November
18, 2006: SOCOM (Special Operations Command) does not publicize its
deployments, lest the enemy get an idea where the operators are going. But it
is possible to find out where SOCOM troops have been, usually from awards
ceremonies. Recently, the 1st Battalion of the 75th Ranger Regiment, held such
a ceremony, after 350 rangers returned from their fourth trip overseas (to Iraq
or Afghanistan). There was one Bronze Star awarded, seven purple hearts, and a
lot of Combat Infantry Badges (to indicate that an infantryman had spent at
least 30 days in combat). The rangers usually operate as combat support for
Special Forces teams, and not undertaking the kind of patrolling and convoy
escort that leads to most of the casualties in Iraq.
