Rangers in Grenada / Beruit Bombing (Bill Foley AP)

Not much coverage to be seen on the anniversary of the Invasion of Grenada Operation Urgent Fury or Beirut Bombing.  The Grenada invasion was the first major US military operation after Vietnam.  It marked the re-emergence of US military exceptionalism after the disastrous ‘70’s. It simultaneously demonstrated the incredible capabilities of our military as well as areas for improvement.

The tragic Beirut bombing cost 241 Marines’ lives.  It also simultaneously spotlighted the costs of foolish ROE and poor situational awareness as well as what can be considered a start point for the war on terror.

Plenty of pride in service, sacrifice and lessons learned to meditate on today…