I am sure there was a lot of experience learned, on both sides, and learned the hard way.  I am sure that MOD training manuals reflect lessons learned and not learned.  That's why I found Gates statement preposterous.  In a similar vein, it is like saying ... and I am sure it has been said in the US... that Europe has no idea how to handle terrorism when western Europe was plagued by terrorism for decades.

Just more of American we-know-better-than-anybody else rhetoric.

IMHO

"Schiller sprach zu Goethe, Steck in dem Arsch die Flöte! Goethe sagte zu Schiller, Mein Arsch ist kein Triller!"