U.S. Marine Tanks Prepare for Falluja Offensive

Yahoo News ^ | 11/07/04 | Michael Georgy

[Cobra64]

United States General George Patton European commander said in 1944, "the enemy's guts will be grease for my tanks." I like his attitude. General 'Black Jack' Pershing's attitude was even better in the early 1900s in the Philipines fighting Islamic insurgents. Do a Google for details. Pershing was one tough SOB.

[Barlowmaker]

How do you know they never trained for urban pacification or "riot control"?

[Travis McGee]

U.S. warplanes screamed overhead and AC-130 gunships with cannons and machineguns that sound like a giant drill pounded Falluja.

The sound of thunder mixed with the air strikes as lightning illuminated tank cannons pointing toward Falluja.

UNLEASH HELL!!

[Southack]

Sweet!

[Squantos]

Sad part IMO is that the Insurgant Chief Cook and Bottle Washer probably left town with the women and kids yesterday.

[Travis McGee]

I'm not certain Zarchawi was in Fallujah at all, but if he has been there, I don't know if he could or would have left.

The arab world has been building up Fallujah as the Great Arab Victory Over The Infidels since April. I don't think Zarchawi can flee their "Alamo" at the point of attack and keep face. I hope he genuinely seeks martyrdom, and we give it to him.

[CWOJackson]

Brings back memories of bin Laden's press release from his mountain stronghold; how they were bravely throwing off the invaders and inflicting mass casualties on us.

Remember the shock when the Arab world saw the videos of the smoking caves and scattered bodies?

Then there was the Arab worlds reaction when Saddam and his army was crushed so quickly and easily. Shocked silence and unbelief.

[Southack]

It's an IQ test for Zarqawi. If he thinks that he can hold Fallujah, then he'll stay there. If not, then he's moderately intelligent.

[Travis McGee]

The difference was the lack of women's and children's body parts scattered in the caves of Tora Bora. The jihadists are counting on creating revulsion in the world by maximizing civilian casualties in Fallujah, in living color on world TV.

[Squantos]

I wish they'd just lay waste to that pile of camel chit with Buffs and Lancers with Spectre doing the mopping up. Let the Troops sit back on the 3 mile perimeter and drink beer and watch the light show.....

Troops are gonna get this done .........hope they all come through it OK.

[Travis McGee]

There is zero chance of the enemy holding one yard of Fallujah. Bush and the Marines have the same killer instinct at this time, I think. They are going to go for a total wipeout. Bush will not handcuff the commanders' tactics. I'm guessing the ROE state that if fire is taken from a mosque, it should immediately be stopped by any means.

[Travis McGee]

I only want to see troops moving through smoking heaps of lifeless rubble.

[CWOJackson]

If they try that I have no doubt the Iraqi government will launch it's own media campaign...and they have a lot they can show the world about dead women and children.

[river rat]

You just gotta know that the kids watching the city getting lit up and softened before the assault -- can hear their every heartbeat in their own ears, feel as if their tongue has swollen up and gone bone dry and the adrenalin coming in such spurts that they're on the verge of screaming to release the pent up energy and excitement.....

Now, they're writing "last letters", promising one another to go to their family if they don't get back, apologizing for past slights, expressing previously unspoken respects and admiration, looking into one another's eyes with the look that only they understand and no freaking movie can duplicate.

Most folks don't realize - that at this moment, they are NOT fighting for God, America or Apple pie -- they are fighting for each other.... That's it... That and the Corps...

They won't calm down until they start moving, and see all the Marines about them going about "business", and looking so damned fearsome and fearless that they all take comfort and strength from the aura that the assault team generates. It's almost never as bad as you worry about it being.....but not always...

May God bless and watch over them...

Semper Fi

[Travis McGee]

So as always it'll be a balance between the military and political considerations.

With troops paying the difference in their blood.

[CWOJackson]

There always has and always will be a balance between political and military considerations, particularly in this nation. The military serves at the pleasure of the political. Not a great system at all but how we structured our Constitution.

[Squantos]

Well said......slow surreal show they'll remember till they die.

[Travis McGee]

Fallujah is going to be another touchstone battle name for the Marines.

"He was in the battle of Fallujah," will be said with great respect.

Marines who are not there tonight wish they were.

Hell, I wish I was there. Jets screaming overhead, artillery going out, thunder and lightning. Engines and smoke. What a dramatic "show" to observe and be part of!

I just pray the ROE are "permissive," and not too many Marines die fighting for structures which could have been detroyed first instead.

[river rat]

Amen on the rubble...

That's the type war a nation fights when they love their own warriors more than the fear the opinion of the world...

We have not yet reached that point..

Semper Fi

[Senator_Palpatine]

>>>>The Arab world has been building up Fallujah as the Great Arab Victory Over The Infidels since April.>>>>
"This turn of events is unfortunate,We must accelerate our plans...Begin landing your troops....."