No Better Friend Plan

I just want to call some attention to the 1st Marine Division.

The "No Better Friend" Plan
The redeployment of the 1st Marine Division to Iraq in February and March comes at a critical juncture. The Marines returned from southern Iraq in September. This time they are going to Al Anbar Province and will be responsible for half of the 'Sunni Triangle' including the city of Falluja which is one of the most volatile in Iraq. Relations between the current Coalition forces and the people there are strained. The Marines success in this region will play a crucial role in Iraq's transition to a stable and prosperous society.

A key element of the Marines plan is to build trust by demonstrating there is "no better friend" than a Marine, as the saying goes. Officers feel it is imperative to "show an immediate improvement" over current conditions to the local people. They know much of their success rides on the impressions and relations built in their first 30 days. As one officer says, "it's important to not go in empty handed." As they say, there is only one chance to make a first impression. The items they need - medical goods, school supplies, etc. - will be used immediately to assist the people of Iraq, establish better relationships and help win the "battle for hearts and minds."

I just recently read the book they mention in the article, "The March Up : Taking Baghdad with the 1st Marine Division" and its a great book if you want to know what really took place on the ground. Instead of being spoon fed big media half truths.

I am a full supporter of our military actions in Iraq. And anything to help them out and possibly save some of our soldiers lives the better. I know a lot of people don't read this site, but the more sites that spread the word the better.

Being a former U.S. Army M1a1 Tank Crewman, I thank all of our soldiers for the job they are doing. And salute the ones who have fallen to spread the voice of Freedom to a repressed land.