Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009

A look back offers answers

The month of August always drives me toward history because of the historical events that occurred that have had such an affect on my life.

Most people who know me probably think of World War II and the atomic bombs that resulted in the surrender of Japan on August 14, 1945. That surrender sure is important because without that I might not be here (for some of you please hold the applause). My Dad was scheduled to be part of the invasion force with the 5th Marine Division, and the outlook on survival was pretty grim.

Having made it through Iwo Jima, my Dad wasn’t eager to push his luck. Fortunately the war ended, which eventually let my Dad leave active service and return to Columbus. I’m one of the results. I imagine quite a few babies born in the years after World War II in this area were part of that peace dividend.

August also makes me think of a group of American soldiers who are rarely mentioned – the American Expeditionary Force in Siberia. Two years ago, I wrote in a column about the AEF Siberia commanded by Maj. General William S. Graves. The Wolfhounds and Polar Bears will always be on my mind because I studied them intensely a few years back in graduate school. They landed in Siberia in August 1918.

When the Infantry Museum opened, one of the first galleries I checked was the World War I display. At the end of the gallery, there is a uniform worn by an AEF Siberia veteran and a few other items from that operation and the expedition in North Russia that occurred at the end of World War I.

Needless to say I was impressed and ecstatic that “my guys” were mentioned. The combat action was episodic but intense for the young men being shot and being shot at. Several soldiers were awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for heroism.

As is sometimes the case when our national leaders send our fighting men into action, instructions were a bit murky and no clear exit strategy existed.

Allies were not always on our side and worked against one another based on national interests. The terrain was inhospitable. Communications were spotty and relied on telegraph lines at best. A railroad track was the main line of operation and supply.

Civilians, insurgents, Americans and our allies all fought for and used the same tracks. Trains were armored and fought almost like ships at sea. Eventually the American people tired of the effort, since World War I had ended in 1918. In 1920, the AEF Siberia returned home.

Thankfully those congress members who thought the soldiers too diseased and morally corrupt to be allowed to return to America failed to prevent the soldiers’ redeployment.

The lesson I take away is that having a clear mission is important any time military force is to be employed. A clear plan that defines success and a clear exit strategy are also very important.

Goals must match resource allocations. Last of all the citizens must support the effort. Regardless of how good the idea may seem, creating and maintaining citizen support of the use of military action is a critical task for any administration.

John M. House is a retired Army colonel who lives in Midland, Ga. His e-mail is housearmylife@aol.com.