Across the River

 --U.S. Special Operations Forces in Guatemala

 Take me to the river and drop me in the water
Dip me in the river, drop me in the water
Washing me down, washing me down 
--Take Me to the River, Talking Heads 

Let us cross over the river,
and rest under the shade of the trees
--General Stonewall Jackson's last words 

O brothers let's go down
Let's go down, come on down
Come on brothers, let's go down
Down in the river to pray 
--Down to the River to Pray, 
spiritual
  __________________

This is a Ranger challenge.

Fact:  200 U.S. Marines were deployed earlier this month in Guatemala. (This is not the Rio Grande.)


The Mission: To analyze and critique the above photo for mistakes, errors and any observations.  Please state your assumptions, both positive and negative, which validate your critique.

Bonus question: Does a soldier fight as he is trained?


Assumptions:

• This is a combat patrol to gain contact with the enemy.  
• They have dropped their gear at an objective rally point (ORP)
• This patrol will then conduct a combat mission.  This mission could be a raid, ambush or recon mission.

That is your starting point, Ranger readers.

Prize: The winner will be awarded the book, Special Forces -- The Changing Face of Warfare, by Mark Lloyd. Prize will be awarded at week's end.

Good night and good luck.

**Please see "Across the River, Pt. II, for the contest winner.**