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the problem with him as a "wonk" is that the "wonk" approach is just fundamentally discredited. This assumes that the system can be managed and tweaked to obtain results. As with education policy, which was Jebs big thing.

As H.L.Mencken wrote, "Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats"

This is that time.

As H.L.Mencken wrote, "Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats"

Great quote, reminds me of a long ago day when I was #2 of an ADA battery undergoing a tac eval (ARTEP). My commander went Jeb on me by incorrectly coding coordinates for a mission. Long story short, it was bad enough to flunk us.

That evening, I "spit on my hands" after his latest uninspiring directions for the third and final day. I entered into a loud and abrasive ten minute dissertation of exactly what each squad would do the next day in order to pass. I had taken 3 of the 4 platoons through evaluations, so I knew what each soldier in every squad was supposed to do. I "hoisted the black flag" in that, should we fail, I would tell each and every soldier the reason why we flunked is that we, as leaders, failed to do our jobs.

Although my four platoon leaders were seething at me, the lead evaluator overheard every word I heard...not surprising as I was incensed. I bumped into him shortly after departing the command post. He had a big grin on his face, and he said, "LT, that was beautiful!"

My BC reminds me of Jeb: wonkish, a great staff officer, but keep him away from troop leadership...a classic REMF. BTW, I never considered myself much more than an average officer, but I was surrounded by excellent soldiers and NCOs. I was never the "smartest guy in the room", but I developed into an officer that could make the correct decisions when all hell broke loose.