It seems that one of the few promises Trump is ready and eager to fulfill is that about unleashing the might of the U.S. military against our enemies.
Here’s the latest from General “Mad Dog” Mattis:
Secretary of Defense James Mattis has changed the rules of engagement in Afghanistan, in effect unleashing troops to fire on the Taliban without first having to be in physical contact.
Mattis said Tuesday at hearings before the House and Senate that the White House had given him new authority to change the rules of engagement, which he has already made use of by letting U.S. troops fire on the Taliban regardless of physical proximity, Military Times reports.
Such a change is not entirely unexpected, as President Donald Trump said in an Aug. 21 speech that he would “expand authorities” for U.S. troops in the region, though at the time he didn’t elaborate on what precisely that would look like.
“We will also expand authorities for American armed forces to target the terrorists and criminal networks that sow violence and chaos throughout Afghanistan,” Trump said during that speech.
Two things: Trump also promised to stop military adventurism, but oh well. Also, General Mattis despises the nickname “Mad Dog” because it was supposedly given to him by the fake news media.
Now let’s hope the military kicks some Taliban ass… while reducing civilian casualties.