A question about Stanley McChrystal.

[DrBombbay]

So with all the uproar and subsequent political fallout from the Generals take on our president and his staff, Ive seen some bashing of the McChrystal beginning to arise. Specifically theres the Tillman issue which bothers me and is easy pickings for those wishing to disparage the man.

At one point in my reading this morning someone made note of the fact he was promoted (May 1 2004) to Maj Gen just days after Tillmans death (April 22 2004)...alluding to a conspiracy of some sort I suppose.

I did however see upon further study that he was recommended for two star in 2002 and was referred to as Major General all thru out 2003 by the MSM.

Am I missing something here?

[digger48]

A thread last night said Tillmans family voiced their objections directly to the White House over McChrystals appointment

[biggredd1]

The fact that McCrystal voted for commie obama, bothers me!

[vbmoneyspender]

He voted for Obama - that’s like voting for McGovern in 1972.

[MEGoody]

I certainly can understand McCrystal’s feelings about Obama’s handling of the war. As an actively serving General, however, he should probably not have voiced them in the media.

[Terabitten]

I met Gen. McChrystal, back when he was a COL and I was a 1LT. He was working at the US Army Infantry Center at Ft. Benning, waiting to take command of 75th Ranger Regiment. My best friend was working for him at the time, so I got to spend a little time with him. Not much, admittedly, but enough to get the sense of the man.

The guy is a warrior, no doubt. That much is unquestionable. He’s seriously a certified badass, a straight shooter who was not only results-oriented, but willing to take the time to mentor a couple of young lieutentants. Helluva leader.

I wouldn’t be so sure that he actually voted for Obama. Remember Sun Tzu’s first rule: “All warfare is based on deception.”

[MNnice]

Yeah, I would really like to hear his rationale for voting for the neophyte over the 20-year veteran for commander-in-chief.

He may have a valid reason but I don’t know what it could possibly be.

[Joe 6-pack]

"At one point in my reading this morning someone made note of the fact he was promoted (May 1 2004) to Maj Gen just days after Tillmans death (April 22 2004)...alluding to a conspiracy of some sort I suppose. I did however see upon further study that he was recommended for two star in 2002 and was referred to as Major General all thru out 2003 by the MSM."

I don't know if this is specifically the case here, but the Army (and I suspect other branches) have a practice referred to as "frocking," in which a person eligible for promotion, and serving in a position allocated for the next higher rank, may be authorized to wear the insignia and title of that higher rank, although they are still drawing the pay of their actual rank. At the small unit level this is not particularly uncommon as an E-7 (Sergeant First Class) serving as a company first sergeant is authorized to wear the first sergeant rank insignia.

The idea is to vest the person with the responsibility of a position with the respect due the authorized grade of that position.

[Freddd]

and Obama replaced Keirnan with McChrystal........It was Obama’s choice. Too late to go backwards and point fingers now...

[DallasDeb]

Although just speaking to a reporter from the Rolling Stone was in poor judgment, you need to read this in order to a better insight into who said what in that article:

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/adrianmichaels/100044497/general-mcchrystal-has-been-stitched-up/

[misterrob]

Military people who disparage their civilian chain of command are in violation of Article 88 of the UCMJ:

“Any commissioned officer who uses contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Transportation, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.”

[bigbob]

And to give the devil his due. Bill O’Reilly said the same thing last night - “this was not a ‘hit piece’”.

I’ve read the RS article with careful attention to who-said-what. It’s more an article about “staff” not the General himself.

Still, given Obama’s notorious thin skin, I expect him to fire McChrystal over this. Which will push success in Afghanistan even further away, but since when has Obama failed to retaliate against criticism, be it from Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, Fox News, or even his own military leadership?

[The Sons of Liberty]

I did however see upon further study that he was recommended for two star in 2002 and was referred to as Major General all thru out 2003 by the MSM. Am I missing something here?

Sometimes General Officers are "frocked". They wear, and are addressed by, a rank that is higher than their permanent or actual rank. I saw this done in the Air Force so that the General could meet on equal terms with an Army General and an allied General who were in the same area. It is a good possibility that this was the case with McChrystal.

[Josh Painter]

“He voted for Obama - that’s like voting for McGovern in 1972.”
______________

Worse, actually. At least McGovern served in the military as a bomber pilot in WWII. Heck, even Jimmy Carter managed to serve in the Navy.

Obama, like Bill and Hill Clinton, hates the American military.

- JP

[DrBombbay]

Thanks for the answers,at least those that stayed on topic.

It looks like even frocking requires Senate confirmation. Strange that I cannot seem to find anything on the promotion.This definitely looks like a case of it.