But Sanchez’ statement is a cop out. He never mentioned the possibility that he might have resigned in protest over the awful policy. That’s the problem. Promotion to high rank requires political reliability and officers chosen to be Generals only get their promotions upon approval of political authorities. They owe their promotions and their pensions to politicians and therefore are unlikely to be promoted if there is the faintest whiff of the possibility that they might oppose policies decided by the politicians. Independent mindedness is therefore not a quality likely to be found in the highest military ranks. Though it is interesting that Admiral William Fallon, chief of CENTCOM, called General (Saint) David Petraeus, mastermind of "the surge", "an ass-kissing little chickenshit". That story has quickly disappeared. [SPSL]
Mark said it exceptionally well, if you wish to read my views of the subject read Duty, Honor, Country! Nah Careerist Optimism.
The organizational culture of the officer corps in one of zero-defects, perfection is the objective and if that is not achieved the truth is covered in ambiguities or outright lies. Most officers learn this early and frequently. Fred Reed nails this issue on the head...
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