Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has nominated Iraq commander Gen. Ray Odierno to be the next commander, U.S. Joint Forces Command. An interesting choice; a very coalition building position. So, now where does Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis go? Commandant of the Marine Corps?
Here you can find further speculation on generals and admirals, and one really important civilian appointee, moving about. This Politico story suggesting Hilary Clinton is in the running to replace Gates I find a bit hard to believe.
– Greg Grant
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On May 13, Gen. Mattis told attendees at a joint warfighting conference that the military relies too much on "technology" when it should go back to the basics, such as maintaining radio discipline on the battlefield and relying less on headquarters for intelligence or direction. "I don't think we've turned off our radios in the past eight years," he said. "Mission-type orders, rather than bandwidth, are the key to the future. " He also told the conference that, "a Lance Cpl. in Iraq can sometimes better explain our Iraq policy than all our Generals can."
Are the technocrats nipping at the heels of a wise, experienced warrior?
Being a former lcpl. in the late 80's i know this to be true. We also did all the work that needed to be done dirty or otherwise. Snco's and nco's get all the glory and credit, and a lot of it is deserved but if you didn't have a solid group of salty lcpls not much would get done..
just thanks remember that snco were junior ncos iwas a private before i retired as e9 so i appreciate your service and thanks for a mission well excuated
A good senior NCO would be right there with you, not hanging out with the Company Commander at the CP. He works for YOU, not for anybody else. Fortunately, I had some of the best Topkicks and CSMs in the business, and I'd walk on hot coals for 'em too. Thank YOU for your service.