Captain William Wischmeyer
U.S. Marine Corps, Retired

I was the junior advisor (as a Captain) to the 6th Vietnamese Marine infantry battalion from August 1971 - May 1972. I was an assistant brigade advisor to the 258 Brigade for two months prior to that.

My counterpart was the Bn XO. All of the infantry battalions operated with an alpha/bravo command group. The bravo group was the XO, myself and two rifle companies. Our role was to develop the situation, where applicable. The alpha group was the CO, the HQ element/company, and two rifle companies...and any attachments, plus the senior battalion advisor. As the bravo group developed the situation, the alpha group could make an assessment to exploit the contact or withdraw, depending upon the ability to win with minimal casualties.

Probably the most significant lesson I learned as an advisor was the need to co-exist with your counterpart. We lived together in the field and shared everything (food, weather, bad times and good). We weren't always best friends...but we always appreciated the other and were ready to do our part in whatever conditions we faced. This was the standard for Marines (contrary to my observation of the US Army advisory teams). 2) You had to know your business. We were primarily there to direct and coordinate US supporting arms. Their (and your) life frequently depended upon your ability to call for and accurately employ these assets at the pivotal moment. 3) They had been fighting the war their entire adult life. We had different styles of leadership but I learned a lot about tactics, troop and weapons deployment, and especially use of the terrain from my counterpart. They had a lot to teach...but only if you demonstrated a desire to learn.

My greatest contribution was during an attack by 2 NVA battalions against our hilltop position. We had significant casualties (only 8 of 95 were not wounded/killed). I ran US air/artillery assets for over 36 hours and when the orders came down to leave the position, we E&E'd out with our wounded.

I’m sure my experience in Vietnam and current conditions in Iraq are very similar in terms of relationship building and being the bridge between US and Iraqi forces. A difference would be that we were the last advisors to the Vietnamese Marines. Many had gone before us and we stepped into the corporate experience provided by our predecessors. The first/early advisors will experience the challenge of determining the above.

We did our duty to the best of our ability, enjoyed great friendships (then and still) with fellow advisors and rotating when our time came. I'd like to think we made a difference during the time we were there. My counterpart did get out after a lengthy process with his family. I saw him for the first time since 1972 in Houston 3-4 years ago at a reunion. His children were grown, well educated, very successful and extremely proud of their father. I was very flattered that he introduced me to his family and friends as "his Covan".

A US military withdrawal from Iraq would lead to several consequences. If we have no skin in the game our interest/money/resources will go elsewhere. I doubt that the Iraq military has the organization, equipment, or culture to survive as a national/regional army.

Civilian Bio:

• University of South Dakota Business School, BS Business Administration
• University of North Carolina, Keenan-Flagler Business Leader Program
• Vice President for Services and Operations, Dell
• Director of Configuration Management for Dell Americas, Dell
• Director of Corporate Desktop Operations and Distribution, Dell
• Manufacturing Operations Manager, Dell
• Adjunct Instructor, Texas A&M Engineering Extension Program
• Director of the Marine Corps Recruiting Program, Marine Corps