The movie wasn't bad but it did have a number of problems. First off the MEU(SOC) Commander shouldn't have accompanied the rescue forces in. He should have been where he could best lead the entire MEU, not just the rescue units. This happened during the O'Grady rescue when the MEU CO took operational command of the TRAP team since it was the only show in town. If his helo got shot down the MEU would be fresh out of Colonels. Also it tells your NCO's and junior officers that you don't think they can handle a job themeselves. In reality the rescue force that actually reinforces the embassy would be a line company, not the TRAP team. The TRAP team, along w/ a Sparrow Hawk or Bald Eagle (reactionary Plt. or Co. sized units), and some escorts (gunships) would be launched but they'd hold back incase everything went to sh!t. The rescue teams would also bring a bunch of empty helos since most NEO's require the evacuation of hundreds or thousands of personnel; most of the time US forces are required to evacuate other foreign nationals. When the rescue force arrived at the embassy they failed to secure the LZ. Helos on the ground are pretty vulnerable. The Marine Security Guards at the embassy hadn't attempted to disperse the crowd (They weren't wearing masks so I doubt they dispersed gas). From a security standpoint the building looked whoefully inadequate. The embassy was adjoining to other buildings, the windows weren't bullet/blast resistant, there were no bars, the doors looked flimsy, there was no hardline inside, and there were no prepared firing portals. MSG's almost never sit out on the roof since it's too exposed especially in an urban environment. Instead they use cameras and mirrors for observation and shoot from prepared positions. The ROE's were pretty ridiculous. I was both a grunt and a Marine Security Guard and we were told to use deadly force if we felt our life or somebody else's was in danger. This means we would have been authorized to engage people as soon as they sight in on us. I personally would have positioned most of my Marines inside the building on the upper decks then sent LP/OP's out only after the cameras were destroyed. I also would have engaged the shooters on the roof first since they had better angles on me. Even though cobra gunships would be involved in real NEO's they wouldn't be the best thing to use due to massive collateral damage. Third world countries have no architectural codes and most of the buildings are made of mud,cardboard, tin sheets, & sand. Weapons like SMAWS, MK19's, mortars, & gunships can accidently bring down entire buildings. Another major problem is that Tommy Lee Jones's squad just froze in the river when the first firefight broke out. They should have immediately gotten out of the danger area, found cover, and then decided on a course of action. There's probably a bunch I missed but this is what immediately came to mind. Oh yeah by the way they used the wrong helos (47's vs. 46's).
[This message has been edited by Keeper of the Keys (edited April 21, 2000).]
