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The Javelin man-portable anti-armor missile has seen successes in the field and unexpected uses on the front lines. Michael Yon has become one of the best military correspondents of this generation. His military background, and long embedding periods to gain perspective on operations, offer an unusual glimpse into the areas he frequents. His photo-rich, in-depth (but within approved OPSEC) descriptions of operations his units undertake have few parallels.
One recent account describes a trap laid by British units near Basra, which featured Javelin missiles as a key surveillance and fires component. His account of the battle explains without editorializing, or getting in the way of the event he covers. The result is a rare depth of view into combined arms operations on the modern battlefield, and the challenges electronic communications gear, net-centric warfare doctrines, and military training all face on the front lines of combat. Read “Rattlesnake” and see its photos to gain a better understanding of the requirements, events, and experiences behind the contracts DID covers.