Opinion by Gary Perry: U.S. Underestimates the Enemy, Again.

I spent 8 years in the Army from 1971 -1979 initially in the infantry and later as a helicopter pilot with the 1/17 Air Cav, 82nd Airborne Division. I'm as pro military as they come and I support our military men and women in whatever endeavor they undertake.
However, it seems that over the course of years during and since Vietnam our administrative and military leaders have repeatedly underestimated our enemies, launching combat campaigns that cost thousands of soldier's lives, billions of taxpayers dollars and countless civilian casualties all with the same end result...nothing gained.
We spent 7+ years in Vietnam and 50,000 soldiers lives, and now we import and buy clothes made in Vietnam. We spent 20 years in Afghanistan and it only took 90 days for the Taliban to retake control of the entire country after we mad-dashed out of the country. The Russians were smart enough to leave Afghanistan after only 10 years!
Our latest combat action against Iran (after our previous bombing of their nuclear program which was supposed to have "obliterated" their ability to enrich uranium) is another example of seemingly under estimating the enemy's ability to withstand, survive and retaliate. We claim to have destroyed almost 90% of their ballistic missile capability along with key central and command control ability, yet they continue to lob missiles at Israel and other Middle East neighbors in retaliatory strikes killing 8 U.S. military members.
We thought, or at least hoped that killing the supreme leader would result in regime change. It's obvious that isn't happening with his son being appointed the new supreme leader. He's as much of a hardliner as his father was. If we kill him there are 100 more waiting to take that role.
Possibly the biggest under estimation on our part pertains to the Strait of Hormuz where 20% or more of the world's oil supply must pass. Only now are we trying to react to Iran's control of it while they launch attacks damaging ships attempting to pass. Why didn't we address that as part of the initial strikes knowing it plays a key role in the world economy.
Now the news media reports that through back door contacts we're attempting to start possible talks to end the conflict (an off-ramp as the media calls it) to which Iran has basically said "We're not interested." Why? Because they have shown their ability to withstand, survive and retaliate. As one Iranian official has stated: "We had 20 years to watch America in Afghanistan and develop our strategies."
What has really been accomplished in this latest campaign? Iran can still enrich uranium, manufacture and fire drones and missiles, attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz and now appears to be able to dictate the terms for their participation in possible cease fire talks.
As I previously stated. I am 100% pro military, but in my opinion Operation Epic Fury is just another Operation "Epic Blunder."
Gary Perry