re: Big invasion in Iraq has begun.

Our real problems with ROE in Afghanistan and Iraq had more to do with where and when we could use air and supporting arms. Late in the Afghan war you needed regimental approval for even a 60mm mortar strike.

Also, troops were highly restricted on when and where and for what reasons they could enter a house or place of business. A squad leader on patrol could not randomly stop and search a house if he suspected it of having bad guys or weapons. Intel had to be passed all the way up and then the go ahead had to come all the way back down.