Warriors in Peace Operations - Strategic Studies Institute - U.S. Army

Zvornik to regain control of the seven individuals for further
interrogation, they were met with armed resistance.
This early and apparently minor incident later
developed into a near national-level issue, with the
captured men being referred to as the “Zvornik Seven” (see
Appendix at the end of this chapter). The key point to take
from this incident is that soldiers at the lowest levels must
be prepared to deal with situations during a peace
enforcement operation that could have far-reaching
consequences. In peace operations, soldiers must understand
the big picture and be able to perceive the potential
consequences of their actions. Unlike in a high-intensity
environment, seemingly trivial incidents become major
issues in a matter of minutes. The actions of a single soldier
can easily escalate into a major international contretemps.
RADAR FORCE PROTECTION
As previously stated, my TAB was a non-organic unit
that joined me upon arrival in Bosnia. I met the battery,
B/25 FA “Wolfpack,” initially at the CMTC prior to
deployment, but even then was uncertain if they would be a
part of my team in Bosnia. The battalion proved to be the
most talented and energetic unit I have ever served with in
over 19 years active duty. The radar force protection
mission was likely the most critical aspect of taking care of
the force, and the “Wolfpack” did it all day and night without
complaint.
B/25 conducted 24-hour radar operations from start to
mission completion and managed to maintain an incredible
97 percent operational readiness rate. Because a civilian
Logistics Assistance Representative was attached to the
battalion, hard-to-acquire radar repair parts were acquired
within days rather than weeks or months.
Despite the wear and tear on its equipment, my TAB had
over 5,000 radar acquisitions. These acquisitions were
typically Former Warring Factions (FWF) small arms
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