[Praxeologue]

By then, Brig. Gen. David F. Wherley, Jr., the 113th Wing commander, was on-site, trying to determine whether the unit had authorization to launch fighters

... oh yes, and we can't attack Saddam without incontrovertible evidence.

Isn't there a miltary code, something like hot pursuit, where you can just do what needs to be done?

[vetvetdoug]

Sometimes there is a General with his head screwed on right. General McKee was the USAF commander in Okinawa the day the Pueblo was attacked by the North Koreans. He had no authorization and the Navy did not want his help. He took it upon himself to order a squadron to the Pueblo with orders to shoot the North Koreans out of the water if they were out of the harbor. Unfortunately, they got there a few minutes after the Pueblo was in the communist port. Of course, General McKee caught hell for his actions but was the only General, Navy or otherwise, to go to the help of the Pueblo.

[TankerKC]

Isn't there a military code, something like hot pursuit, where you can just do what needs to be done?

Normally there would be a set of Rules of Engagement (ROE), if we were anticipating some sort of conflict. Prior to 9-11, rightly or wrongly, we weren't expecting this sort of thing.