India Company

There was a low key documentary on the Iraq War - about India Company - it showed the war from the infantry's point of view - that is the poor guys that have to go in on foot - when all the hi-tech fireworks have finished.

On three occasions they had to make an assault on what were known to armed positions. Fortunately as it turned out in each case the defenders have melted away just before the Americans advanced.

There was a lot of discussion among the troops. Some wanted to go into a fire fire at least once - just to to see if they would perform well under fire - I can sort of understand the reason - we've been trained - can I do it? Others were more pragmatic - its better not to get into a fight unless you have to do - as it almost certainly means some of your unit will be killed or injured.

Whatever - it takes a lot of courage to face what you think is an armed enemy - and a lot of training to get your troops doing it right - which they did. In a way where there may or may not be an enemy is possibly more frightening than have a specific target. It had an affect on the troops as they were keyed up to attack - and then meeting a serious anti-climax.

Mostly they just had to hang around - or search isolated settlements and tents for weapons. Then move on - averaging maybe 6 hours sleep a night. I got the impression the soldiers were well trained - well disciplined - and ranged in views from 'I am here because I am here' - to one or two who were very interested in the Iraqis. It was worrying that a number seemed to think the reason they were there was because of 9/11 - which most people now accept had nothing to with Iraq.

There was one sombre moment as the troops approached Baghdad - through an area where there had obviously been a severe fire fight and the reality of war hit - bodies were still lying on the ground - some who looked innocent bystanders - and the troops all went quiet.

For me it was good - they Americans reminded me of the Americans who I met when travelling around Europe in my twenties. I think the programme demonstrated that the American troops were very professional and not as 'gung ho' as portrayed in some of the media.

It also concerned me that it is clear that there was not sufficient troops for the job. It was luck - and the stupidity of the Iraqi leadership - that the Iraqi forces collapsed as they did. Had there been more resistance - particularly on the supply lines - then this documentary would have been more dramatic and some of India Company would have died - and some would be maimed for life.

I also blame the American leadership - particularly Donald Rumsfeld - for anticipating the problems after the collapse of Saddam's regime. American soldiers were only obeying orders. The looting - the disorder in Baghdad - was down to not giving the soldiers the proper orders - and not sending enough troops in the first place.