The US has always had a problem finding the right general to command a successful war. We stumble around, putting a McClellan such in command but eventually find our Grant. Someone who knows how to win and is able to convey those thoughts into action.
That takes time. Modern warfare, against a near pear, might not allow that time.
If we are putting weak men into positions of power (some compromised by political ideology or academics), when we finally find the general to win a war... that war might be over with.
Absolutely true. In the next kinetic WW, we won’t have years of even months to sort out the McClellans from the Grants.
It will be decided in days to weeks, with folks like “White Rate Milley” making the critical decisions.