Are you not going to answer Stryker's question, NYOB? You referred to men "on the ground" and said you'd take their opinion over Gen. Petraeus' (I'm not sure where you think he spent the last year or so, but...). Stryker (and I) would like some examples of people whose opinions you value so highly.

...and for God's sake, please proofread your fucking post before submitting it. We'd like to be able to actually read what you post this time, k?

(I have to admit I love your last sentence though. Maybe it's because I'm not "education" enough to understand you, most intelligent one!)