Soon.
Bombshell...the process works something like this:
We don't have forces all over the world ready at a hair trigger to jump off into combat at the drop of a hat...except for our strategic nuclear strike forces (missiles in subs and in silos). We also don't keep instantaneous, up-to-the-minute strike packages ready to be pulled out and used, especially against some rathole like Afghanistan. Intelligence packages are prepared and updated on a regular basis so files of 'potential' targets are maintained for future use by our armed forces.
Once the requirement to strike something or someone has been identified, the war machine revs up. Deployable unit readiness is improved as quickly as possible (ships, aircraft squadrons, infantry regiments etc.) to bring them up to full combat capability (spare parts, bullets, training, etc.). Deployment orders are sent so ships get underway, special forces guys load up onto planes and dissapear into the mist, fighter and bomber wings fly out to distant bases and logistics ships and land bases begin dragging thousands of tons of materiel out of long term storage in preparation of combat. Surveillance satellites are re-programmed to fly over the potential enemies locations to begin snooping into his daily life.
Getting all of this into place takes some time...which is really a good thing, since it takes some time to go get the latest intelligence info and update the target files. For example, even at full power, a carrier can only cover about 800 miles per day. The North Arabian Sea is a LONG way off from Norfolk or San Diego.
Finally, once all the targets have been ID'ed and the forces put in place, the war planners will begin the process of matching weapons systems to targets. This process also takes time. Once that is all done and the forces all report on station and "ready for call for fire" the fun begins.
First will probably be the Tomahawks launched from Navy cruisers, destroyers and subs, followed by the strategic bombers (B-52s, B-1Bs, & B-2s, each carrying maybe a 100 or so bombs) and then the Navy and Air Force fighter bombers, striking the individual targets of interest. Once those attacks are done, the SPECOPS ground troops will probably go in and begin to root out the Taliban from their caves.
As the war progresses, we won't know much from day to day because the press has not been invited along with our forces this time. Not much of this will be live and in color...since the services learned a hard lesson during Desert Storm: Even as we were planning and striking Saddam, he was listening to CNN and using the info against us. Press coverage in this war is going to be without the aid and assistance of our military.
Bottom line...we attack soon...so be patient. This war will take time. We won't see much of it...but our guys will win.
[soapbox]
[devil][rocket]