War on the Rocks What It Was Like to Be Under Incoming Fire from the War on Terror to Today
Mar 20, 2026
Veterans trade vivid stories about mortars, rockets, artillery, and harassment fires from Iraq and Afghanistan. They compare old-area harassment with today’s guided drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic threats. The conversation covers base procedures, quick reaction raids on launch sites, training and family communication, and the psychological toll of persistent, high-volume attacks.
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First Cruise Missile Hit at Camp Commando
- Matt Francis described his first indirect-fire experience at Camp Commando when a cruise missile impacted inside the base, producing a shockwave that rattled tents and triggered alarms.
- He recounted grabbing a 200-round SAW drum, sprinting to a berm, and the chaotic mix of gas and incoming alarms that followed, which illustrated raw adrenaline and confusion.
Threat Shift From Harassment Fire To Precision Swarms
- Patrick McSpadden explained the current Middle East threat has shifted from harassment IDF to precision fires including drones, ballistic missiles, and quadcopters.
- He noted defenders have systems like Patriot and CRAM but sheer munition volume and evolving tactics mean overmatch can let some strikes through.
The Five Step Response To Incoming Rounds
- Rick Landgraf summarized the standard five-step response to incoming: audible alert, seek cover (bunkers/lie prone), wait for all-clear, establish accountability, resume operations.
- He emphasized accountability and that post-all-clear checks could take minutes to hours depending on unit size.