PO BONG
20 February 2001, 21:14
The WACO was really a true example of a failed SWAT opeartion in Law Enforcement history. As recently as last year, there are many reports of government cover up of using flameable stuff, and one report in the media even said the ATF agents were only for fist fights! Not gun-battles! But I cannot make too many judgements on the incident as I haven't invovled,but I want say a few points.
First, whoever in the ATF plan and execute the opeartion break a very important principal in combat, it is a simple common sense: know you enemy well! And whatever reason, they didn't. They know that those are heavily armed with lots of weapons such as M16'S, AK47'S,some anti tank weaponary, 0'50 CAILBER RIFLES and sniper rifles( One of the dead agents was believed to be hit by this caliber weapon.) and also ready for raids by cops, and they just hastily send the SRT TEAMS in!
Secondly, they could have call off the raid when their undercover agent inform them that these guys were waiting for them , but for whatever reason they chose not to.
Thirdly, someone tip off the opeartion to the Branch Davidians. Or other wise they wouldn't ready for the ATF. It is possibly the media or an insider.
Fourthly, the ATF could have combined their SRT teams with the local deputies or TEXAS STATE Troppers Tactical teams to help out for the operation sice these teams are as experienced in doing these kinds of raid.
Fifth, the element of suprise were already lost due to second and third factors mentioned and this theory is very important in all SWAT opeartions!
Sixth, when the FBI take over, they moves didn't make the situation better? Is that true?
Finally, I would said the ATF agents did their best that day and I feel deeply sorry for the four agents that die in the raid and also to 80+ Davidains. The ATF SRT TEAMS were well armed and eqiued from what I see in the raid and suit the standard of a basic SWAT TEAM. MP5'S SHOTGUNS, SIGS PISTOLS, M16'S, BASIC ENTRY TOOLS and basic gear like Helmets, Goggles, Assault Vest and they have all the basic training. ( let me verify one thing, I held nothing against the ATF OR FBI.)By the way, does anyone really knows what the ATF have jurisdiction in apart fromthe three things, alchol, tobacco, firearms, they present at almost every major terriost attacks on the US in the 90's. Well that's all I can say, and I hope the truth come out one day about this targic incident and that the ATF, FBI, and all the law enforcement agencys learnt from this incident.
First, whoever in the ATF plan and execute the opeartion break a very important principal in combat, it is a simple common sense: know you enemy well! And whatever reason, they didn't. They know that those are heavily armed with lots of weapons such as M16'S, AK47'S,some anti tank weaponary, 0'50 CAILBER RIFLES and sniper rifles( One of the dead agents was believed to be hit by this caliber weapon.) and also ready for raids by cops, and they just hastily send the SRT TEAMS in!
Secondly, they could have call off the raid when their undercover agent inform them that these guys were waiting for them , but for whatever reason they chose not to.
Thirdly, someone tip off the opeartion to the Branch Davidians. Or other wise they wouldn't ready for the ATF. It is possibly the media or an insider.
Fourthly, the ATF could have combined their SRT teams with the local deputies or TEXAS STATE Troppers Tactical teams to help out for the operation sice these teams are as experienced in doing these kinds of raid.
Fifth, the element of suprise were already lost due to second and third factors mentioned and this theory is very important in all SWAT opeartions!
Sixth, when the FBI take over, they moves didn't make the situation better? Is that true?
Finally, I would said the ATF agents did their best that day and I feel deeply sorry for the four agents that die in the raid and also to 80+ Davidains. The ATF SRT TEAMS were well armed and eqiued from what I see in the raid and suit the standard of a basic SWAT TEAM. MP5'S SHOTGUNS, SIGS PISTOLS, M16'S, BASIC ENTRY TOOLS and basic gear like Helmets, Goggles, Assault Vest and they have all the basic training. ( let me verify one thing, I held nothing against the ATF OR FBI.)By the way, does anyone really knows what the ATF have jurisdiction in apart fromthe three things, alchol, tobacco, firearms, they present at almost every major terriost attacks on the US in the 90's. Well that's all I can say, and I hope the truth come out one day about this targic incident and that the ATF, FBI, and all the law enforcement agencys learnt from this incident.