Reverse Racisim

Book Review on American Soldier by GEN Tommy Franks

1. March 19, 2003 was the beginning of the end for Saddam Hussein and the tyrannical government of Iraq. The leader of the military movement, dubbed Operation Iraqi Freedom, was GEN Tommy Franks, the Commander in Chief of U. S. Central Command (CINCCENT.) GEN Franks, and the leaders under his command, devised an operations plan that helped a coalition of countries move military units farther, faster, with fewer casualties than any other mass military movement in history. With retired "armchair" Generals on television news programs claiming there were not enough troops in the Iraqi Theatre, claiming that the Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen were in for mass casualties, and claiming that there would be thirty days of aerial bombardment prior to a ground assault, GEN Franks demonstrated why they were retired and put into place an operation that was ingenious. He proved that he was a true leader, a true patriot, and a true American Soldier.

2. "You're a doer, Franks, not just a talker." These words, from 1st SGT Scagliotti, were seared into GEN Franks when he was an enlisted Soldier. A year after enlisting in the Army, "PFC" Franks decided he wanted to become an officer. Upon entering the 1st SGT's office, he was asked why he wanted to go to Officer Candidate School. "PFC" Franks replied that he wanted to learn how to lead Soldiers. The 1st SGT's response was, "You'll never be an officer worth a damn. But, if you stick with it, you might make a hell of a sergeant someday." For weeks, "PFC" Franks stayed angry. The 1st SGT did not think he had the ability to be a good officer. It was not until later, that he realized 1st SGT Scagliotti was paying him a compliment. "In [1st SGT Scagliotti's] mind, sergeants worked hands-on with the troops, and he thought I'd be good at it. I promised to remember that if I ever did earn my commission as an officer." GEN Franks did remember that, particularly on his tour of duty in Germany. While a Battery Commander with 1st Howitzer Battery, "CPT" Franks insisted that the self-propelled howitzers in his battery be given communication equipment in order to keep up with the armor and mechanized infantry of the 1st Squadron. When his request was denied, "CPT" Franks went out and purchased ten CB radios for the battery out of his own money. That shows true, hands-on leadership. Instead of accepting n for an answer from his Squadron Commander, "CPT" Franks went out and used his own money and time to ensure the success of his battery. This in turn raised the morale of 1st Howitzer Battery, while ensuring that the Soldiers of 1st Squadron would have artillery support at all times. GEN Franks proved that he is a hands-on leader, one that will do just about anything to accomplish the mission.

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SUBJECT: Book Review on American Soldier by GEN Tommy Franks

3. GEN Franks learned to take responsibility for Soldiers and stand up for them early in his career. While a Lieutenant in Vietnam, GEN Franks had been assigned as an Artillery Liaison Officer. He called in "probably a hundred fire missions and air strikes," into a pro-government, prosperous area that was being used by the North Vietnamese Army. "Lieutenant" Franks was later taken to the area and asked what ordinance hit a particular building and who called in the strike. After several minutes he realized that he was to be the scape-goat for an investigation on the destruction of the area. Suddenly, his