There are problems in the military leadership, that’s for sure. But this particular problem isn’t military—it’s political.
HST famously quarreled with General MacArthur and fired him because he actually wanted to win the Korean War.
JFK was famous for starting wars with no intention of winning them, although Eisenhower warned him against it, beginning with the Bay of Pigs and going on to Vietnam.
LBJ made things worse.
And with a few exceptions, it’s been that way ever since.
Yes, we have far too many Perfumed Princes for generals, willing to set Rules of Engagement that favor the enemy and decimate our troops, but they wouldn’t be there in the first place if that wasn’t what the politicians wanted.
Yes, we have far too many Perfumed Princes for generals, willing to set Rules of Engagement that favor the enemy and decimate our troops, but they wouldn’t be there in the first place if that wasn’t what the politicians wanted.
I believe you've nailed it, Cicero.
Times I've done the hiring, I've looked for people who are smarter and more mentally agile than I so I can hand off more work to them. I've noticed lots of people look for agreeability, subservience, and the like.
Altogether too many presidents have openly or secretly despised the U.S. military, which can only make a bad situation worse. I'm sure there are plenty of potential Eisenhowers and Pattons in the officer corps, but their chances of promotion are reduced by leftist extremist political angling and scheming.