Here is a link to the US Army War College publication site where you can read vol. 1 for yourself.
http://publications.armywarcollege.edu/pubs/3667.pdf
Gen Mark Milley explains the "why" of this historical effort by the Army.
"
We have а professional and moral responsibility to learn the relevant lessons of the
recent past. OIF is а sober reminder that technological advantages and standoff weapons
alone cannot render a decision; that the promise of short wars is often elusive; that the
ends, ways, and means must be in balance; that our Army must understand the type of
war we are engaged with in order to adapt as necessary; that decisions in war occur on
the ground in the mud and dirt; and that timeless factors such as human agency, chance,
and an enemy’s conviction, all shape а war’s outcome"
The Army does not go to war alone so this study also examines our joint partners: USAF, Navy, and most especially our Devil Dog brothers who embarked on this effort with us--as well as the British Armed Forces and other allies who fought beside us.
I was there. I've just begun reading it and it's already hard going to see how we F'd this up at the strategic and operational level from the get go. But one of the marks of a true profession is the ability of introspection and self-correction. This is what we're trying to get at here.
I'll resume reading it next week. I fly downrange tomorrow night for my last rotation into that shithole of a theater.
take good care
/r
The
Steve
http://publications.armywarcollege.edu/pubs/3667.pdf
Gen Mark Milley explains the "why" of this historical effort by the Army.
"
We have а professional and moral responsibility to learn the relevant lessons of the
recent past. OIF is а sober reminder that technological advantages and standoff weapons
alone cannot render a decision; that the promise of short wars is often elusive; that the
ends, ways, and means must be in balance; that our Army must understand the type of
war we are engaged with in order to adapt as necessary; that decisions in war occur on
the ground in the mud and dirt; and that timeless factors such as human agency, chance,
and an enemy’s conviction, all shape а war’s outcome"
The Army does not go to war alone so this study also examines our joint partners: USAF, Navy, and most especially our Devil Dog brothers who embarked on this effort with us--as well as the British Armed Forces and other allies who fought beside us.
I was there. I've just begun reading it and it's already hard going to see how we F'd this up at the strategic and operational level from the get go. But one of the marks of a true profession is the ability of introspection and self-correction. This is what we're trying to get at here.
I'll resume reading it next week. I fly downrange tomorrow night for my last rotation into that shithole of a theater.
take good care
/r
The
Steve