Ep 2. Perception and Reality

Chain of Command is a gripping documentary television series that gives viewers an inside look into the U.S. military's fight against ISIS. This show follows the combat operations on the ground in Iraq and Syria as well as the decisions made by senior military leaders in the Pentagon and in the White House. In season 1 episode 2, "Perception and Reality," the series continues to delve deep into the complex and often difficult decisions that military commanders have to make in order to combat ISIS.

The episode follows several key decision-makers, including General Joseph Votel, commander of U.S. Central Command, and Brett McGurk, then-Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. General Votel is tasked with deploying troops to the front lines in order to push back against ISIS, while McGurk is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the international coalition. As the military leaders work to implement their strategy, they must face the difficult reality that their perception of the situation on the ground may not always match up with what is actually happening.

For example, much of the episode focuses on the situation in Fallujah, an Iraqi city that was largely controlled by ISIS at the time. General Votel and other military leaders believe that retaking Fallujah is a critical part of their strategy, but they soon realize that the reality on the ground is far more complex than they had anticipated. As they deploy troops to the area, they must contend with difficult terrain, hostile civilians, and a determined and well-equipped ISIS.

Meanwhile, Brett McGurk is working to build and maintain international support for the anti-ISIS coalition. He travels to countries around the world, meeting with diplomats and military leaders to build consensus around their shared goal of defeating ISIS. However, he quickly realizes that his perception of the situation is not always aligned with those of his international counterparts. He must navigate political tensions and cultural misunderstandings in order to build trust and cooperation among the coalition members.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a fascinating look into the complexities of military strategy and decision-making. The sheer scope of the task at hand is staggering, and it's clear that even the most experienced military leaders are grappling with the challenges of fighting a determined and elusive enemy. However, despite the difficulties, there is a sense of determination and commitment that runs through the episode. The military leaders and soldiers on the ground are determined to do whatever it takes to defeat ISIS and bring stability to Iraq and Syria.

Overall, "Perception and Reality" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode of Chain of Command. It provides a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the U.S. military, as well as the challenges and complexities of fighting a modern-day insurgency. Whether you're interested in military strategy, global politics, or simply enjoy a well-crafted documentary, this show is definitely worth watching.