I don't have contacts in the Balkans, so I'll take you at your word for that part of the discussion.
OTOH, we now have over 4 months of combat experience in Central Asia. I do have several friends involved in that action. And to say our soldiers can't hack it in a real war...as your quote above indicates...even if you did make it a conditional statement...is very disrespectful.
So, badmouth the Balkan mess as much as you'd like, but lay off American service men and women.