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Name:
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Talullahhound
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Subject:
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Sorry guys, you are wrong
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Date:
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10/8/2009 6:16:36 PM
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In the policy world, where this decision still rests, people do listen to input from the field and other experts. But, remember, the general in the field executes the strategy, he doesn't make policy. I see no indication that Obama isn't getting input from his military leadership -- and in fact, that includes a whole lot more people than just one 4 star in Afghanistan. He has his perspective, others have theirs.
Alahusker, I was being a bit faceitous when I said that you have to shut up and salute -- and you know as well as I do, that if you did what you said you did, then you put your career on the line. You must have had some credibility with your boss, and you must have felt passionately.
Yankee is right -- Majors and Lt Col and Col's and senior civilians in the Pentagon prepare papers for the leadership -- to include the Generals. The best staff work is objective and lays out clearly the pros and cons of each possibility. But at the end of the day, you have to make a fully coordinated recommendation. Sometimes over weeks, sometimes in a matter of days, sometimes in a matter of hours.
Of course, smart commanders take input from their subordinates, but at the end of the day, they know that the decision is theirs, and at the end of the day, subordinates know they have to carry out the decision whether they agree with it or not.
But, not every commander appreciates views of his staff that don't coinside with his picture of reality. You may remember Norman Schwartcroft (sp?) who ran the first Gulf War. They didn't call him the Bear because they loved him. And then there was Max Thurman. I had the priviledge of working for Gen Thurman when he was the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army. If you think he loved taking advice from subordinates, think again. Both men have been known to reduce grown men to tears. I could name a few more.
Sorry guys, I totally respect your time in uniform, but I have worked in the field, worked at the Headquarters and worked for the decision makers. Not a brag -- I assure you. Had my butt handed to me a few times too, when the senior leadership didn't like my recommendation. But, that's part of the job.
And Wix, I'm so sorry to diappoint you, but I was NEVER a GS-5. Not that there is anything wrong with GS-5s. But even my Secretary was a GS-8.
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