When Can Our Generals Speak? -- A Commentary

Pete Souza/White House

How Generals Should Talk to Presidents -- John S.D. Eisenhower, New York Times

IN a recent speech in London, Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the top United States commander in Afghanistan, was blunt. Calling the military situation there “deteriorating,” he warned that the United States was going to have to “do things dramatically and even uncomfortably differently.” General McChrystal had already submitted a report, somehow leaked, requesting an additional 40,000 American troops. He acknowledged in his speech that in so speaking out while the issue was still under debate in the White House, he might have difficulties with his superiors.

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My Comment: To begin .... my understanding was that General McChrystal had received permission to speak at London. While I do not know if his speech was vetted, I would presume that his superiors at the Pentagon knew that he was going to London to give a speech, and the speech would be on Afghanistan and the coming strategy. Was the White House upset over the content of the speech .... probably .... but they should not have been surprised. General McChrystal is a blunt man, and being responsible for a war that impacts the lives of millions has a way of sobering you up to what are the challenges and dangers ahead. If he has something to say .... and if no one told him to not give his speech .... I would then presume that he would deliver his opinions to a group that he wanted to speak to.

The White House reaction was a bit surprising. I think this was more inexperience showing rather than being unhappy with the message that General McChrystal was sending. I am sure that guidelines have now been issued, and limits to the General's speaking engagements have either been reduced or eliminated outright. A return engagement with 60 Minutes is probably not in the cards.

This is a lose-lose situation for everyone involved. Like Gen. Eric K. Shinseki, General McChrystal has done nothing wrong .... but the perception is that he has, and for that he will be paying a price.