You can't win if you don't play: communication--engage early, engage often

The Maginot Line, the legendary series of defenses built after World War One by the French to thwart any German invasion plan, seemed like a good idea at the time. That war had been characterized by trench fighting and static lines of defense that killed thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of soldiers on both sides. During World War Two, enemies -- in this case the Germans -- would hurl themselves futilely against the Maginot Line's impregnable series of fortifications. Meanwhile, the French Army would have time to mobilize and strike a decisive counterblow. This plan of "genius" was an utter failure. Daring, speeds combined arms, and a well-thought-out plan of attack flanked and defeated the Maginot Line -- negating the expensive, static, and ultimately worthless fortification. The US possesses vast military might. However, to be successful in its endeavors, it must also synchronize the timeliness of explanations of its actions -- from budget plans to coalition operations of all shapes and sizes.