You write much sense Pious Pilot but, unfortunately, our system does not recognise failure or make corrections to prevent recurrence. Instead, the lead players write their memoirs and make a packet to add to the salary they were given by the taxpayer whilst screwing up.
I wonder if the military chiefs are also partly to blame for not advising the politicians in no uncertain terms prior to the committment to war. It might be the case that our senior officers see the prospect of furthering their individual service claim on the budget by getting to do something useful.
There is surely a case for an independent consideration of the proposed action before we commit our forces to future conflict.