You thought wrong. The sandstorms happened later.
So, what's the military history of these retired officers?
I know one personally--he's a great American, wounded in action, decorated for valor, and has a great deal of experience.
Were no mistakes made during their tours of duty?
Give me a break. If the criteria for providing your observations on an issue is that you cannot have made a mistake in the past, then there would be nothing on this forum.