Wilf:
Your apple didn't fall far from the tree.
I didn't meet a lot dummies in Iraq. Quite the contrary.
What I did meet was a lot of people who were mission focus, and not on what "should be gathered," but on what they had to get out today; a lot who collected info and ideas (often outside their immediate lane) but didn't know where to put it for others to use, and folks who, because of limited mobility (too much time inside the wire) tried to make up for it by BSing.
Somewhere in between, once "what is needed" was clearly articulated, the machine stood and delivered. No question that folks know how to do it.
Big question as to whether there is appropriate direction, organization. And, if the system is driven from the top, why are the tops so tardy in putting it together.
No offense but Iraq was chock-full of folks from broad backgrounds with plenty of opinions who had easy access to leaders. The Emma Sky's and others, high-level local nationals and advisors, and the top folks were always out asking them questions, and they, in turn were out sniffing around.
My understanding about Afghanistan is that too many folks are holed-up inside the wire, have limited contacts or communication outside the wire, and not enough energy? creativity? focus? direction? until now.
What's that all about?
Steve
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