This is one of those times when I think we are in violent agreement. Managed in this case is not a four letter word. It is also one of those times in which I think EBO "imagery" is useful. The multitude of players, motives, and relationships creates a situation where, if not careful, we can find ourselves in a paralysis by analysis.

Reality is a big amorphous blob and we just won't know the all residual effects of decisions/actions. We should uncover what we can then act with prudence.

prudent action =
behavior consistent with strategy and enduring national principles
+ degree of environmental/cultural acquity
+ focus collection on areas we anticipate possible pushback/friction
+ available capabilities/capacity to mitigate pushback/friction
(note: this construct is not limited to any particular level or form of war)

If all this sounds like a droning recording from previous posts, my apologies. Just frustrated. I suppose it served a purpose to equate COIN/COE with graduate level work when we were first propogating 3-24 , but I also think that period has passed. I see nothing new in how I've framed prudent action - rather its just a different set of tools/lenses that are needed to see environment/culture with acquity and determine what capabilities are most prudent.

That's all I have to say about that...

Live well and row