"He has an entire chapter devoted to the Forward Surgical teams (FST) and Combat Support hospitals (CSH) in Iraq and Afghanistan that enabled US combat deaths to reach record low-levels. US would do well to pump in aid and training to PA logistics commanders in this area...just my 2 cents."
Many of our divisional medical battalions have stateside responsibilities at post hospitals as well. Some of these garrison and dependant responsibilities may have been shifted onto the private sector here. I'm not familiar but wouldn't doubt it.
My point is that your suggestion is excellent and exactly the type of true force-mulitiplier that helps soldiers feel greater confidence going into battle. It also entails a reasonably robust MEDEVAC capability for P.A. aviation units supporting these combat forces. That's a related matter that affects efficiency.
To that end, I'd give all those de-commissioned aircraft were the P.A. to pay for the up-grades and shipping costs from their received aid. Those costs should, naturally, be known before rendering an offer and expecting a decision but I'd hope that's been explored.
Both UH-1 Iroqouis and COBRA AH1 series remain excellent platforms for this battle and will, no doubt also prove effective fighting the Indians.
"The ops will be bloody..."
Yes. I expect so as it should be more than an "op". This is a campaign to retake FATA, IMHO, and will not be settled with a simple operation or two. I've little faith that Bajaur is as settled as Tariq Aziz suggested one and one-half months ago.
"PA casualties will inevitably be heavy to very heavy which can turn public opinion really quickly against GoP."
My suspicion is that CIVILIAN casualties inflicted by P.A. weapons or even the actions which draw taliban fire upon civilians will more greatly affect civilian perceptions.
As such, there is the perception that Pakistan's population would like this problem settled but is unwilling to accept the practical consequences of such and the Pakistani government is unprepared to face their wrath with equanimity but firmness to the precedents necessary for state survival.
The idea that state parties can determine their tolerance to accomodation at the expense of it's erosion to sovereign authority is a stunning aborgation of local and nat'l leadership.
The Pakistani army will either (with or without aid) rise up and fight this scourge as one or there will likely be schism leading to civil war. These militants aren't going away. Each day they control Waziristan makes more difficult their eventual removal and their intent is to replace the Pakistani nat'l government.
Recent statements by mid-level commanders in Pakistan this week have made clear the REAL conversations held amongst one another over tea. They want and believe they can have Pakistan.
Jes' sayin'...
