DW

A quick perusal of social media reveals what most foreigners (and, unfortunately, many Americans) simply cannot comprehend about the US military: We can sacrifice half a dozen sophisticated military aircraft worth nearly USD $400 million to successfully rescue one downed airman and still consider that operation a "win." Because it IS a win. Because we simply don't leave American service members behind. The U.S. military can (and does) replace aircraft and equipment. But what we value -- what we value MOST -- is the lives of those who swear an oath and volunteer to defend our country. Less than one percent of the U.S. population serves in the military; that means 99% of the U.S. population does not. Don't get me wrong: It's truly unfortunate that it cost so much in equipment to rescue one downed airman. But the effort made by SO MANY to accomplish this feat is a testament to the skill, training, determination, and perseverance of all the organizations and individuals involved in this effort -- ranging from USAF pararescue personnel, SEAL Team 6 operators, CIA officers, to a whole host of unnamed others. Right now, each of them can (and does) feel satisfaction over a dangerous mission accomplished. For service members past and present: This operation was also partial payback for the Desert One fiasco of 1980. (If you know, you KNOW.)