Click here to read Dickerson's essay.
Comments
Like Ryan, I, too, am impressed. I've never considered Slate a magazine that presents an "even-keeled" view of topics, especially when addressing the military.
Regarding the position GEN Mattis advocates, I find it a bit amusing. While I agree 100% with his view, I wonder when it will get down to lower-level commanders. Generals talk but no one listens.....or they listen then ignore.
I suspect GEN McChrystal, with his SOF background, is inclined to apply the "less force, greater risk" technique, as are a few others. But overall, Army leaders (and I suspect military leaders in general) are far too risk-averse to ever think that GEN Mattis' ideas are the way to go, at least not in their command. Whenever I have mentioned to my fellow STTs that we need to be prepared to dump the body-armor and walk the streets of Kandahar/ Ramadi/ Qalat/ etc....they look at me like I have a new appendage growing from my forehead.
I hope GEN Mattis and other like-minded leaders can convince our officers (O3 and up) that "less force, smaller footprint, greater risk" can be the best COA, certainly in a COIN fight.
Was NOT expecting such a good article from the otherwise hyper-partisan Slate. Good read. And his quote about commanders needing to protect the "mavericks," in his speech to new one-stars, is now in my e-mail signature.
Have liked Mattis since I read the sadly underwhelming "Fiasco." He spoke at the EOD Memorial ceremony last year and it may be the best speech I've ever heard.