Intel expert gives sneak previews of battle

[thedrifter]

Intel expert gives sneak previews of battle
Submitted by: MCB Camp Pendleton
Story Identification Number: 2004325152812
Story by Pfc. Paul Robbins Jr.



MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif.(March 25, 2004) -- When it's time to give battle simulation scenarios the sniff test for realism, Robert D. Farmer has a keen sense of smell. Farmer will celebrate his 50th year of service to the Marine Corps Monday.

Having spent 31 years in the Marine Corps ? including stints in the Korean and Vietnam wars ? Farmer, a retired major, knows something about real battle. That knowledge includes experience with guerrilla warfare tactics like convoy ambushes. The enemy is using those tactics in Iraq.

"I was in similar convoys in Vietnam," said Farmer, an intelligence analyst at the I Marine Expeditionary Force's Battle Simulation Center. "I remember the other day I was telling a Marine that the Vietnamese used to ambush the reaction forces. He was surprised at how similar the tactics were."

Farmer, 67, is a decorated war veteran, including the Meritorious Service Medal and Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V." His Vietnam duty included a short stint as an infantry staff sergeant and extensive work in civil affairs and psychological operations.

He said Iraq mirrors Vietnam in some ways, especially in terms of the public relations mission to "win the hearts and minds" of the civilian populace.

"We worked in the villages and hamlets on a daily basis. ... The Marines in Iraq are doing the same thing," he said.

He called those PR campaigns "a very dangerous job," but added, "the safest place in Vietnam and Iraq was behind a platoon of Marines.

Farmer draws on his war experiences, as well as his ongoing research, to make the simulations as accurate as possible.

"I really believe everything's changing," he said. "I have to keep up professionally, but I use my experiences to bring something to the team.

"What we do is use the various simulation support systems we have to train the battle staffs for combat. We have various specialists for the job. I happen to be the intelligence specialist. I can look and see if it is realistic," added Farmer, who spent 13 years in the enlisted and 18 years in the officer ranks. Farmer's expertise proved useful during OIF.

Prior to crossing into Iraq, battle staffs from I MEF participated in a simulated invasion.

"We've had Marines come back and say they did it just like in the simulation," Farmer said. "I think we helped the Marines greatly in preparing for Iraq."

Thomas Buscemi Jr., director of the Battle Simulation Center, confirmed Farmer's statement.

"We've had people report that with the exception of casualties being real, it was just like the simulation," Buscemi said.

"Since he is an expert on the field ... he knows what's required, who's required and the destination," Buscemi said.




Retired Maj. Robert D. Farmer as he looks today today and photographed as a member of Reconnaissance Company aboard Camp Pendleton in 1955. Famrmer volunteered for recon, then known as "Division's Eyes and Ears,: and was promoted to corporal while serving with the unit in November 1955. After promotion , Farmer was made a squad leader. Photo by: Pfc. Paul Robbins Jr.

http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn20...A?opendocument

Ellie