Pre-Invasion Planning

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General Franks and his planners experienced substantial weaknesses in the pre-invasion planning for the operational approach of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In the extreme, SECDEF Rumsfeld’s directive leadership style, determination to conduct combat operations on an accelerated timeline, and unwillingness to accept expert military advice regarding force development, inhibited General Frank’s joint planning efforts seizing the initiative. Seizing the initiative (Phase II) requires JFC’s application of appropriate joint force capabilities, including execution of offensive operations at the earliest possible time, forcing adversaries to offensive culmination and setting the conditions for decisive operations.9 (JP5-0, p. III-42-43) Furthermore, the

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