CONSEQUENCES

Just as in Southeast Asia nearly half a century ago, today's Military Advisory Teams in Iraq and Afghanistan bridge the cultural and military gulf which must be crossed to achieve lasting, self-sustaining national sovereignty. Post WWII and Korea models for protracted, even permanent occupation of defeated nations are no longer viable in an ever-shrinking world where independence, self-governance, free-enterprise, trade are the most sought after post-conflict objectives. However, before any of those goals can be achieved, security and a true sense of national identity must be re-established.

Whether it's standing-up, training national defense forces, or, bridging the cultural divide, the role of the U.S. Military Advisor is "first in, last out," serving a tactician, political science and economics teacher and ambassador of good-will.