[argonaut]

I don't think this describes US defense doctrine. America has not launched a massive surprise first strike in a very long time (if ever). Iraq and Afghanistan knew the invasion was coming a long way off.

To me, US defense doctrine relies on 1) massive logistical power projection capability to counter any terrorism threat (real or perceived) anywhere on the globe, and 2) large conventional forces to counterbalance other large geopolitical rivals (Russia, China).

[fiatmoney]

"Surprise" is relative; "blitzkrieg" (or "shock and awe") might be more apt. Iraq I, Iraq II, Afghanistan, Grenada, Panama all fit the pattern. Kosovo doesn't as much, but then again there were other considerations there (eg, not pissing off Russia too much).

You're right on the higher-level strategy, but operationally it relies heavily on immediately killing off all C&C, air defense, air force, etc. in the first few hours so you can then bomb with impunity.