in a wheelchair. We would greatly appreciate any help. You can contact me his son @ milomiles89@yahoo.com. Thank you very much for your time to all veterans.