Bingo! That was the problem the MIC (really just the industrial complex part!) convinced themselves and any politician whose string they could pull that Iraq was just like the defeated 1945 Germany and a “Marshall Plan” was just the ticket to make it all hunky-dory! Their drooling over the thought of that money drove everything!
While on site, my primary job was to shadow the CO, to respond to any requests. LTC Garner exuded leadership, was always under control. You could tell his officers and soldiers regarded him highly, not just for his rank, but as their leader.
LOL, I’ve always thought their after action report of my unit was SO GOOD that our higher HQ left us alone the rest of that summer. I was usually in command as my CO was usually back home dealing with marital issues. All of my soldiers and NCOs were excellent, but there were a few occasions that needed a decision, and I made them. Our closest support was 200 miles away.
LTG (ret) Garner was the perfect man for that job, and Dubya blew it.