Why have iterations?

Almost two months ago Michael Feathers wrote a thing on zero length iterations. The post is very similar to the one that inspired me to write this but he also brings up an important point; the intention of iterations is to force a decision, force the team to make trade-offs and keep moving towards a goal. That is exactly what military decision making is all about; keep the initiative by making sure you make a decision that is as informed as possible before it is too late. I guess that is yet another example of things software developers can learn from the military.