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Most Americans regard operations in Iraq as overwhelmingly "kinetic" -- characterized by battles, firefights, IEDs. That's because action, movement, weapons, vehicles, aircraft, and explosions make the best television. This book shows another part of the war in Iraq, just as decisive -- the work of civil affairs Marines. General James Mattis famously said, "Demonstrate to the world there is `No Better Friend, No Worse Enemy' than a U. S. Marine." This book shows Marines in the "no better friend" mode, cooperating with Iraqis in cities like Fallujah.
This handsome book is coffee table-sized, and the large format helps the reader see the effort "up close and personal," as Marines "outside the wire" help Iraqis rebuild, restore, and improve security. Also featured are the Marines who trained and advised the Iraqi security forces and the police, and those who worked with local governments in Anbar province. The photographs take the reader along with the author, Lieutenant Colonel David Benhoff, as he traveled the roads; patroled streets; visited neighborhoods, markets, and schools; and met Iraqis of all ages.
Sometime in the future, formal historical studies will analyze the role of civil affairs Marines and the training teams, giving them the credit they deserve. People will still need this book, however, to "see" their contribution. The Marine Corps University Press has performed a real public service in publishing this volume.
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