[quote=Zeitgeist]I support McChrystal over Obama, McArthur over Truman and Rommel over Hitler. You have your opinion and I have mine. The military are the heroic ones here, not the politicians. I think it was a set up and we will not know why for awhile, but why would he give an interview to the Rolling Stone. The entire incident does not make any sense. This one stinks and you know it, Allan. Read the article again.[/quote]
Zeit: I didn’t say it didn’t stink. Like I said, Biden was completely wrong in his remarks, and it goes without saying that Obama is clueless about this war (which is now in his ownership, and likely his Vietnam). However, there is a way to do things and way not to.
I’ve done counterinsurgency warfare and as a Ranger. The problem with SOF-types like McChrystal is that “FIDO” (Fuck It, Drive On) mentality. Its absolutely excellent when it comes to tactical solutions, but it works for shit when it comes to playing politics. And, like it or not, that is definitely a part of the job description. I went back through the article and the one thing that really struck me is the makeup of the cadre of officers he has surrounding him. All are SOF, including SEALs and British SAS. Everyone of these guys has an utter disdain for authority and is hand selected for their operational abilities. However, all of them are responsible to a higher command authority. There are times when you suck it up, plaster a shit-eating grin on your face and go kiss the babies. It blows, but its a part of your job and you accept it as such.
I was also interested in your Hitler versus Rommel analogy. I would think Hitler versus Guderian would be even more interesting to delve into, or Hitler versus von Manstein. Those last two dustups cost Hitler the War in the East and spelled doom for the Third Reich. My $.02 anyway.
