Female Army vet leads 'dream team' to fight ISIS in Iraq

It takes a lot of courage to do what these veterans are doing. However, I do not think this trend is good. I responded to similar post when veterans were helping in Kobani, but here is the synopsis. First, it is very difficult to maintain a clear picture of what is happening on the ground without the full support of the military. You are beholden to the information you are receiving from the indigenous forces you are working with. And the accuracy of this information often adjust with the needs of the indigenous. Also, if an American were to be captured by ISIS, a much higher probability working in a small group not sanctioned by the military, the propaganda value ISIS would gain would most likely outweigh the good work your small team did on the ground. Last, the lack of information you have on the ground without military infrastructure makes it very difficult to determine if you're helping the right people. Even working with the Peshmerga, you could find yourself supporting the more militant wing of Kurdish forces who are also carrying out attacks against US allies like Turkey. Once again, a very courageous gesture but fraught with difficulty.