"Special Forces And A Story of Two Hills: A Cautionary Tale" Topic

"There was once an ODA that was based on a remote hilltop. They lived quietly amongst the neighboring villages of natives, spoke the same tongue, and were even supported by the villages in many ways. There were never any squabbles, but there were also never any real joint projects to improve the hilltop or the quality of life for the ODA or the Villagers. The ODA kept to themselves, and only interacted when necessary, feeling that their fortified position would fend off any threats and their mere reputation would stop anyone from even planning to take their spot.

One day, another ODA rucked up to a nearby hilltop and started building their base of operations. This new ODA was younger, less experienced, but more energized about the potential opportunities of building up the surrounding villages and creating better relationships through more interaction and communication. Living up to what each one
had always been told was the standard of the Green Beret: by, with, and through. At least that was their plan…

The original ODA didn't take much notice of the new ODA until they started getting more attention from the Villagers. There was a revived energy in the area. The Villagers and this new ODA began creating a real bond of trust that only comes from legitimate, genuine relationships built on mutual respect and a desire from both parties to add value to each other…"
Full article here
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Amicalement
Armand

A friend of mine who served early in a higher headquarters in Afghanistan said that ironically, the SF teams that were called up from the National Guard and Reserves were, in his opinion, more effective than the Regular Army SF teams.

The reserve guys just wanted to win the war in their sector and go home, but the RA guys were very focused on command assignments, promotion opportunities, preparing for next FY's training schedule upon return to garrison, etc etc.