Instant fortification in Iraq

Strategy Page:

A key to the success of the current surge offensive in Iraq is the ability of U.S. troops to quickly (within a day) set up a well defended base, anywhere in Iraq. This is done using cargo containers and portable blast proof walls. The standard 20 and 40 foot containers are regularly retained, after they arrive at a combat zone and used for work and living areas. This actually began during the 1991 Gulf War, and has only gotten more organized since then.

Firms like HESCO provide kits to armor the containers, providing protection from bullets and bomb fragments. HESCO also had, back in 1990, provided portable barriers, which were basically just collapsible containers that, once opened up and filled with dirt or sand, were blast and bullet proof. Thus troops can roll into an area with a few trucks and a back-hoe. Within hours, the blast walls are up and filled with dirt, and covered with night vision vid cams and other sensors.

...

Apparently the Iraqis are impressed by this efficiency of the operation and the enemy is impressed enough to know any attacks against it will be futile. When your enemy thinks attacks are futile you are on the way to win. That is what is happening with the surge. It is interesting that when it began it was felt that the US troops would be more vulnerable in the neighborhoods. That has not been the case and the fortifications are part of that result.