I wholeheartedly agree with this CPT's assessment of our efforts in Afghanistan. I don't, however, think that there is any hope of changing. I am about halfway through a 12 month tour in southern Afghanistan as an embedded adviser. This is my second tour (the first was in W Baghdad, 2006-2008). The path to success is remarkably clear, yet our hands are tied. Until we change our methods, become adaptive and put a serious effort towards trying to build up the IRoA and defeat the Taliban, we will make no progress. In my AO, the Taliban hold every advantage, and are gaining ground every year.