It is August 19, 2010, and the last U.S. brigade in a combat role is leaving Iraq. Our mission in Iraq now changes to helping them train their own security and forces. Operation Iraqi Freedom has thus far lasted seven years, four months and thirty days. The cost up to this point has been from $900 billion to $1 trillion. And according to the pentagon, 4,419 service members have been killed.
As for the marks I would give President Obama on his original campaign promise—of ending the combat mission in Iraq in a timely yet responsible manner—I will give him credit up to this point for attempting to keep the promise. So far, so good.
Of course our combat presence in Iraq should never have happened in the first place. But I acknowledge that often times things are easier said than done. You may take a job you think you can ace, only to find out you did not have all the details. Or you can be the head of an organization with a certain culture, and changing it will always take longer than you think originally.
But our military, as a very sacred tool used to protect what we hold dear, should be used intelligently and carefully. We have the best military in the world. And we all have heard that same line on responsibility since we were kids, “to whom much is given, much is expected.” In this case, what is expected is for our military tool to only be used for just reasons when absolutely necessary.
WATCH NBC COVERAGE OF THE PULLOUT FROM IRAQ:
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And the toll on families who have had a sister, brother, father, mother, son or daughter deployed cannot be fully understood by those who have never felt that sensation. Many times, families will not know exactly where their loved one is for security reasons. And there is the hope that on any given day, when something unexpected and dangerous happens, that the loved one, through skill, training, and even luck, will live to see another day.
Imagine seeing the look on that marine’s face when she sees her mother for the first time in over two years. Try to conjure up the image of the expression on the Army Ranger’s face when he sees his daughter walking for the very first time in his life, but after 14 months away. It is the entire family that goes on the emotional roller coaster, along with the soldier who puts life and limb at risk, that bear the ultimate cost of war.
When I think about Obama’s track record so far, I have to keep in mind the snapshot of the world and our country when he took office. It is hard to fully fathom. Actually, it is similar to what an advanced level in a US president video game would be like, if there were one. Yes he was given a lot to deal with: two wars and an imploding economy. Then later on, there was the health care saga. Oh, that is not all, throw in the worst oil spill disaster the country has ever seen. Not an average day at the office for anyone.
So although I do have some issues with how President Obama has handled a few of these big items, I am glad he is holding good on the Iraq pullout. Yes, we will still be in a training role and yes, there still may be casualties. Yes, there is another war in Afghanistan and yes, that chapter is still wide open. But a politician keeping a promise, is a hard thing to find. And that goes for all of our favorite elected U.S. presidents, throughout history.
It feels good to see the chapter coming to a close on Iraq. I do not know about you, but every time over the past seven years when hearing the reporting about the troops on the ground, my stomach would cringe. Why were we still there? Pandora’s box has been opened and it is hard to put the genie back in the bottle.
Having been in the Navy and taken the military oath, the job inherently requires popping a salute and carrying out the orders that are given. But, there is still a gut check that happens deep down inside, for why you are being asked to risk your life. Our military is sacred and the context matters.
I hope President Obama can be as strong on the other items on his plate, as he is on ensuring that both our combat troops are out of Iraq and our role has fully transitioned by September 1st. To be a politician, you have to make promises. True. But to be a leader with credibility, you have to actually make good on those promises. I hope the President does more of this, making good on stuff he promises.
What would I say to President Obama? Take this pattern, garner strength, replicate. This is how you want to be known in the history books.