Military operations are intended to support national strategic purposes. In the case of Epic Fury, the administration has not communicated clearly to the nation what that purpose is. In fact, since the start several purposes have been proffered, resulting in confusion as to why the nation is attacking Iran. An argument can be made that Epic Fury is an operation in search of a strategy.
The briefings provided so far have only reinforced what is already knew: the US military is well armed, well trained and manned by dedicated professional men and women. Videos are shown of buildings and ships being destroyed and, except for the tragic deaths of 7 service members, no harm coming to this very powerful US military force. What has not been explained is how the operation is progressing toward the strategic objective, whatever it is, making this writer think that objective is either not well defined or not well understood at the highest levels of government. Even considering operational security concerns, the strategic objective can still be communicated in broad terms allowing both the Executive and Legislative branches to stay on message. That is not the case. If the strategic objective cannot be articulated to the public one wonders if the administration can define victory or even a desired endpoint. Who would hire a contractor to build their home without providing blueprints or plans?
There is a growing and nagging possibility that the administration is becoming increasing susceptible to so called ‘victory disease.’ That’s a condition resulting from continuous military wins to the point that victory is assumed no matter the circumstances. Think in terms of Napolean in Russia or the Japanese at the Battle of Midway. Both had long strings of victories until they lost in historic fashion.
The administration needs the support of the governed. It currently does not have it. Oil is now over $100 a barrel. That will ripple through the entire economy. The administration must communicate a coherent and well-defined strategic goal so that the populace can understand the reason for the sacrifices they will be making. What they are currently receiving is a mishmash of messages and a Secretary of Defense sounding like a carnival barker.
If you don’t know where you’re going any road will do.
Tom Wilson is a U.S. Navy veteran, retiring as a Rear Admiral. After moving to a farm in Butler township in 2012 he has been active in the local community, currently serving on the boards of WellSpan Hospital Foundation, Adams County Community Foundation and the Susquehanna Regional Transit Authority (Rabbittransit). He is a past two term member of the UASD school board. He was board president for five of the eight years on the board.