You know, back in the old days such display would be designed to inflict fear into the hearts of potential opponents. However, now in the 21st century, this kind of exercise only permits our military intelligence to map out their C3CM, field operations, interservice coordination, etc., which will permit us to take their heads off quicker should the bovine excriment hit the rotating air mixer.
"However, now in the 21st century, this kind of exercise only permits our military intelligence to map out their C3CM, field operations, interservice coordination, etc.,"
You are entirely correct from the standpoint of conventional warfare. However, as it is the IRGC that is stirring the pot in Iraq with just a few thousand insurgents creating national instability (with several major cities in rebel hands), I would be prepared for them to leave behind their heavy equipment, and like Saddam's Fedayeen, put on civilian clothes and infiltrate into Iraq.
Look at what they are doing with what we believe to be no more than 10-20,000 (high end estimate) across the entirety of Iraq.
Now multiply that tenfold.
Never underestimate the enemy. They are not ten feet tall. But we have been fought to a standstill (Korea)and even beaten (Vietnam) by lesser men than these. Overwhelming military power can be overcome by the enemy if he uses asymmetric strategies. That is the whole idea behind terrorism or "unrestricted" warfare.
I just hope planners have learned from some of the glaring errors in the assumptions about Iraq. A small but well-organized and determined enemy with a plan (even if they are low-tech) can exploit our weaknesses (if we are not prepared).
It happened in the aftermath of Iraq (and the continuing war there).
And it happened on 9/11.
The Iraqi army was no match for us. So they wouldn't play our game and adopted terrorist strategies. Iran understands better than any the use of irregular warfare and terrorism to try to achieve strategic objectives.
Napoleonic tactics in the era of cruise missiles? (re- Iranian groups beginning military maneuvers near the border with Iraq...)