Do intelligence officers ever see combat?

[Rockcat]

20 years ago as an Intelligence Officer with the United States Army (Infantry Division) I was involved in very direct front line operations...and beyond for a few minutes action in an Operation called Desert Storm. Saw a lot of things in a very short period of time. Almost surreal...for you old timers...the burning Rumalyah oil fields and burning armor vehicles are etched in my brain as if it were yesterday.

Additionally, prior to that I served as a Tactical Intelligence Officer assigned to an Infantry Battalion doing everything the Infantry folks did. And these positions still do exist.

I realize since then the force on force scenarios have refocused to counterinsurgency but intel folks still get out unless they are in some head shed.

Looking back as a LT, being out front living in very harsh conditions (no shower for almost 2 months one time) we used to complain about the REMFs back in the Corps and higher headquarters eating off stainless steel trays. In a somewhat ironic twist of fate, I returned to Iraq many years later and served at the Corps Hqs (non MI) as a REMF for a year living in my air conditioned CHU eating three squares a day...although after one too many power point presentations I think I would rather have been out under the stars. Always out front!

 

[MemberLG]

I realize since then the force on force scenarios have refocused to counterinsurgency but intel folks still get out unless they are in some head shed.

A lesson or comment often mentioned duirng intelligence lessons learned is a need for MI soldiers to spend time with soldiers, going out on patrols, and etc. to be more effective instead of just sitting in the HQs and processing intelligence reports.

MI - military intelligence or mostly indoor.

 

[laxman44]

Long story short, officers of any kind rarely see action.

Tell that to the families of the 80 plus graduates of West Point who have paid the ultimate sacrifice serving against the bad guys in our fight against terror.

http://www.west-point.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=81&Itemid=75


http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pb...20110307&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=307009995&Ref=PH




Goldfarb- your statement is based on either ignorance or jealousy.

 

[Chockstock]

Tell that to the families of the 80 plus graduates of West Point who have paid the ultimate sacrifice serving against the bad guys in our fight against terror.

http://www.west-point.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=81&Itemid=75


http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pb...20110307&Category=NEWS&ArtNo=307009995&Ref=PH




Goldfarb- your statement is based on either ignorance or jealousy.

Sounds like you're trying to pick a fight...I'm pretty sure goldfarb meant that in the sense that most officers O-4 and above are in administrative/staff duties, they dont see much action. So no, he was not slighting anyone

 

[scoutpilot]

Sounds like you're trying to pick a fight...I'm pretty sure goldfarb meant that in the sense that most officers O-4 and above are in administrative/staff duties, they dont see much action. So no, he was not slighting anyone

Therein lies the problem of the young and inexperienced making sweeping proclamations about how the military works. Saying "officers of any kind" doesn't convey the point you brought up, if that was indeed the point at all.

 

[laxman44]

And no I wasn't trying to pick a fight. I was blown away by the statement
"Long story short, officers of any kind rarely see action."

Should have checked the source's Army experience, and realized that the statement was based his "Opinion" and on his perceptions. Which I now known is an ignorant statement. (No offense meant again).

I apologize if my rude response came across as a little gruff... I was (and am) still hurting from the death of 1LT Daren Hildago, my Camp Buckner bunkmate's son. He was Infantry , True Blue Infantry from a warrior family. May Daren RIP. May it be said "WELL DONE, Be Thou at Peace" brother.


Peace

 

[Jcleppe]

And no I wasn't trying to pick a fight. I was blown away by the statement
"Long story short, officers of any kind rarely see action."

Should have checked the source's Army experience, and realized that the statement was based his "Opinion" and on his perceptions. Which I now known is an ignorant statement. (No offense meant again).

I apologize if my rude response came across as a little gruff... I was (and am) still hurting from the death of 1LT Daren Hildago, my Camp Buckner bunkmate's son. He was Infantry , True Blue Infantry from a warrior family. May Daren RIP. May it be said "WELL DONE, Be Thou at Peace" brother.


Peace

Goldfarb corrected himself in a later post saying he meant to say "Intel Officers rarely see action"

In that context he was correct, and in no way Ignorant.

If you have to end a comment with "No offense meant" just don't comment, that's what I learned in Kindergarten.

My condolences in regards to you friends son and fellow soldier, he made a sacrifice none of us can repay but are eternally grateful. Always admired and never forgotten.