www.cnn.com/2000/STYLE/fashion/10/17/military.beret.reut/index.html
GREAT IDEA, but wouldn't BROWN berets be better color to not infuriate Army Rangers?
U.S. Army to wear black berets
October 17, 2000
Web posted at: 5:17 PM EDT (2117 GMT)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- A black beret will become the standard headgear of the U.S. Army starting next year, replacing traditional green hats, the Army Chief of Staff announced Tuesday.
Gen. Eric Shinseki said the new headgear, to be introduced in June next year, would be a symbol of the Army's transformation into a new, lighter, more nimble force for the 21st century.
"It will be a symbol of unity, a symbol of Army excellence, a symbol of our values," he told the annual convention of the Association of the United States Army, a professional support group.
Shinseki said Special Operations and Airborne units would retain their own distinctive berets, green for Special Forces and maroon for Paratroopers.
U.S. Army Rangers, trained to operate behind enemy lines, adopted the black beret in the 1980s.
Currently the standard government issue is an Army-green cap which folds flat and is dubbed an "envelope" cap by troops.
Shinseki said he wanted the entire Army to capture the esprit de corps of the elite units by donning berets.
Wearing berets will be "another step towards achieving the capabilities of the Objective Force," Shinseki said, refering to the high-tech Army of the future he hopes to launch.
"It is time for the entire Army to accept the challenge of excellence that has so long been a hallmark of our Special Operations and Airborne units," he said. "When we wear the black beret, it will say that we, the Soldiers of the world's best Army, are committed to making ourselves even better."
---Lieutenant General James M. Gavin
Harper's magazine, 1954 in the aftermath of the Korean War
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NOTE: we use small case letters when describing OVERSIZED EGOS, we are not impressed nor concerned with what service bureaucracy historians said took place dozens, hundreds of years ago as an excuse to claim greatness by individuals in the present who have not done "squat" except thump their chest. Tiny evacuations, feints and exercises before the cameras of CNN do not count as warfighting or even hazardous peacekeeping; the latter of which the U.S. Army has lead the way, first-to-fight and on the scene, then bearing the brunt of the dirty work, particularly for the last 2 decades after the truck bombing in Beirut due to lax security measures of the unit-on-the-scene. If excellence is not demonstrated in the PRESENT by superior organization, tactics, techniques and procedures, equipment we will say so vigorously and how to correct this sad state. The road-bound wheeled armored car on SUV-type tires, too-heavy-to-fly-by-Army-helicopters fortunately has NOT been adopted by the U.S. Army's interim brigade combat teams, though we already have the 6x6 Fox NBC recon, 6x6 Pandur SOF, and 4x4 ASV-150 MP armored cars in addition to numerous 4x4 armored HMMWVs in the force structure. The U.S. Army doesn't need any more armored cars that limp home at 5 mph on SUV type tire "run flats" if hit by a mere burst of rifle fire in its force structure, it needs to use the light tracked vehicles it has and gain some new types, outfitted with "band-tracks" to create a cross-country, advance-in-the-face-of-enemy-fire capable force that can be helicopter "Air-Meched" into battle, building on the REAL combat exploits of Army Air and Armored Cavalry-type units in Vietnam. The key is to regain the infantry-centrically skilled, terrain-agility that was lost when we smothered track mobility with 1980s technology armor plate/weaponry to win the Cold War in Europe against expected Soviet armored hordes, and improve on it with Airborne/Air Assault means. Fighting vehicles should be on TRACKS not wheels. Our Airborne, Air Assault and Light Infantry Divisions have never lost their light infantry skills, but its time now to make light tracked AFVs organic to their force structure using 21st century armor and weaponry.
The only fancy uniforms we wear and seek to improve on our own, the BLACK BERET becoming our Army-wide symbol of a "medium" force instead of just light Ranger and heavy armor units, some are tinkering with bringing back the U.S. Army WWII tan shirt idea. We still think a BROWN beret Army-wide would be better.
ENHANCED U.S. ARMY VALUES---L-E-A-D-E-R-S-H-I-P
* Loyalty
* Excellence
* Alertness
* Duty
* Enthusiasm
* Respect
* Selfless service
* Honor and integrity
* Innovation
* Personal courage
The official do-it-yourself fix-it homepage of the 1st Tactical Studies Group (Airborne). Our non-profit, military reform think-tank and ACTION group is composed of military professionals all around the world who fight for FREEDOM by insisting on military excellence. Throughout history, small studies groups have been key to victory as they are free to see problems clearly and SOLVE THEM without fear of personal attacks by those guilty within a complacent bureaucracy. This site contains unclassified, non-sensitive information, that always offers SOLUTIONS TO EVERY PROBLEM raised. Many of the articles were first written by 1st TSG (A) members for the "AIRBORNE EQUIPMENT SHOP" weekly column in the now defunct Fort Bragg POST newspaper. Special thanks to Mr. Mark Baker for his awesome Private Murphy's Law cartoons. This site features vital information for the Airborne-Special Operations-Infantry community U.S. Army-wide. Our mission is to be a catalyst for positive military reform and excellence realizing the future of war is AIRBORNE, not seaborne, and we need greater SHOCK ACTION and mobility since conflict is moving to cities. To get that mobility, we need to squeeze every ounce of un-needed weight off the Soldier's back so he can move the fastest and carry the greatest punch.
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THE TRUTH IS OUR CREDENTIALS..
The 1st Tactical Studies Group (Airborne) is composed of dozens of service members with a vast pool of experience in war and peace. But our greatest "credential" and the one you should value the most is THE TRUTH. The TRUTH exists and can be known by all; and is not a mere subjective perspective. As the great thinker Francis Schaeffer said; "Non-A is not A". We live in a cause-effect universe regardless of what we choose to believe to our peril. The conduct of war is an ART, not a science and by being a creative act knows no human limits nor "normalcy" that conventionalists would have us believe they have the sole understanding of.
LTC Richard D. Hooker, Jr. in his collection, "Manuver Warfare", states;
Myth Number 10: "If you've never done it, you can't theorize about it"
No civilian theorist or historian has an answer to the charge that he lacks practical experience. No junior officer can rebut the criticism that he lacks combat experience or personal knowledge of the problems of command. Nevertheless, these are criticisms of individuals, but not of their intellectual contributions to the debate. These must stand or fall on their own merits, not on the resume's of their proponents.
Military history is replete with examples of outstanding military
figures, such as Bedford Forrest, Wade Hampton, and Joshua Chamberlain, who possessed innate talent but lacked practical experience or professional training. Others, such as Alfred Thayer Mahan, Ardant du Picq, B.H. Liddell Hart, and Clausewitz himself, distinguished themselves as outstanding
military theorists despite a lack of impressive credentials as wartime commanders. Their example suggests that a vigorous debate, carried on in a collegial and constructive manner is essential to furthering the military art."
Here's what I consider to be the minimum background for a Colonel, or higher, assigned to a key req'ts job:
1. 15+ years in combat, all climates, all areas, combination of partisan warfare to fighting major powers.
2. Advanced degrees in history, and in political science, and in science or engineering.
3. 10 years experience working with defense industry in key R&D plus production roles.
4. 10 years experience in Pentagon, or similar place, learning how other military departments work w/ the press, the Congress and the rest of the DoD.
5. An ability to recognize that one's pet ideas are not necessarily what the gummint ought to buy.
Combine that w/ a dose of humility.
For an Army req'ts writer, add in the ability to recognize that one's own mil'y specialty does not require a disproportionate share of the Army's funds.
6. Most important of all, he must have the gift of prophecy:
The ability to see beyond how we do things now, and to have the vision to recognize how the ideas or inventions of others, even (gasp!) a civilian, can offer a new way to organize, train, equip, fight and win.
Clearly and seriously, no one has all the above capabilities. But to the degree that a person assigned to a req'ts job is missing the above attributes, he will be less than successful, and he will create more problems than he solves.
One thing that he can't change is that the Army's vast overhead structure of organizations, at multiple levels, is more of a hindrance to change, and to daily effectiveness than a help."
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01. It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning
An Army field-grade officer writes:
What I am getting at is that not all prophets see the future as clearly as we think and not all we are doing now is wrong or pig headed. We should be wary of those who want to burn everything down and start fresh--to many of them have no idea of the complexity of modern war.
You are doing us all a great service by keeping the debate alive and questioning anything that smells wrong. Whenever you want to discuss these things, please call on me.
Thanks, and keep up the great work!!
P.S. I am absolutely amazed at the quality of your web pages. Next year I will take command of XXXXXXXXX at Fort XXXXXX and I would like to ask you for advice on ideas I have for distance learning via the web."
A combat-veteran Paratrooper writes:
"I have spent a total of 3 tours with the 82d Airborne
>Division, I'm a veteren of Grenada (C Co 1/508th PIR) Desert Storm (a Co 2/504th PIR), and was enroute to Haiti when we were diverted back home. I will be retiring next year ! Aug 2000, and just wanted to say "OUTSTANDING!" your site is great! Keep your feet and knees together and have soft landings. AIRBORNE!!"
A Armor enthusiast writes:
A Senior Armor officer writes:
"Mike,
Thanks for your spirited response. I am convinced that your heart is in the right place.
You are misinformed. The Armored Gun System was not blocked, stopped or canceled by Armor Branch. Branches do not have budget authority. Armor branch expected the AGS to be funded and was very disappointed when it was canceled by the CSA in favor of Apache and Crusader. The budget process--which weapons are bought or canceled--is a very complex process which defies simple solutions.
The decision makers dropped the AGS and took a short term risk for what they thought would be a long term gain.
Should it be this way? Maybe not. But in the real world, what counts is that we have informed, smart people standing up for the right systems, organizations and programs.
Yes, our forces are unbalanced right now--yet we can meet our security requirements today. Is it perfect? No. For the future--as soon as possible in my book--we need a medium armor force, as you and many others have recognized. Your work to bring out this requirement is right on the mark.
The discussion you have generated and your web sites are important additions to the current debate. Keep up the fire and have a great day."
An Army veteran writes:
"I was fascinated in finding your site. It is nice to know that members of the military are working to improve the services to whatever degree possible. It bought back memories of some ideas I had thought about long ago. I kept up with it for awhile & made notes as technology changed, but I stopped in the 80's until now, when I read your site and remembered.
I had some ideas over 20 years ago when I was in the reserves in "Carter's Army", it involved the then new RDF. After looking at the problems that were apparent & the missions most likely to occur, I came up with the idea that since the first units on the scene would be paratroopers, possibly without support, a force modification was necessary. Because the anticipated DZ would be at the OPFOR strength, possibly against heavy armor, in extremely hostile terrain. ANY force multiplier available should be used.
Idea #1) Expand the Airborne forces to at least 3 divisions to create a true dedicated Airborne Corps.
Idea #2) Create a specialized ACR of heavy armor or larger at Corps level for airlanding reinforcement of deployed Airborne forces. (Unfortunately even utilizing the entire C-5 fleet would not transport a heavy tank battalion IF all C-5's were available. IF no mechanical breakdowns occurred. IF not a too hot LZ. IF and adequate airfield were available. A C-17 capable medium tank may be the answer. (The ROK's have a 2/3 scale M1 clone that looks promising) Question, does the C-17 have M1 tank transport capability? Even so, more "medium" tanks could be transported quicker, hell, it wouldn't be any lighter or smaller than Soviet tanks and it could be made much more effective.
Idea #3) Mechanize the Airborne units to the same degree or better as the Soviet Airborne, using off-the-shelf equipment.
*Use M113A3's modified to Israeli standards, this includes the M113-1/2.
*Re-issue updated M151's, (the French make an interesting armored jeep like a miniature 'Hummer"). The utilitarian usefulness of the old jeep, I believe, cannot be ignored (only because it's small size in relation to it's performance makes it more easily transportable).
*Copy the BMD if necessary.
*Utilize the LAV to some extent as armored tractors/transports to supplement Hummers.
(I had buddies in the Blackhorse & in the 73rd Armor and from their conversations believe the M551's have some serious shortcomings. An updated M551 or some replacement like the XM8 are necessary). (I am familiar with the British Scimitar/Scorpion/Stormer/Saracen/Striker/etc. series, but they are a little old. But they are a great design and their reputation for very low ground pressure is impressive. Perhaps they can be given newer diesel engines & updated. Although the Scimitar/Scorpion tanks are too light & undergunned).
(Adopt some of the popular civilian ATV's, mil-spec'd to some degree).
Idea #4) Mechanize at least one battalion per brigade, preferably more. Best case, the entire division should be mechanized. One idea I had was for a dedicated separate BN per BGD that would double as an ACAV unit or APC unit as needed (ability to operate independently or with infantry). This option would prevent infantry skill degradation & dependency upon their armor vehicle (a problem I noticed in mech inf units I dealt with).
Idea #5) The ABN division should be composed of 3-5 BN combat teams per BGD. A DIV should be composed of 3 separate BGD combat teams with standard attached support units for a DIV. Minimal air transport capability should be able to drop 1 BGD combat team with support. Ideally, transport/drop capability should be 1 DIV with Corps support.
Idea #6) Modify the current squad organization to mimic the Soviet model. 2-3 man FT with SAW/M203's; 1 HK23 MG team; 1 ATRL team. (Place 2 RCL teams & 2 MMG (or 60mm mortar) teams in a PLT level heavy weapons SQD). Place a battlefield sniper at PLT level.
Idea #7) Artillery is a major consideration. I recall being activated for possible Angola deployment when the SA were getting their asses kicked by superior Cuban armor/artillery, and the Yom Kippur war where superior Arab artillery were causing the Israelis problems.
I am not thrilled with towed artillery considering the fast pace of modern warfare and the potential of OPFOR counter battery.
An air-transportable SP artillery vehicle is needed. The French at one time fielded an SP which consisted of a small, light tracked chassis with a 155mm howitzer mounted, like a miniature M110. Seems to me it should be little or no problem to adapt a more modern version for SP artillery capability for Airborne operations.
Mortars, I envisioned, could be expanded in scope. The Israelis & especially the Soviets use mortars that extend up to heavy artillery range. A SP heavy mortar of over 120mm (160mm-200mm or larger) should be looked into to augment or replace Airborne towed field artillery.
Idea #8) Convert the current usmc to a heavy mechanized force. Due to airlift capabilities it is still easier (but not faster) to move heavy armor vehicles by ship. The current BLT's stationed in the Pacific and the Mediterranean would be Cavalry type units with extra vehicles to expand to BGD strength. I envisioned this as the capability of moving sufficient numbers of heavy armor by air were not feasible at the time and from what I can see, are still not. Airborne forces, though mechanized to some degree, would still be stuck with light armor assets. Although heavy armor could be moved by some of the larger transports, I believe that they are not capable of air-drop, require too lengthy preparation times at both ends of the trip and require adequate, secure landing facilities.
Use of the usmc to be the heavy mechanized follow-on force of RDF was to me at the time the simplest compromise. In the event of trouble, the ships could be pre-positioned in strategic offshore locations. Although I have no answer for the following problems:
*Compromised intentions by pre-positioning.
Idea #8) Adopt light engineering equipment available through civilian sources (like those tiny bulldozers & similar miniature equipment) could be air-dropped with combat engineers to build make-shift runways (I also seem to recall a small bridging vehicle used in Vietnam, a modern version could be useful, the CEV version of the LAV or a customized M113 would also be useful). This would eliminate the need to secure airfields which would be obvious targets, heavily defended and most likely would be damaged by USAF airstrikes anyway.
Idea #9) Air-drop capable helicopters. Even if necessary, adopt smaller copters so at least to have some capability. By air-dropping copters with armor assets would give ABN forces ability to rapidly expand from the DZ, with support capability optimizing surprise.
An Air Cav BN should be minimum for a BGD size operation. Some of the larger copters such as MH-47Es and Super Sea Stallions with air-refueling probes could be adopted to followup drops & arrive on their own. (I like H53's, because of the 14+ ton sling capacity, the 50+ troop capacity and internal cargo capacity to carry 2 x M151-sized vehicles).
Idea #10) Adopt off-the-shelf, more efficient weaponry:
*Replace the Dragon ATGM with the JAVELIN and the French Eryx.
*Issue Panzerfaust 3's as ATRL's.
I had liked the Armbrust as it is as light and small as the M72's but has 3 features: a 600mm penetration, burn after launch and Davis countershot principle (reduced backblast, ability to fire from inside structures). The Panzerfaust is like a giant RPG but with the same attributes as the Armbrust but with 700mm of penetration (according to the Israelis, 700mm of penetration should defeat T-72's frontally) The high penetration and low launch signature with the ability to fire from within structures make the German RL's very appealing.
Idea #11) Remove Tactical airstrikes from the USAF and place them with the people who would use & need them the most, Corps level command. Why not? The usmc never gave up their assets, AUSA should have their own dedicated capability. It should be restricted to strictly ground support aircraft like A-10's, Spectres, Harriers or A-6's. A dedicated strike air wing and a dedicated air transport wing of C-17's & C-130's at Corps or Army level would be great.
Idea #12) The Army lacks a LIGHT ARMORED SP AA system. This is especially troubling compared to the rest of the world. 2 versions should be developed. A heavy version for heavy mechanized forces is the M6 BFV Linebacker but we need a light version for ABN operations. At this time I have no ideas on any type to be developed.
Idea #13) An air-droppable mini-MLRS could also be developed for ABN operations unless the present vehicle can fit into a C-17 and be airdropped. Perhaps by slimming the package by 1/3 (loss of 4 launch cells) would make it more transportable.
I wrote from memory, I noticed how close some of your ideas came to mine at the time. The only change in my memory was using the designation XM8 for the light tank, I didn't know that it was assigned a designation. I remember the selections for trial but never heard of the results of the test or even what kind of tests were performed (wasn't the XM8 the FMC entry? It was either that or the Cadillac-Gage entry which I thought were the only 2 worth considering). The last I remembered before I stopped was the introduction of the M3 Carl Gustav, a great improvement over the M72 LAW, the adoption of the LAV-25 by the USMC (but I don't think it performed well in the Gulf).
I know some of the ideas are very outlandish, but hell, we all dreamed about the perfect Army.
I look forward to reading more of your articles, I have somewhat lost touch with technology & events over the years. Keep up the good work."
"Mike:
XXXXXXXXXXXX
A Governmental official writes:
"re: Averting tragedies: TWA 800
Since it is reasonably certain that TWA-800 was *not* the victim of a missile, but more likely the victim of old/faulty wiring I have difficulty in understanding the "use" of TWA-800 with regards to the articles contents. Perhaps it would be better to remove any refernce to TWA-800 from the article and instead let the article stand alone on it's merits.
Beyond that I like your site.."
A Paratrooper writes:
"Great site, I am recommemding it to all my Airborne commrades."
A LRRP writes:
"Drive On!!!"
A Soldier writes:
"This site is excellent because it let´s the individual Soldier express his/hers comments about problems/improvments that could be done"
"Great website.. good to know that there are people out there who care and are trying to make the lives of the
groundpounders easier.
Air Assault!"
"OUTSTANDING SITE !!!!!
Fair Winds and Soft Landings"
Sgt who Served in Canadian Airborne Signal Pl.
A web surfer comments:
"Great Military Site."
Welcome to the
Military Reform Webring
"Regrettably, much of the early debates about Maneuver Warfare focused on personalities. While civilians and academics charged senior military leaders with lacking a real understanding and historical grasp of their profession,
military professionals responded with harsh criticism of the reformer's lack of combat experience and understanding of the realities of modern warfare. In the exchange, both sides sometimes failed to listen to each other; both missed
opportunities to further the profession.
A noted Defense analyst writes:
"Bum decisions by the User are a sensitive issue, especially a sensitive area for a person who has little mil'y experience. But the facts are that Users are often wrong. The Army fought the MG, mechanization, parachuting, aircraft, magazine rifles, etc. All those devices were invented by civilians, incidentally.
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02. Get mad, then get over it.
03. Avoid having your ego so close your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
04. It can be done!
05. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
06. Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
07. You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.
08. Check small things.
09. Share credit.
10. Remain calm. Be kind.
11. Have a vision. Be demanding.
12. Don't take counsel of your fears or nay-sayers.
13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
14. LISTEN AND DO WHAT GENERAL POWELL ADVISES!
FEEDBACK!!
"The Army must be able to adapt to change, but we also must be careful how we change. The Army is a big organization. It is interesting to note that although most military reformers cite the blitzkrieg as an era of reform, for example, there is ample historical information that explains the superiority of the German Army from 1039-1941 as a result of incremental change to the post-WWI German Army. Radical changes, like the course that the British RAF took after WWI, led them down a dangerous and bloody course.
"If you like I can try to get some of the illustrations scanned. I will also keep my eye out for anything else. I do enjoy your articles, especially those that favor ideas outside the norm of current Army planning."
Jason Ebersole
"Mike,
OSONS - XXX Et XXXX- RV
Why are you in the U.S. military..? Why don't you come up here and join us instead..? We could use you...I really mean that...no sarcasm at all...."
from the Canadian Army Mailing List
"Mike,
XXXXXX, David X,
Where do you find all those excellent links? We have nothing like that here in Canada as far as I can find...Keep up the good comments and such the like....BTW, can you get yourself clones and come work for us too..? :-}
Mcpl - FCS tech
CFB XXXXXX
*If DZ is not within or unavailable to sea transport landing sites.
*If situation develops faster than ships can position themselves.
It is because of this that deployed ABN forces be incumbent only upon air delivered assets.
*Issue Armbrust P3's as LAW's instead of the heavy AT4.
*Issue M3 Carl Gustav RCL's.
It's was funny to find that even across the ocean, problems, complaints and sugestions made to the higher echelons are almost the same..."
Scout Platoon, 1st Airborne Infantry Battalion
Portuguese Airborne Brigade
Good to see there are more people out there with the same views as myself.
"Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrity. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence."
-- Albert Einstein
LIKE THE MUSIC YOU HEAR HERE? HERE IS ITS LYRICS. AND THE ORIGINAL SONG IN REAL AUDIO.
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