Good unit commanders are able to evaluate what they are up against, and take appropriate action for any particular situation. In many cases being up agaist fanatical ragheads is more challenging than being up against a disciplined military force. MOdern day professional militaries do not typically use suicide bombers and vehicles. (WWII Japanese were the exception). When you are up against people who do not care if they die, you are in a tough fight. I am sure this commander would have not let his troops be reduced and wiped out. He had the forces, he only needed resupply. He positioned them well. They are all heros.