Meaning:
The quote you provided is from Bo Gritz, a former United States Army Special Forces officer and the leader of several controversial and high-profile search and rescue missions. The quote reflects Gritz's experience and concerns while involved in a mission related to the Vietnam War.
In the quote, Gritz mentions going to Ft. Bragg, which is a major United States Army installation located in North Carolina. Ft. Bragg is known for being home to the U.S. Army Special Operations Command, including the elite Delta Force. Gritz's visit to Ft. Bragg indicates that he was involved in a military operation or mission, likely one that required specialized training and expertise.
Gritz's reference to "Delta" in the quote likely pertains to the Delta Force, a highly secretive and elite special operations unit within the U.S. Army. The Delta Force is known for its specialized training in counterterrorism, hostage rescue, and other high-risk operations. Gritz's statement suggests that he learned that Delta was preparing for a rescue mission, indicating the seriousness and urgency of the situation at hand.
The quote also reflects Gritz's concern about the Reagan administration's willingness to authorize the deployment of an official military force into Laos. During the Vietnam War, Laos was a neighboring country that became embroiled in the conflict, particularly due to the presence of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a major supply route for North Vietnamese forces. U.S. military operations in Laos were often covert and highly sensitive due to political considerations and the potential for escalation of the conflict.
Gritz's apprehension about the Reagan administration's willingness to take the risk of sending an official military force into Laos underscores the complex and delicate nature of the geopolitical dynamics during that era. The quote suggests that Gritz was aware of the potential political and diplomatic obstacles that could hinder the execution of the rescue mission he was involved in.
Bo Gritz gained notoriety for his involvement in several controversial missions, including efforts to locate and retrieve prisoners of war (POWs) and missing in action (MIA) personnel from Southeast Asia after the end of the Vietnam War. His missions often attracted attention due to their clandestine nature and the political sensitivities surrounding the Vietnam War and its aftermath.
In conclusion, the quote from Bo Gritz provides insight into the challenges and uncertainties he faced while engaged in a mission related to the Vietnam War. It highlights the intricate interplay between military operations, political considerations, and the high-stakes nature of rescue missions in a complex and volatile geopolitical environment.