I was in the US Army from 1988 - 1996. The Concept of “Shock and Awe” was developed in my last year. I saw its implementation in Iraq in 2003.
“I saw its implementation in Iraq in 2003”
As did I but imo it was just a follow on of GWI’s degrade and attrit strategy of reducing the enemy’s resources, mobility and assets before committing troops. This is why imo both wars were essential walkovers.
Saddam and his Russian KGB/FSB advisers began planning the Insurgency before Baghdad even fell. SOCOM knew the plan from prior KGB-led insurgencies in Vietnam, Rhodesia, South Africa, Lebanon, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Venezuela, etc. But since these were defensive operations the focus was on Special Forces supporting national militaries rather than overthrowing and suppressing a KGB-sponsored terrorist state -which now appears to be the norm.
In Iraq the insurgency Was the former government and its aligned terrorist groups -which became one in the same in many instances after the fall of Baghdad. It retained KGB support and training with funding via Qatar, Iran and other intermediaries. Volunteers were drawn from throughout the region on religious, ideological and fanatical/terrorist grounds. The occupation troops wound up being required to fight a counter-insurgency which they were not initially trained, equipped or focused for.