To answer your question, may I commend to you:
"On the Psychology of Military Incomptence" by Norman Dixon
Pimlico 1976
Especially the articles relating to the Boer and Israeli forces, neither of which were noted for their dress standards, but both of which were particularly effective at giving others - including our good selves - a pretty good kicking.
Thank you, just ordered from Amazon.
I never actually said that the smartest military would always win all the time. Personal standards and values do help in all walks of life.
And to keep the thread on topic, looking back on the 'War Zone' it may actually turn out to be a very good recruiting tool.