I have read that LTG Odierno, in his first go-round in Iraq, was one of those senior leaders who performed poorly and did much to spark the continuing troubles through a misapplication of force. Recent appraisals indicate that he now 'gets it' and should be an effective MNF-I commander.

Is this a fair assessment? If so, what caused the scales to fall from his eyes? Was it his own experience and reflection, or did he become a disciple of someone else?

If the assessment is fair, it would make Odierno a symbol of the growth and development of the Army as a whole, and would make for a fascinating study.