Many military writers, in addition to our experiences in the Philippines and similar conflicts, teach that it is impossible to combat terrorism (insurgencies) with conscripts. They simply are not trained for this particular type of combat. Our second major mistake is trying to "fight" in a mostly defensive posture.

The only way to fight insurgencies is with counter-insurgencies -- specialist forces such as Army Ranger and Navy Seal types. Remaining on the defensive, even with specialist forces, also is doomed to failure.

We must go on the offense taking the war to the terrorists using small, numerous squads of specialist forces OPERATING AROUND THE CLOCK with Iraqi intelligence. Only then can we root out and exterminate these groups. This tactic must be ongoing and non-stop until the job is completed.

These types of units successfully went into Mozul at the beginning of the "war" and neutralized the already entrenched forces of Saddam Hussein?

As the country settles down to some acceptable level of normalcy, adequately trained, domestic Iraqi forces should be able to establish and maintain security.

Then we should get out!