Comments on: Madam SECDEF?

By: SMSgt Mac

SMSgt Mac — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 06:11:10 +0000

Sorry I missed the fun. I’ve been on travel ahead of the holidays and trying to wrap up a capstone project before Christmas.
Marc,
I will bet you dollars to donuts I have been going to school longer and earning college credit from more colleges and universities than anyone you know, and that’s not including hours I CLEP’d to skip most of my freshman year, or any Air University and Marine Corps University credit (yes they are accredited schools)–Hazards of pursuing engineering/science degrees while on active duty.
My beef is with so-called elite schools that are really more exclusive these days. They trade on their previosly earned prestige while in reality they’ve degenerated into some kind of post-hippy-takeover, politically-correct, sheepskin factory with a ready-made old-boy network to help move them along. When I get a stack of resumes and job applications, the “exclusive” school guys start at the bottom of the stack and have to earn their way up in the interview. Occassionally one of these guys comes along that actually does know F=ma AND that you can’t push with a rope AND doesn’t have an overarching sense of entitlement — so he or she will get a shot.
Higher Ed? I LOVE it and will always remain true to my schools. Heck, I plan to teach grad school in my retirement.
GO Seawolveswildcatsaggieseaglesbeaverseagles!!!

By: ELP

ELP — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 01:32:01 +0000

Yet more temporary help that has never worn a uniform. No thanks.

By: John

John — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 22:47:23 +0000

Another poster stated Obama’s policy: “you would know he’s in favor of a phased and realistic withdrawal.“
Gee, that sounds a lot like Bush’ policy, the one that Obama has been decrying as “the failed policies of the last eight years.“
Big change.

By: Sean, San Diego CA

Sean, San Diego CA — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 22:14:45 +0000

Oh boy.…
Hold on to your hats folks, we’re in for a serious free fall.
Has anybody noticed all of the Harvard grads???

By: Jose

Jose — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:33:49 +0000

Any comments against this potential Sec. of Def. sound like they can easyly apply to Condy Rice…

By: SSG Yankee Medic

SSG Yankee Medic — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:52:46 +0000

As long as the new Sec Def actually goes out on FACT finding missions with a panel of battle hardened VETERANS on their staff to IRAQ & AFGN, ANY choice should be an improvement on Rumsfeld.
The crucial issues for the next four years:
1.) Restoring quality VETERAN leadership with an emphasis on GROUND operations among the Joint Chiefs. Any general or admiral that hasn’t been directly involved with the GWOT within the last THREE years has GOT to be relieved of command !
2.) Completely overhauling the DoD Procurement System.
“Lowest Bidder” is due for the cemetery. Case in point >
battle hardening the HMV cost more than a different brand new vehicle if you through in the original cost AND the up armor process. Lets try the body armor debacle for another example.
3.) Insuring all mobilized, deployed troops get full digital medical records at their MOBE sites BEFORE leaving for a combat zone and continuing through their tour of duty.
4.) Reviewing ALL wasteful, non-productive programs to trim
the DoD budget where it is actually needed. PORK !
5.) More inter-service integration when it comes to vehicles.
The Marines have some great ones, the Army needs to look at where and when they can combine contracts to save money and lives.

By: chuck

chuck — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 20:00:24 +0000

Sounds like another Monica!

By: cdr p.w. prawl, usn ret

cdr p.w. prawl, usn ret — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 19:55:47 +0000

let’s see now, Madeline albright to the UN, Hillary to state, this lady as secdef; will any jobs be left for white males?

By: Larry

Larry — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 18:17:22 +0000

Many people, regardless of gender, have been appointed to positions that they were not really “qualified” for, and done a great job. That being said, I agree that Harvard and Oxford? Fancy names on that piece of paper that hang on the wall, and not really much to recommend qualification.
Oh…and did you notice?
“Ms. Flournoy, a graduate of Harvard and Oxford, made her bones as a DoD worker bee with the Clinton Administration.“
Where is this famous “change” that Obama promised was coming to Washington?
Did we re-elect Clinton when I was not looking?

By: fargingbastige

fargingbastige — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 16:28:22 +0000

Ivy League education and academia do not prepare anyone for anything — other than academia. While SECDEF is a far cry from being in the trenches, I would think that some real-world experience would be a pre-requisite.