The Military’s strategy for capturing a base is to use artillery first before using ground troops.
Then they will send light infantry battalions and other ground battalions charging to the bombarded base. If that fails, they will fall back and use artillery again. Then they start all over. They never considered the lives that were lost in the process. And they never will. All that matter is to get the upper hand in their battle.
After all the strategies they know are in vain, they will call for close air support. But the overall strategy is to use artillery and then infantry. After capturing the bases, they will try to expand. They will go after the retreating enemies with artillery support along the route. This is the general strategy of SAC in defeating enemies with strongholds.
And PDFs know who is hiding in their strongholds. They are afraid of their own tactics. So, PDFs should use artillery abundantly. Because much of the casualties from a battle are from artillery fire.
Commanders on the ground should know by now that their leaders don’t care about their lives as much as cell phone towers. Even after sacrificing everything, they should know how they get treated if they fail to deliver.
I had witnessed an event in support of this just before I left. When battles are happening in Ahlawbum or around ph towers, the number of wounded soldiers sent to the hospital in our cities amounts to over 100. Both floors were filled with patients. The surgeons and nurses on duty couldn’t rest for a bit. Crowded in a depressing place.
One day, the general who is second in command of special operations told us he wanted to go see the wounded soldiers. Our second commanding officer was on duty of commanding the rear. So, he needed to come with the general. His name was Colonel Aung Kyaw. I also needed to tag along.
So, he called me and said, “Tomorrow, the general will be visiting the hospital. We must go with him. He will be giving the soldiers financial aid. So, prepare envelopes with money. We also prepared a civilian car. You and the company commander plan the rest.”
As he said, I prepared the envelopes and commandeered the logistics commander’s car. After planning everything, I went back and slept as it was late.
When we arrived at the hospital, the colonel said, “There will be a tray for eggs and quicker oats supplied by the hospital to give to the patients. Before the general passes them out, you make sure to put the envelope into each bag.” “Thank God there is food in addition to our envelopes,” I thought to myself. My good mood was ruined when I saw the tray with a plastic bag of five eggs, small packs of quaker oak and a leftover pack of Thazin Biscuits. I was surprised by the pettiness of the planner.
Well, you could respect their ability to find the rarely produced Thazin Biscuits. Nevertheless, I grabbed the envelopes to put into the bag but they felt so light and thin. I opened one and saw a single note of 5000 Kyats. I was speechless. I felt ashamed of their behaviour. I feel angry for the soldiers. And I was embarrassed by myself for having to prepare that.
There were like 20 people behind the commander including the doctors, nurses and officers. But there was only a single tray of things and just a small amount of money. I felt disgusted with the general who was shameless enough to donate this little amount in front of many people.
Many of the soldiers were wounded heavily. Some are in comas and some are still in operation. Many of them still have bullets and shrapnel in their bodies. Some don’t even have legs or arms. They sacrificed their body and some even lives and all they get was just 5000. It was a tragic sight to see those people having to take the general’s 5000ks envelopes with respect.
When going around the patients, the general told them, “These are minor injuries. Take some rest and you will be fine.”
They could think of those words as encouragement but to me, it was said lightly without taking any responsibility. “You are also a man. Why do you come here in a civilian car? There was a lot of security yet you were afraid. You guys never were manly but at least you should be respectful of your comrades.” I said to myself.
Even though I was angry, some didn’t think of it as an insult. They were satisfied with what the general gave. One of the patients even said, “Aba(general), I am fine. When I get discharged, I will go fight them again. Just let me join the frontline.” “Ah, some even risk their lives just for a bunch of Thazin biscuits and words of encouragement,” I groaned. I couldn’t understand how they are okay with that.
Back from the hospital, I dropped the colonel at his home. Before I took off, he gave me a bottle and said, “Give the general this. I got into trouble because he didn’t have that. I had to trouble the Lwegel commander to get this. He wanted this and only this. Such a troublemaker.” I said yes and get back onto my car. “Take care. It cost 180 thousand per bottle,” he reminded me before I left.
Yours respectfully,
Htet Myat