Initial planning and execution in Afghanistan and Iraq / Joseph J. Collins -- Strategic assessment and adaptation: The surges in Afghanistan and Iraq / Frank G. Hoffman and G. Alexander Crowther -- National-level coordination and implementation : How system attributes trumped leadership / Christopher J. Lamb and Megan Franco -- Raising and mentoring security forces / T.X. Hammes -- 9/11 and after: Legal issues, lessons, and irregular conflict / Nicholas Rostow and Harvey Rishikof -- Reflections on lessons encountered / Richard D. Hooker, Jr., and Joseph J. Collins -- About the contributors -- Annexes -- A. The Human and financial costs of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq / Sara Thannhauser and Christoff Luehrs -- B. Timeline for operations in Afghanistan -- C. Timeline for operations in Iraq.