Since 2001, the United States special operations forces have been fighting the war on terror. It remains the longest war in American history. The decision to go to war with Iraq was unpopular with the American people, and for those who supported it in congress faced a political backlash. The president received authorization from Congress to declare war on Iraq due to their alleged involvement in the Sep 11 attack and their alleged possession of Weapons of Mass Destructions. On May 19, 2003, President George W. Bush addresses the nation from the Oval Office announcing the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The U.S invasion begin with a Shock and Awe campaign. The Haditha Dam located over the Euphrates River, northwest of
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In Dillard’s plan, 2nd PLT would lead the main effort, seizing a foothold on the Dam and clearing the inside of the Dam complex. . ( All Roads Lead To Baghdad, page 293). First Lieutenant Whittle lead the convey heading northeast into the night along treacherous terrain to avoid enemy concentration as they near the Dam. The convoy lost its aerial due a vehicle that broke down, delaying the convoy advancement. The Ranger breach the final barrier, a chain link fence, and reach the Dam before daylight. Rangers quickly recognize the spillway, under the eerie of their night vision goggles. LT Whittle lead his section to occupy the administrative tower to the west of the facility. Occupying the Dam, the Rangers did not face any fierce opposition until they began to occupy the administrative building. The Rangers were outnumbered tremendously as they were facing an enemy with a battalion size force. Sending special operations group into unknown enemy situation is of no surprise to these Rangers, but having the intelligence prior to going in to Haditha Dam would help to minimize their number of casualty sustain. Giving their current situation, a larger force would be more effective to decisively engage the enemy and have support element to hold and secure parts of the Dam or terrain that were already seize by the Rangers, while allowing them to continue to close with the enemy. The seizure of the Dam were expected to last for 24 hour according to Dillard’s planning process, but lasted longer because of the failed intelligence on the enemy’ strength. After daybreak, all hell broke loose. Rangers and snipers began to engage the enemy from multiple fronts. The Iraqis descended on the American forces AK47s, effective mortar rounds and RPG. In one instances, Sniper Staff Sergeant Ronald Jones spotted Iraqis shooting RPG from the west side of
In Dillard’s plan, 2nd PLT would lead the main effort, seizing a foothold on the Dam and clearing the inside of the Dam complex. . ( All Roads Lead To Baghdad, page 293). First Lieutenant Whittle lead the convey heading northeast into the night along treacherous terrain to avoid enemy concentration as they near the Dam. The convoy lost its aerial due a vehicle that broke down, delaying the convoy advancement. The Ranger breach the final barrier, a chain link fence, and reach the Dam before daylight. Rangers quickly recognize the spillway, under the eerie of their night vision goggles. LT Whittle lead his section to occupy the administrative tower to the west of the facility. Occupying the Dam, the Rangers did not face any fierce opposition until they began to occupy the administrative building. The Rangers were outnumbered tremendously as they were facing an enemy with a battalion size force. Sending special operations group into unknown enemy situation is of no surprise to these Rangers, but having the intelligence prior to going in to Haditha Dam would help to minimize their number of casualty sustain. Giving their current situation, a larger force would be more effective to decisively engage the enemy and have support element to hold and secure parts of the Dam or terrain that were already seize by the Rangers, while allowing them to continue to close with the enemy. The seizure of the Dam were expected to last for 24 hour according to Dillard’s planning process, but lasted longer because of the failed intelligence on the enemy’ strength. After daybreak, all hell broke loose. Rangers and snipers began to engage the enemy from multiple fronts. The Iraqis descended on the American forces AK47s, effective mortar rounds and RPG. In one instances, Sniper Staff Sergeant Ronald Jones spotted Iraqis shooting RPG from the west side of