It would set us back at least 2 generations. Most of the technical fields would have to be recreated from scratch. With people who are in diapers right now. It would take at least that long to have enough computer engineers, electrical engineers, physicians, nurses, and other specialized persons to reach where we are today.
Those fields would be decimated, literally, when the big cities go up in smoke. Most big teaching and R&D hospitals? In the big cities. Most really big engineering firms? In the big cities. Most pharma R&D in this country? Outside Indianapolis, in Northern New Jersey, and a few places along the Eastern seaboard. All near, or in, large cities. AT&T has a lot of engieering and techie types in Northern NJ. In Salinas KS? Not so many there...
Do NOT get me wrong, you are right about rebuild and the extent of the damage.
You are not understating the loss of life and the horror.
I think recovery could be faster. (why?) I am considering a few factors:
1. American ingenuity.
2. Help from other countries.
3. areas within the US not effected.
MY biggest concern is what will the Govrnmnt really do!!!!
This would be an opportune time to “clean house”.