Extreme Ownership: How US Navy SEALs Lead and Win

The US Army in Ramadi adopts a policy of “Seize, Clear, Hold, Build” (110). This means they and Iraqi troops, backed by tanks and armored troop carriers, penetrate enemy areas, push out insurgents, build outposts, then do it again. In support of this operation and to protect street patrols, Babin’s SEAL platoon places “sniper overwatch” teams who, often from hundreds of yards away, repel enemy soldiers moving in on coalition forces. Other SEALs on the ground work with Iraqi troops to clear areas. Neighborhoods must be secured building by building, a dangerous, usually daytime operation that involves defeating insurgents while protecting civilians.

Before dawn, Babin’s sniper team and its Iraqi support troops, called Overwatch Position 2 or OP2, depart on foot for a two-story house east of the day’s main operation. The building’s rooftop firing positions are exposed; Babin arranges team members to protect the snipers. As the first call to prayer echoes through the streets, Willink’s SEAL team, OP1, moves out alongside Army troops. Babin’s Overwatch detects enemy soldiers moving toward the main force and takes them out; they also deter later, similar attempts.