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Of course, no analogy is perfect- but from experience, I can say that this one is pretty close (of course, in some situations the Specials Forces unit may also act as the "SWAT" Team...)

There is a tremendous incentive for large units to be put in, when the situation on the ground actually calls for a more low-key approach. Careers are made by even brief combat experience, and the awards and decorations that go with it. Everyone wants to get in on the action, and it takes a very wise senior Commander to keep these turf battles from happening.

That said, I don't think NEWSWEEK is the right place to hash all of this out.

This is going to be an "intelligence war", and we have already found to our sorrow that the gee-whiz NSA eavesdropping on every form of electronic communication in the world is NOT enough. We need people who can go into some very rough neighborhoods, live with the people there, and be trusted by them. That is our biggest need right now, and probably for years to come. The 82nd is very good at what they do, but their efforts need to be guided by the best intelligence information that can be gotten. (And don't tell me that they have their own Military Intelligence capability- it is not suited to this type of war. It is OK if they are facing large enemy regular military forces, with identifiable headquarters, supply depots, etc).

"Let me try an analogy- the Special Forces A-Team would be more like the local cop on the beat, who gets to know his neighborhood and the people who live there, listens to them, gets a few good tips, perhaps, on criminal plans or gang activity, and maybe even helps them set up a "Neighborhood Watch" program."

In support of your point, it is perhaps time to re-circulate one of the most valuable threads on Free Republic, concerning how wars such as this must be fought. And not fought...

Algerian War: 1954-62

Lots of lessons here: for the politicos, the generals, the warriors...and the kibitzers, like us.

SF is very good at what they do, grunts are good at what they do, that includes Airborne. In this type of war the grunts should support the SF people, when they need the support, not take control like the punchers did in my war.

If you want to lose a war like this real quick, have it directed by a six month in the zone ring knocker.