[Scott from the Left Coast]

Fascinating that this operational plan appears to be the exact opposite of Gulf War I. We are using our air assets in ground support at the front, and moving our ground forces into Iraq with the greatest speed possible. We're taking ground right away. I would guess is the plan is to capture Basra while making a high speed run to Baghdad to invest the city.

It has to be unexpected because the American pattern has been the exact opposite since Gulf War I. We are leading on the ground and running hard and fast -- and most of our air power is being used specifically in support of the ground movement, not going after strategic targets in the capitol.

[jgrubbs]

Almost like a Stonewall Jackson battle plan.

[Shaka]

Looks like the ground is leading this charge...the best coverage is on CNN..they have live feed running with the 7th Cav...right now.

[aristeides]

The Hitler/Manstein/Guderian plan was also more or less the opposite of the Schlieffen Plan. Of course, the Schlieffen Plan had failed.