Lima Company, 3/25 Marines in Iraq

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Lima Company, 3/25 Marines in Iraq - 7/7/2007 2:37:43 AM

KG Erwin

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From: Cross Lanes WV USA
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Preface: From my local library, I got "Combat Diary" , an independent documentary that was produced about this company, and I just started watching it. During 2005, this unit suffered 23 KIA out of a total complement of 184.

No political agenda here, OK?. They were Marines, in a different war, but otherwise the same as they've been since they were first formed. Young men taken far away from home to serve their country. That's it.

I'll post more after I finish watching it.

PS Some of the stuff that happens is just surreal. For a nerdy wargamer, sitting in the comfort of his livingroom, you think, this is what real combat is like, and I am totally clueless. I'd read about "friction", but THIS is utter chaos.

For any of you who want to capture a glimpse of modern combat at the ground level, this film will give it to you.

< Message edited by KG Erwin -- 7/7/2007 3:27:20 AM >

Post #: 1

RE: Lima Company, 3/25 Marines in Iraq - 7/7/2007 8:29:49 AM

Arctic Blast

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Joined: 4/4/2007
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I've seen that one as well. It is an interesting film, and worth checking out. Also, see if you can find another doc called Operation Dreamland. It followed a unit of the 82nd airborne serving in Fallujah in 2003-04 (not totally sure about the time period?). Basically, they showed up, and once they started operating, all Hell broke loose.

_____________________________

Meditation on inevitable death should be performed daily.

(in reply to KG Erwin)

Post #: 2

RE: Lima Company, 3/25 Marines in Iraq - 7/7/2007 9:32:47 AM

Fredk

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Joined: 3/4/2007
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quote:

PS Some of the stuff that happens is just surreal. For a nerdy wargamer, sitting in the comfort of his livingroom, you think, this is what real combat is like, and I am totally clueless. I'd read about "friction", but THIS is utter chaos.

Erwin, have you ever been a member of a huge organizaiton? Or who the hell knows, you may be a brit, or aussie, or kiwi, or german, I don't know. Or a general. Like I said, I have no idea. All I can say is that I'm not surprised that organization would *appear* poor for any unit of that size.

One thing i've found working for a company that operates in around 13 states is that any change is a total organizational disaster. Chaos as you would put it.

That isn't to belittle the military, god knows how they manage to do as well as they do. They aren't operating in 13 states, or even 13 countries, but all over the globe. It amazes me they manage to survive.

caveat: I haven't see the film in question, so maybe I'm reading your comment entirely in the wrong light.

< Message edited by Fredk -- 7/7/2007 9:39:28 AM >

(in reply to Arctic Blast)

Post #: 3

RE: Lima Company, 3/25 Marines in Iraq - 7/7/2007 7:20:55 PM

KG Erwin

Posts: 8981
Joined: 7/25/2000
From: Cross Lanes WV USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Fredk

quote:

PS Some of the stuff that happens is just surreal. For a nerdy wargamer, sitting in the comfort of his livingroom, you think, this is what real combat is like, and I am totally clueless. I'd read about "friction", but THIS is utter chaos.

Erwin, have you ever been a member of a huge organizaiton? Or who the hell knows, you may be a brit, or aussie, or kiwi, or german, I don't know. Or a general. Like I said, I have no idea. All I can say is that I'm not surprised that organization would *appear* poor for any unit of that size.

One thing i've found working for a company that operates in around 13 states is that any change is a total organizational disaster. Chaos as you would put it.

That isn't to belittle the military, god knows how they manage to do as well as they do. They aren't operating in 13 states, or even 13 countries, but all over the globe. It amazes me they manage to survive.

caveat: I haven't see the film in question, so maybe I'm reading your comment entirely in the wrong light.

My commentary wasn't meant to imply any disrespect. My admiration for the USMC is well-known. I was referring to the specific type of urban combat these guys often find themselves in these days -- very difficult to maintain cohesion and control, easy to be caught in an ambush or run over a hidden IED.

I highly recommend that you watch the film, and you'll understand what I meant.

BTW, I'm a government employee.

(in reply to Fredk)

Post #: 4

RE: Lima Company, 3/25 Marines in Iraq - 7/17/2007 3:07:35 AM

KG Erwin

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From: Cross Lanes WV USA
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Bump. I highly recommend that you watch this documentary. Reading the headlines is one thing, but hearing the Marines talk about their experiences and listening to the surviving family members provides much food for thought.

Watching this only made me admire the hundreds of thousands of families that lost loved ones during WWII. That level of sacrifice is nearly impossible for us to comprehend today.

(in reply to KG Erwin)

Post #: 5

RE: Lima Company, 3/25 Marines in Iraq - 7/17/2007 6:06:22 PM

GreyFox

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Joined: 7/14/2007
From: Ireland
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If you can try researching stuff about the war in Afghanistan, and about the British experiences in Helmand in general and places like Sangin in particular. Channel 4 has done some documentaries on it - real eye opening stuff.

(in reply to KG Erwin)

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RE: Lima Company, 3/25 Marines in Iraq - 7/18/2007 7:23:52 AM

WITPgamer

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Joined: 7/29/2006
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Erwin, Is this the documentary where they came under fire from insurgents using armor piercing rounds at one point? If it is the one I am thinking of its very interesting and would also recommend it.

(in reply to GreyFox)

Post #: 7