Once again, the phrase “shock and awe” has become popular — this time in describing the Trump administration’s efforts to remove the “worst of the worst” illegal immigrants arrested for certain crimes.

As the principal creator of the shock and awe military doctrine, dating back to 1995, I am here to tell you that the effort to expel these individuals is many things — among them, justified — but it is not "shock and awe."

Shock was the first intensive reaction generated by our actions. Awe was the means of extending shock for an extended period.

The first misuse of shock and awe came during the Iraq War in March 2003. As the coalition began its offensive against Saddam Hussein, Gen. Tommy Franks, the overall commander, announced a campaign of “shock and awe” was underway.

Franks had been given the book on shock and awe by then-Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. Rumsfeld was a “rump” member of the team that helped invent shock and awe eight years before.

Rather than read the book, Franks grabbed the headline. On the second day of the onslaught, the United Kingdom’s Daily........

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