2008.08.24
Concerned Family Member -- Breach of Security
I recently received a message from an anonymous reader, who was concerned about my recent writings. This individual felt that I was divulging too much information, worrying that the enemy could use it against his/her deployed family member. I promised a response to this concern and the following is just that.
Family Member of a Soldier:
“While I understand why you are writing these blogs and do appreciate the fact that you are trying to link the civilian world to the military world, I think that some of the information that you are writing about should not be displayed on the Internet as you have done. There are Al-Queda that troll the internet for this kind of information and use it against us over there. It is really not that smart to be writing in detail about certain weapons and equipment that you use, because it could fall into the wrong hands. Thank you for your service. Our Country appreciates everything you do.”
Rich Connaroe:
First, I would like to thank you for the service and sacrifice of your family member. It is my honor to serve with him/her. I trust that you are just as proud of him/her as I am.
I take your concern very seriously. My goal is to help the kind people of the Roanoke Valley understand Army life and to personify the war. This is not something that goes away when you put down the paper or turn off the television.
The most important reason that American citizens need to be informed is that the armed services are civilian led. Generals are not warlords. Soldiers do not choose their duty; they only choose to serve.
In writing, I am extremely careful and deliberately vague at times. I am not naïve. It would be regrettable to believe that our enemies are poorly informed. Honestly, one need not trudge too deep on the internet to gain more than just a basic grasp on many concepts. Americans are not the only ones with access to Google Earth and Globalsecurity.org.
The Army's public affairs department has reviewed my blog, including its most recent entries. The reviewing officer saw no security breaches or anything unfit, and I will return to him at appropriate times in the future.
I will keep operation security in the forefront of my mind.
Thank you for your concern.
Rich Connaroe
Captain, U.S. Army
RICHARD.CONNAROE@US.ARMY.MIL
The thoughts and opinions in this article are that of the author alone and are not meant to represent the U.S. military. Any errors contained therein are that of the author.
Dear Richard Connaroe,
I just now sitting here and reading the comments from a concerned parent about the breach of security. As a parent, I do not have a child that is overseas or in Iraq, so I don't know how that would be, but I do have friends who have sons that are over there as same as you.
But I have faith in my own government and our armed forces for I know that they would not let you be doing this if they thought there would be a breach of our security.
There are lots of things that I don't know about what is going on over in Iraq, but as an American citizen and a Virginian,I am glad to be informed with your article. Thank you and God bless all of you.
Sincerely, Sandra Winter
Comment by Sandra Winter — August 24, 2008 @ 12:02 pm
Hi Richard Connaroe,
I want you to know that we here at home support you and all the armed forces over there in Iraq. As for the parent who was worried about his child, I agree with what my mom, Sandra Winter posted earlier. I think your articles are great and help educate us here at home with what is going on over in Iraq, especially since you are from this area, it makes us feel closer.
God bless and keep all of you in his care.
Sincerely, Doretta Winter
Comment by Doretta Winter — August 24, 2008 @ 5:27 pm
Ladies, thank you for the support.
Gone are the days when you will see Army officers responding to newspaper reporters' questions with "no comment." The Army wants the trust and support of the people and, actually, encourages Soldiers to write and make reasonable statements.
Rich
Comment by Rich Connaroe — August 25, 2008 @ 4:41 am
You Rock, Dude
Comment by DOM — August 25, 2008 @ 9:10 am
Hello CPT Rich. I enjoyed your article and have been browsing your page. You win my support. I'm glad that my brother has a comrade such as yourself to work along side. You seem like a very trustworthy and concerned soldier and I'm sure you would never put your other comrades in any sort of jeopardy or take chances that would cause anyone harm. Everyone knows that whatever decisions they make in life will affect someone in some way and that there is always someone that will not agree with those decisions. I think they call that 'freedom' and that is what you are all fighting over there to keep safe over here. As long as you do your best, we cannot expect more from you so I want to thank you for your input. It helps those of us who are praying for all of you to know exactly how to pray and what to pray for. God keep you safe and bless you daily.
CPT Aaron's sister, Sunny.
Comment by Sunny — August 25, 2008 @ 7:23 pm
Sunny,
When I first met your brother, Aaron, I thought he was the bumbling, micromanaging, self-centered type. However, within just two days, I realized how wrong I was.
There are few men on this earth with whom I place more trust in than your brother. He has a solid heart and a strong sense of duty. With him, I trust my life. Likewise, I want nothing more than for Aaron, or DOM (dirty old man) as we affectionately call him, to return home to his five children.
Thank you for writing.
Please, send embarrassing stories and nicknames as soon as humanly possible.
Rich
Comment by Rich Connaroe — August 26, 2008 @ 1:59 pm
Rich,
I’m glad this subject came up. Our equipment is being issued to the Iraqi Army M-4s, MRAPs etc. It’s no secret. In fact we arm half the world with our equipment. Hey everyone there is no need to worry the things that get people killed is when you tell the world your travel plans and we are not sharing our travel plans. Our equipment is no secret. Just Google it if you don’t believe me. Rich and the guys like us are doing the tough job that we only want to share with you. Being a Combat Advisor is not easy work!
There are many out there who would give their life for the United States and our freedom! There are only a small number of us willing to give our lives for freedom for others! We call them Combat Advisors. They have always been there, we called them MAC-V in Vietnam today we call them Mitts.
Comment by LTC Dale Fair — August 30, 2008 @ 7:42 am
Sir,
I am not going to lie. I am willing to give my life only for my wife and kids. Any other loss of life would not be me giving, it would be someone else taking. Stealing from my wife, my son and my daughter.
Likewise, I have no desire to kill. But it is an undeniable necessity.
Rich
Comment by Rich Connaroe — August 30, 2008 @ 3:45 pm