The U.S. miltiary victory in Iraq was decisive, but we must study it objectively to learn positive and negative lessons for the next conflict.
Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) was one of the most decisive U.S. victories. 1 A dictatorial regime ruling a population of 25 million was defeated in only 21 days of fighting instead of the planned campaign of 125 days. 2 U.S. forces showed remarkable improvement in their conduct of joint/combined warfare since the Gulf War in 1990-1991. New technological advances were integrated successfully with sound tactical and operational concepts. The coalition commanders displayed a high degree of operational flexibility and agility.
