has observed (and written about) the obvious. So, who is in charge of US operations in Afghanistan - Banz Craddock, Dave Petraeus, or COMSOCOM? Or is it the American Ambassador -not, but should it be?

What both Afghanistan and Iraq have shown is that the UCP is not adequate. One solution would be to recognize that there are theaters that are carved out of a regional command, commanded by a four star, and that their commanders should be supported by the Regional Commands - a combatant command in all but name (and, perhaps, duration). Perhaps legislation would be required to give them all the authorities that the COCOMS currently have although there likely is a worl around.

Cheers

JohnT