I worked with the General when I was in Iraq working for USCENTCOM in early 2004.
He was very very low key about his political views. Remember, at the time, politics were as hot-topic then as they are now and that was also an election year. He saw it as a destabilizing factor within his command and did his best to ensure no one knew.
As for the weapons thing - there were so many accidental discharges in 2003-2004 that nearly took people out - he was far from the only person who did this. There was a rash of accidental discharges, especially in late 2003/early 2004 that had everyone on edge.
Both Odierno and Austin were generally low key, not normally saying much in common or populated spaces.
Were you in the C2?
Politics became much hotter toward 08’/09’ timeframe. Lots of shuffle. Some “heads rolled”.
Austin rose in more than rank. For conservatives, more internal fear and carefulness was necessary for both officer and enlisted.
I knew two NCO’s and a CPT who were reprimanded for viewing Drudgereport on their own time (off shift). Early on in OIF/OEF it was not the case, but we were told not to bring New Testaments or Bibles to the C2, and were warned of consequences for to any and all “religious” and “political” talk even “off duty”. However, we did celebrate (on Iraqi soil), LGBTQ month.
It wasn’t related to any duty, but I was once part of an effort (with an O-8’s permissions), to build a 3X5 poster for Memorial Day (to be hung in the C2), which included a beautiful graphic of Arlington National Cemetery, with American flags, and the quote:
“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” (Patrick Henry)
The high gloss graphic was ordered torn down, and was in a hundred pieces on the floor. And that was inside the near 99% US C2 area at Al Faw Palace.
I don’t recall anything like this in 2004.
Never saw anything like this from Marine Gen Dunford either.
Not at the same time, but worked with Flynn and Rogers as well, and they too were under significant pressure.