quote:

Originally posted by c1steve:
The Sec. of State for Bill Clinton denied a DOD request for at least one tank to be stationed in Mogadishu. The Blackhawk team members knew that once the Somalis realized how vulnerable the choppers were, that the teams were in trouble.

Pretty sure the refusal of armor of any kind, AC-130's or, other heavier supporting assets was a result of then SECDEF Les Aspin....who was the highest ranking member of the administration forced to resign after everything.

As to OP: Depends if your convoy is made up of armored vehicles and how much is known about the opposition.

Considering back then, the convoy had zero armor, let alone suitable 'battle taxis' for engagement of any kind. Overhead air was suppose to be a communication node, however in hindsight, we know contingency planning was limited and information flow was stunted. While the US military had experience with GWI, small-unit engagement & tactics was still limited and the further development and fleshing-out those TTPs, didn't really mature until the Iraqi insurgency started to take off and our SOF units were able to devlop such.

Ramming of any barricades can be hazardous should a command detonated explosive device be hidden within the obstacle, as we saw in Iraq. Drawing fire and opposition resources with a distraction is one way of getting a convoy through a contested area. A heavier convoy with armor and purpose ramming vehicles is possible but, it also results in slower, more cumbersome movement thus, more fire is drawn. Routes in Iraq such as SR Irish to/from Baghdad Airport was patrolled and certain obstacles/objects were removed as a precaution, however most convoys were lightly armored as speed was more important than absorbing any kind of attack.

Yep, It was Sec Def Aspin who signed task force Ranger's death warants.

https://www.washingtonpost.com...d-8ad5-4a0c10688595/

I believe the proper response is to get on the radio and request....


BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRTTTTTT

quote:

SECDEF Les Aspin

Nice writeup by the WaPost. Aspin had very little concern for the troops on the ground. Those who have a desk job in a heated and air conditioned office in Washington, often view soldier's lives as not being terribly important.