Now Reading . . . . . . .

A series of essays by Francis J. "Bing" West.

Bing West Articles Courtesy of Westwrite

I first saw Mr. West speak at the Counterinsurgency Leadership in Iraq and Afghanistan Conference hosted by the Marine Corps University and the National Press Club last September.  His newest article is a trip report covering his travels in Afghanistan last month.  The article provides an interesting perspective for those that have served (or are going to serve) in that AoR. 

For Navy personnel going on IAs to either Iraq or Afghanistan, I consider some of the articles associated with the link above to be required reading.  They provide perspective and insight on the ground war that should be of value to many "Sand Sailors."

While poking around the Westwrite website,  I followed the link on the left labeled Combat Decision Range.  These products were developed by GAMA corporation, and are apparently used by the Marine Corps in training squad level leaders in combat decision making using a relatively realistic, scenario driven, virtual environment. 

Fleet Protection Range #1  and Combat Decision Range #21 and #22 seem particularly applicable to Navy personnel.  The website indicates that these CD scenarios are available to Marine Corps personnel through the Marine Corps Warfighting Lab.  I wonder if they'd let some sailors get their hands on this material.  They look to be a good use of GMT time.

Full disclosure:  I have no financial interest in either Mr. West's published articles or the developer of the Combat Decision Range software.  I receive no benefit from pointing out these resources and do so because they appear to be valuable tools.

V/R,