[quote=peterb]Eventhough Powell quit, he still took the job and did what he was told for a long time. Ruined his street cred. [/quote]

How valid is that criticism when applied to a soldier?

Mind you I don’t necessarily disagree but the purpose of the military is to follow orders and enact policy of the civilian leaders, not to think critically or create policy themselves.
He was a part of the civilian leadership at the time you mention but that was not his background.