Talk:Peter de la Billière

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[edit] Cleanup?

Not a bif fan of cleanup tags without explanation on the talk, I chose to add an explanation here rather than remove the tag. The article seems to contain some redundant info. Each step in this individual's career is probably not interesting. // Konvalj 18:26, 15 February 2007 (UTC)

I've removed the cleanup tag as I believe I have worked this article into reasonable shape. Let me know what you think. Blair - Speak to me 09:23, 4 May 2007 (UTC)

[edit] French?

Does anyone know how close his connection to France is? Gustav von Humpelschmumpel 23:26, 6 April 2007 (UTC)

[edit] The Gulf War

What is THIS: "Prior to this, Schwarzkopf was resistant to the use of special forces due to his experiences in Vietnam where US special forces (in this context special forces refers to all US special forces, not just the Special Forces - ie the green berets) performance was generally poor"?

Sources?

Schwarzkopf's view at the time was widely known. For example http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/gulf/oral/billiere/2.html Norman's argument is two-fold. (1) SOF's light infantry nature makes them vulnerable to a well-conducted defense. Twice the US Delta Force has been completely routed on missions that could have been handled by a heavier force. (2) SOF's links with covert intelligence has lead to unsoldierly behaviour which has placed the entire mission at risk. For example, SOF's behaviour during the Vietnam War's Project Phoenix. Billiere overcame Schwarzkopf's objections (1) because the Gulk War was suited to light infrantry operations and (2) the example of Billiere's own behaviour with the SAS. Gdt 07:26, 6 July 2007 (UTC)