Small Wars Journal

Patterns

Mon, 02/15/2010 - 10:41pm
Patterns

by Michael Yon

Download the full article: Patterns

This is a story of warfighting and technology, and what life is like on the ground for our troops, as they do their best in war.

Last night a soldier from the 82nd Airborne Division was killed. The attack occurred just hours before the 82nd was to relieve 1-17th Infantry from duties in portions of the Arghandab River Valley near Kandahar.

Earlier that morning, soldiers from 1st Platoon, B-company (1-17th) had taken me on a short, easy mission out to a micro-base called "Brick 1." The Platoon leader was 1st Lieutenant Ryan Fadden, while SFC Dimico was the platoon sergeant. The platoon was ready. Despite the filthy environment, weapons were clean, the gear was sorted and the men were in good spirits and a business-like frame of mind. They seemed confident. It looked like Lieutenant Fadden and SFC Dimico were on their jobs. The battalion had lost 21 men KIA during the first several months of combat—the Brigade lost 31. An article was about to be published in the Army Times which might lead one to believe that the 1-17th is not combat-ready. The author, Sean Naylor, is as highly respected as he is experienced, and so his words are taken seriously. Yet during my first week, despite serious stresses in some places, the men seemed ready.

And so 1st Platoon drove in their Strykers from COP Jelawur, stopping a couple kilometers away from a small ANA (Afghan National Army) base just on the edge of the Green Zone of the Arghandab River near Kandahar. The heavy Stryker ramps hissed and dropped with a dull thump. The soldiers piled from the backs of the four machines. Two white dogs with wagging tails greeted the men, and the men greeted the dogs as if they were old buddies.

Download the full article: Patterns

Michael Yon is a former Green Beret who has been reporting from Iraq and Afghanistan since December 2004. No other reporter has spent as much time with combat troops in these two wars. Michael's dispatches from the frontlines have earned him the reputation as the premier independent combat journalist of his generation. His work is published at Michael Yon Online and has been featured on Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, CNN, ABC, FOX, as well as hundreds of other major media outlets all around the world.

About the Author(s)

Michael Yon is a former Green Beret, native of Winter Haven, Fl. who has been reporting from Iraq and Afghanistan since December 2004.  No other reporter has spent as much time with combat troops in these two wars.  Michael’s dispatches from the frontlines have earned him the reputation as the premier independent combat journalist of his generation.  His work has been featured on “Good Morning America,” The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, CNN, ABC, FOX, as well as hundreds of other major media outlets all around the world.

Comments

Yatrataxi

Fri, 05/19/2023 - 5:15am

I don’t even understand how I stopped up here, but I assumed this put up was once good. I don’t recognize who you’re however definitely you are going to a famous blogger when you aren’t already. Our Cochin airport taxi service is the best way to get to and from the airport. We offer a variety of vehicles to choose 

Thiselach91

Sat, 05/13/2023 - 8:05am

Each stroke and design seems to weave together seamlessly, forming a harmonious composition that is both visually stunning and thought-provoking. The artist's talent shines through every brushstroke, showcasing a mastery of their craft. I can't help but feel inspired and transported into a world of beauty and imagination. Thank you for sharing this incredible work with us! For more magical insights into the world of virtual magic, I highly recommend checking out https://magicalkatrina.com/magiciansblog/zoom-magician-your-guide-to-virtual-magic by Magical Katrina. Her guide provides a fascinating journey into the realm of virtual magic, unraveling the secrets and wonders that can be achieved through the power of technology. It's an absolute delight for anyone who appreciates the art of illusion.

ClarLulton

Thu, 02/16/2023 - 3:54am

They are in nature, in the shapes of trees and rocks, and in the form of clothing and furniture. Need to get paving Perth and learn more new ways for paving concrete. The pattern is something that can be seen, but also something you create. It’s what you see in the mirror when you look into the bathroom mirror and it could be in your art or design work. Designers are always looking for new patterns to trick their brains into seeing something beautiful.

jendydfg

Tue, 01/10/2023 - 8:23pm

A pattern is not a formula or an 1001 games algorithm. Not even an implementation, really. It's merely an explanation of how to carry out an action. Any programmer, not simply those with prior experience, can use it.

Garrick94

Fri, 11/18/2022 - 2:48am

Patterns are a way to express something in code. They are like the patterns we use in our lives, but much more precise and well defined. Visit this https://masterbundles.com/graphics/patterns/ site for best graphics. A pattern is not an algorithm or a recipe. It's not even an implementation. It's just a description of how to do something. It can be used by any programmer, not just those with programming experience.

Thiselach91

Thu, 08/11/2022 - 5:21am

 We all recognize the benefits of using a pattern to solve a certain problem. Here you check this Driveway paving and get more new things about morris paving. We often use them in our daily lives and we study them to get better at our craft. When it comes to web design and web development, patterns go beyond merely solving a specific problem or creating some visual consistency for your website. They can be used as a way to take your designs from good to great, giving you a chance at reaping the rewards of hard work.

Mr Yon,

Thanks for keeping the individual troopers in the limelight. They deserve it.