“Hades Three Zero. This is Hades Zero… More patrols are necessary.
You will push further out in order to ‘Dominate’ and ‘Reassure’.
You will then pull back… Over.”

“Is there any chance of some air cover
or more sensitive IED-detecting kit?
Is there any chance of detailed maps
that distinguish between building and street?
Over.”

“More patrols are necessary. Push further out.
Dominate and Reassure. Then pull back.
Over.”

“How about some reinforcements; more men,
in order to hold ground we fight to take?
Or a mission statement that justifies
the risk that patrolling necessitates?
Over.”

“More patrols necessary. Push further out.
Dominate and Reassure. Then pull back.
Over.”

“The LOE for our daily patrols
Is not a distance plucked from the sky;
our estimate dictates that ‘reach’ should be
Governed by CASEVAC and resupply.
Over.”

“More patrols necessary. Push further out.
Dominate and Reassure. Then pull back.
Over.”

“We do not have freedom of manoeuvre;
every alley and street is mined.
The enemy can engage us freely
but we’re unable to respond in kind.
Over.”

“More patrols necessary. Push further out.
Dominate and Reassure. Then pull back.
Over.”

“Our presence provides no ‘reassurance’.
It invites reprisals when we withdraw.
Our ‘dominating’ effect isn’t only transient,
but predictable to all.
Over.”

“More patrols necessary. Push further out.
Dominate and Reassure. Then pull back.
Over.”

“We are suffering heavy casualties
whilst trying to learn from each incident.
Changes to tactics, without support and
resources, are not easy to implement.
Over.”

“More patrols necessary. Push further out.
Dominate and Reassure. Then pull back.
Over.”

“We continue to vary things daily
to keep ‘tempo’, while trying to survive.
The only real ‘objective’ for now
is to keep, all those that are left, alive!
Over.”

“More patrols necessary! Push out.
Dominate and Reassure. Pull back!
Over!”

“Is anybody up there listening?
Does anyone actually care?
Your lack of respect for our judgement
and lack of faith in us are clear.
You find fault in our leadership
and ‘role-play’ bright ideas,
but what might look good on paper up there,
looks fucking suicidal down here!
Over.”

“More patrols are necessary. You will push further out
in order to Dominate and Reassure. You will then pull back.
We’re all in the same boat you know,
now stop rocking the damned thing!
Play the game – lead by example
And stop this god-damn moaning!
More patrols ARE necessary! You WILL push further out
in order to ‘Dominate’ and ‘Reassure’.
You will then pull back.
Out.”