Chapter 9 Summary and Analysis

On February 1, Franks delivers "Generated Start Plan," meaning the full force would be generated in the region before fighting starts. The timeline is halved. Rumsfeld wants air and ground assaults to be nearly simultaneous and the initial buildup compressed for a "running start." They discuss "what-ifs" like Scud missile launches at Israel if Saddam detects SOF commandos in the western desert. Rumsfeld and Franks talk daily by secure line, the Secretary peppering him with questions and raising the bar of expectation. "Rumsfeld is like a dentist's drill that never ceased." On February 7, Franks gives Bush and the NSC an actionable plan, "90-45-90." Using the stoplight graphics Bush enjoys, Franks charts "Timings" of when month-by-month events can and should proceed on four levels. These include strategic issues, which Rumsfeld and Powell must address, and Franks' direct concerns for another aircraft carrier...