Trump administration stops disclosing troop deployments in Iraq and Syria

[rangerrebew]

 Trump administration stops disclosing troop deployments in Iraq and Syria

Critics of the move say the public has a right to know about the wars in which the U.S. is engaging. (March 31, 2017) 
W.J. Hennigan

Even as the U.S. military takes on a greater role in the warfare in Iraq and Syria, the Trump administration has stopped disclosing significant information about the size and nature of the U.S. commitment, including the number of U.S. troops deployed in either country.

Earlier this month, the Pentagon quietly dispatched 400 Marines to northern Syria to operate artillery in support of Syrian militias that are cooperating in the fight against Islamic State, according to U.S. officials. That was the first use of U.S. Marines in that country since its long civil war began.

http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-trump-deployment-20170330-story.html

[EC]

In general terms - about effing time.

In more specific terms - do remember to let your allies in the field know when you are sending people in, eh? It prevents embarrassingly fatal errors.

[rangerrebew]

In general terms - about effing time.

In more specific terms - do remember to let your allies in the field know when you are sending people in, eh? It prevents embarrassingly fatal errors.

The only people that seem to be upset about this is the media, of course.  I never understood it to begin with, either.

[Smokin Joe]

In general terms - about effing time.

In more specific terms - do remember to let your allies in the field know when you are sending people in, eh? It prevents embarrassingly fatal errors.

I agree. What is the point of telling your enemy troop strengths and telegraphing punches? Make them use their own HUMINT to find out. In the meantime, if you wish to deceive the enemy, "leak" material to the press.

[rangerrebew]

  In the meantime, if you wish to deceive the enemy, "leak" material to the press.

I like the idea of leaking ON the press.  William Tecumseh Sherman hated the press and was convinced if he killed all the newpapermen in his camp after dinner, there would be news from hell by breakfast.