Lt. Colonel Joe Elliot's message to the leaders of the 2/12th Infantry, Fort Carson, 2011

June 3, 2011 Dear Fellow Members of the 2“ Battalion, 12'“ Infantry,

I first want to congratulate you on having the honor of being a part of 2“ Battalion, 12“ infantry. I had that in privilege in 1966 and 1967 and it was and continues to be one of the highlights of my life. It gave me the satisfaction of serving my country and at the same time contributing to the efforts, the success, and often the welfare of many of my fellow citizens.

The group of individuals in the 2“ Battalion, 12'“ Infantry in 1966 -1967 was absolutely amazing. They not only accomplished their military tasks well and completely, but since, many have been most successful in military and other fields. They have remained strong in support of their country and have remained dedicated to the memories and support of 2“ Battalion, 12"’ Infantry. I would like to provide some thoughts on changes in the military overthe years, to include some successful actions and some things to consider carefully.

My approach was to complete the mission with maximum concern for each individual. We see very well the support and assistance we can get from well-motivated and active veterans groups, even at home station and during peace.

Some things that I believed worked well for us:

1. Continuous on-the-job training

2. Training backups for key jobs

3. Keeping everyone informed

4. Commander involved in key situations

a. Near lead element if moving in combat situations

b. Airborne CP if called for

c. Command Post as close to action as possible anytime an element on mission

5. Knowledge and use of all support units and supply requirements

6. Keep recon patrol and security elements well out from main body

7. Stay off trails

There are always strong feelings in each of us for telling others what to look out for and how to prepare for things. I am a great Pittsburgh Steelers fan and verv experienced about football. I know exactly what the problems were this past year when they did not even get to the Super Bowl. First, they did not score enough point, and next, they let some other teams score too many points - if I go on with more I believe that the Pitt water boy may be justified in telling me to take a shower!

There have been many changes in the military since I first entered in 1944 and many more since I retired in 1977. There were major clashes between bodies of human troops in WWII and those type clashes continued through Korea and through Vietnam as Soui Tre demonstrates. However those clashes became more and more dominated by air power, helicopters, missiles, naval and submarine, unmanned missiles and drones, and a very great host of heavy duty extremely rapid fire systems of many forms.

If we follow the news stories, the military requirements in the Middle East are almost totally different. Targets are small, scattered and imbedded with civilians. Many of our own casualties are civilians and normally non-combatant military individuals. Modern technology has taken over in the form of communications, explosives, reconnaissance in the form of unmanned drones and even the firing of missiles. Modern technology has greatly improved supply capabilities but supply routes are often blocked.

Some of the greater things that remain important and are still a part of the individual soldier are the moral, physical and mental standards set by each soldier and each unit. I once believed in a universal draft. That was based on the concept that at best the military is a representation of a cross section of the US citizens. Last week l read that a group of military leaders said that 75% of applicants cannot qualify for military service.

I hope that I will be able to meet you soon. l know that our present members are leading the way and that you will continue to support out military and our country just as our present veterans are doing. There are many groups and organizations which are actively supporting the military and veterans. We are in a very crucial period in many areas and each of us must devote our talents to continued development in education, Government service, community and social service, support and care for the needy.

The duty, honor, countly needs to be more that a time honored slogan but a daily devotion from each of us which will indeed help to move our country forward.

Joe F. Elliott

Former Commander, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry