Marine Corps Gen. James E. Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, testifies on the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy before the Senate Armed Services Committee in Washington, D.C., Dec. 3, 2010. U.S. Army photo by D. Myles CullenGeneral's Role Did Not Cost Him Joint Chiefs Post, Gates Says -- L.A. Times
Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Gen. James Cartwright was accused of circumventing the chain of command during 2009 administration talks on troop levels in Afghanistan. But that was not a factor in his not getting the top job, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates says.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates on Wednesday dismissed as "garbage" reports that a senior Marine general was passed over to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff because of his back-channel role in the 2009 administration debate on sending additional troops to Afghanistan.
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More News On Why Gen. James Cartwright Was Not Chosen To Be The New Chairman Of The Joint Chiefs Of Staff
Gates: Debate over troop numbers didn't sink Cartwright's job chances -- Stars and Stripes
Gates denies US general punished for dissent -- AFP
Gates: Joint Chiefs Selection Was About Team-Building -- ABC
Gates Says Teamwork Was Key to Picking New Joint Chiefs Chairman -- Wall Street Journal
Gates says Obama put a premium on unity among national security aides -- Washington Post/AP
General Passed Over for Giving Obama Advice -- Truthdig
Cartwright, Geeks’ Best Pal, Is Out of Race for Top General -- The Danger Room
My Comment: Sounds like politics to me .... and ruffled feathers.
Being a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (and being a flag officer, for that matter) is ultimately a result of politics. But it doesn't belong to any one politician or political party. When that occurs, which is what seemed to have occurred here, you damage the purpose of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't say "ruffled feathers" as I'd say "disturbed and alarmed at having a rogue general on the staff".
Thanks Philip for your comment. Yup .... he did break a certain chain of command .... something that you would not expect from a four star.
ReplyDelete