A Profile On Bing West

BING WEST "The question isn't what the Marines or the Army do, the question is, why are they doing it, and what's the end state?" Stew Milne for The New York Times

Critic of War Effort Does His Homework, Up Close -- New York Times

No armchair general here: Bing West has climbed mountains in Afghanistan with American combat troops, watched rocket-propelled grenades streak over his head and come close to dying of cholera. At a lean and flinty 70, he can dodge bullets along with the 20-year-olds he accompanies on infantry foot patrols, although he admits he does it by leaving the body armor behind — an eye-popping risk — and wearing a Boston Red Sox cap instead of a helmet.

He can think of no better life.

“If I wasn’t around, he’d never come home, he’d just stay over there,” said his wife, Betsy West.

“Well, I’d come home occasionally,” Mr. West replied.

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My Comment: After reading his book on the Iraq War .... The Strongest Tribe .... I have been a fan (and regular follower) of his work. It is good to see him profile (finally) by the New York Times, and to receive the recognition that he justly deserves.