États-Unis. - Ghost riders of Baghdad: soldiers, civilians, and the myth of the surge

From October 2006 to December 2007, Daniel A. Sjursenthen a U.S. Army lieutenantled a light scout platoon across Baghdad. The experiences of Ghost Rider platoon provide a soldiers-eye view of the incredible complexities of warfare, peacekeeping, and counterinsurgency in one of the worlds most ancient cities.

Sjursen reflects broadly and critically on the prevailing narrative of the surge as savior of Americas longest war, on the overall military strategy in Iraq, and on U.S. relations with ordinary Iraqis. At a time when only a handful of U.S. senators and representatives have a family member in combat, Sjursen also writes movingly on questions of Americas patterns of national service. Who now serves and why? What connection does Americas professional army have to the broader society and culture? What is the price we pay for abandoning the model of the citizen soldier?

With the bloody emergence of ISIS in 2014, Iraq and its beleaguered, battlescarred people are again much in the news. Unlike other books on the U.S. war in Iraq, Ghost Riders of Baghdad is part battlefield chronicle, part critique of American military strategy and policy, and part appreciation of Iraq and its people. At once a military memoir, history, and cultural commentary, Ghost Riders of Baghdad delivers a compelling story and a deep appreciation of both those who serve and the civilians they strive to protect. Sjursen provides a riveting addition to our understanding of modern warfare and its human costs.

Major Daniel A. Sjursen was born and raised in Staten Island, New York. A 2005 graduate of West Point, he has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He earned a masters degree from the University of Kansas and is pursuing a doctorate in history while teaching at West Point.

Jacket illustrations

Front cover: Ed Darack / Getty Images;

Back cover: U.S. Department of Defense

Acronyms and Abbreviations

The following acronyms and abbreviations appear throughout the text.

ADA Air Defense Artillery

AO area of operations

AQI Al Qaeda in Iraq

AVF All-Volunteer Force

AWOL absent without leave

BAMC Brooke Army Medical Center (San Antonio, Texas)

CAV cavalry (reconnaissance units)

CCC Captains Career Course

CENTCOM U.S. Central Command (responsible for all military operations in Middle East)

COP combat outpost

CSH Combat Support Hospital

CWIED command wire improvised explosive device

DEA U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

EFP explosive formed penetrator

EML environmental and morale leave

EOD explosive ordnance disposal

FOB Forward Operating Base

FSO fire support officer

HHT headquarters and headquarters troop

HMMWV high mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle

HQ headquarters

HUMINT human intelligence

IED improvised explosive device

IIA Iraqi Islamic Army

IN infantry

IRA Irish Republican Army

ISF Iraqi Security Forces

ISIS Islamic State of Iraq and Syria

KIA killed in action

LT lieutenant

LTC lieutenant colonel

LZ landing zone

MNC-I Multi-National Corps, Iraq

MND-B Multi-National Division, Baghdad

MOI Ministry of the Interior

MP military police

MTOE modification table of organization and equipment

NCO non-commissioned officer

NP National Police

NTC National Training Center (Fort Irwin, CA)

OBC Officer Basic Course

OIF Operation Iraqi Freedom

OP observation post

OPFOR Opposing Forces

PFC private first class

PIR passive infrared

PKM Kalashnikov machine gun, or Pulemyot Kalashnikova

PLT platoon

POW prisoner of war

PT physical training

PTSD post-traumatic stress disorder

RCIED remote controlled improvised explosive device

ROTC reserve officers training corps

RPG rocket propelled grenade

SCO squadron commander

SFC sergeant first class

SGT sergeant

SLC Scout Leaders Course

SOP standard operating procedures

SPC specialist

SSG staff sergeant

TAPS Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors

TBI traumatic brain injury

TIC troops in contact

USAID United States Agency for International Development

USMC United States Marine Corps

VBIED vehicle-borne improvised explosive device

VOIED victim-operated improvised explosive device

WIA wounded in action

WMD weapons of mass destruction

XO executive officer

Acknowledgments

The very concept of an acknowledgments section makes me uncomfortable. It just seems an exercise in self-promotion and a recipe for trouble. Inevitably I will leave someone very important out, and for that I apologize up front. With that said, first off, Id like to thank Marlboro brand cigarettes and Skoal Mint Dip, without which none of what follows would have been remotely tolerable. Im skeptical of the idea that the important people in our lives make us the men we are today, or whatever. Self-awareness of my own deep flaws and inconsistencya trait I did not possess a decade agomakes such rhetoric at best meaningless and at worst an insult to friends and family. Either way, this book and my life wouldnt have shaken out as it did without the following people:

Ill start with the pros. My literary agent (the possession of which is a ludicrous notion for a person with my utter lack of discernible talent) Gina Panettieri of Talcott Notchfor taking a chance on an amateur like me. Your sarcasm, wit, and straight shooting won me over from the start. Steve Hull, my editor at UPNE. Our shared vision and your patient advice made the decision to go with ForeEdge Books a no-brainer. And to my unofficial, but absolutely vital, editormy wife, Kate. Ill thank her more later, but she belongs with the professionals. Kate read all my work before Id dare show another human being, and gave me the time and space to lock myself away and write endlessly.

Then theres family. Thanks to my parents, Bob and Sue, who despite living separately made a pretty damn good team raising a pair of kids. To Amywho is a far better sister and person than I deserve. To my unclesChris and Steve. Ive spent the last thirty-one years trying to seem as tough as these New York firemen. My cousin and best friendKyle KilleenAJ could have no better godfather. And dear cousin Krissythe kindest, best listener in the worldan absolute joy to all who know her. Id also like to extend special thanks to David and Susan Smith for trusting me enough to share their sons story with me. I can hardly imagine how difficult it must be to discuss such private matters, and your confidence meant the world to me.

To old friends. The fellas from Staten Island who shared neighborhoods and memories. Adam Pekorto this day the smartest man I know and my longtime heterosexual life partner. Midland Beach boys: Peter Vadola, Anthony and Danny Rodriquez, Vinnie Whitaker, and company. The Port Richmond crew: Tom Loggins (RIP brother), Pete Salvione, and Rich Walsha bunch of guys who gave me enough stories to fill a lifetime. Assorted high school lunatics: John Palmer, Tony Holz, and Brad Resnikoff. My West Point brothers: great Americans who made the best of a shitty timeDanny Baringer, Al Trujillo, Logan Collins, Josh Banuelos, Josh Sik, Chris Kim, Marty Ellison, Gary Whidden, Ben Meyer, and Arg Nelson. Most of all to Ben Tollefor the best of times shared over beers at NYC dive bars, stolen golf carts, rented Geo Metros, and discussions about the meaning of Just to See You Smile.

To my brother lieutenants from Iraqbetter men than me. Guys whod likely tell a more effective story, but with the self-respect not to: Steve Migliore, Keith Marfione, Scott Maclaren, and BJ Laney. My platoon leaders and friends in Afghanistan. Blackhearts for LifeAlex Lamb, Jordan Rich, Pat Jones, and Scotty Boxler. Thanks for your sanity checks, courage, and for carrying an emotional wreck like me through a year in hell. Mostly, though, for your loyalty.