To truly understand the story behind the book Black Hawk Down by Philadelphia journalist Mark Bowden, it must be understood within context of then current foreign policy. Also, what must never be overlooked is the impact that foreign policy has upon military operations when not properly utilized. Or to put it another way, to be used as Clausewitz saw military force, as an arm of policy. When the political structure does not offer up to the minute information, clear and concise direction, and proper assets to achieve the military objective, the ultimate result of any such operation is doomed to fail. Though the final portrayal in Mark Bowden's book focuses much on the errors of a Ranger Company in the context of small unit operations, little is emphasized on the obvious blundering of the higher echelon elements in this totally unnecessary and avoidable mishap that cost the United States 18 Special Operators in one day which for nine years held the less than envious title as the most violent fighting since the Vietnam War.
Carl von Clausewitz, painting by Karl Wilhelm Wach...
The young Clausewitz
English: Carl von ClausewitzBlack Hawk Down has brought the face of Low Intensity Conflict (LIC) in such a graphic and realistic way that the book has become an inspirational reading for soldiers and private citizens alike. The premise of the book was initially to bring to light the trials and tribulations of the special operations task force mired in bloody battle in Mogadishu Somalia's Bakara Market on October 3rd 1993. The first thing that any new Ranger in Bravo Company 3rd Ranger Battalion was ever required to learn in the ensuing years of the battle in Mogadishu was that of the names of the Rangers who died in the streets on that fateful day. There are some irreplaceable memories depicted with honesty and detail within the book, as well...