Timing is the essence of a lot of things...
"each ... speaks from his own copse of trees and may not have a view of the larger forest"
The retired general officers who have recently called for the resignation of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld want to convince the public that civilian control has silenced military wisdom regarding the war in Iraq. They have chafed at Rumsfeld’s authoritarian style and they may even have legitimate differences of opinion with his decisions. But, while their advice and the weight of their experience should be taken into account, the important time for them to weigh in was while they were on active duty.
It’s an old battle, but one which the civilian—the elected civilian side must win. But Generals chafing under an authoritarian style? Odd, that.
Rumsfeld respects the delicate balance between military expertise and civilian control, but in the end the decisions are his to make.
In addition, he’s smart enough not to say that he is the ‘decider.’
The appropriate opportunity for military officers to offer constructive criticism and to shape policy that helps avoid disastrous consequences is when those officers are still on active duty.
Bingo.
The average U.S. citizen has high respect for the U.S. military. That respect is a valuable national security asset. Criticism, when carried too far, risks eroding it.
*tap*tap*tap*—are ya listening Babs ‘I am but a’ Boxer??? can ya hear me Little Dickie Turban? *whack*whack*whack* pay attention, Mirthless Mertha. I’ll speak slowly: Respect for the military is a valuable national security asset.
We do not advocate a silencing of debate on the war in Iraq. But care must be taken by those experienced officers who had their chance to speak up while on active duty. In speaking out now, they may think they are doing a service by adding to the reasoned debate. But the enemy does not understand or appreciate reasoned public debate. It is perceived as a sign of weakness and lack of resolve.
RTWT Not only is their point dead on, but the piece is well written. Must more of those fellas who ‘can’t find a job anywhere else...’
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