Posted on 12/02/2004 5:35:26 AM PST by xzins
General Wayne Downing served in a variety of command assignments in infantry, armored, special operations, and joint units, culminating in his appointment as the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Special Operations Command. He served two combat tours in Vietnam as a junior infantry officer.
As a general officer, Wayne Downing commanded the special operations of all services during the 1989 invasion of Panama and commanded a joint special operations task force operating deep behind the Iraqi lines during Operation DESERT STORM. Following retirement, General Wayne Downing was appointed by the President to assess the 1996 terrorist attack on the U.S. base at Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia, and to make recommendations on how to protect Americans and U.S. facilities worldwide from terrorist attack.
From 1999-2000, General Wayne Downing was a member of the Congressionally mandated National Commission on Terrorism (the Bremer Commission) charged with examining the terrorist threat to the US, evaluating America's laws, policies, and practices for preventing and punishing terrorism directed at US citizens, and recommending corrective actions.
General Wayne Downing most recently served in the White House as National Director and Deputy National Security Advisor for Combating Terrorism. As the President's principal advisor on matters related to combating terrorism, he was responsible for the close coordination among the military, diplomatic, intelligence, law enforcement, information, and financial operations of our war on terror, and for developing and executing a strategy that integrated all elements of national power.
General Wayne Downing is the Chairman of the Combating Terrorism Center at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. The Center seeks to better understand foreign and domestic terrorism threats, to educate future leaders, and to provide political analysis and advice to counter future terrorist activities. He serves on two boards in the private sector and has served on three government advisory panels. General Downing is a visiting faculty member at the University of Michigan Business School conducting seminars on leadership and transformation management
His awards include twelve decorations for valor on the battlefield and the Purple Heart. General Wayne Downing has earned the Combat Infantryman's Badge. He is a Military Free Fall Jumpmaster, a Master Parachutist, and an Army Ranger. General Downing is a Commander in the French Legion of Honor.
General Downing has a B.S. degree from the U.S. Military Academy and a Masters degree in Business Administration from Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana.
General Wayne Downing most recently served in the White House as National Director and Deputy National Security Advisor for Combating Terrorism. As the President's principal advisor on matters related to combating terrorism, he was responsible for the close coordination among the military, diplomatic, intelligence, law enforcement, information, and financial operations of our war on terror, and for developing and executing a strategy that integrated all elements of national power.
Thought it might make sense for someone to consider some of our retired experts in security from our defense field.
How about Norman Schwarzkopf?
Do politicans really know more about security than do generals?
You've got my vote.
But the brick background's got to go. :>)
That's last Christmas at my in-laws. Is the 45 Auto in shoulder holster OK?
I'd trade your 45 for just one law permitting ethnic profiling.
From what I have seen of him as an on-air expert for MSNBC, he would be a great choice. I remember early in the drive to Baghdad, he and Brian Williams were on a Chinook that was forced down in a sand storm. An Infantry platoon happened to be in the area and provided security for the craft and personnel for about 24 hours. He related the story of how the Platoon Leader reacted when he found out Downing was a retired O-10. Pretty funny.
He is very capable and seems to have this rare capacity for focusing on his mission and getting it done with causing political uproar.
Homeland Security needs a security expert in charge.
You should at least be Downing's deputy.
Ethnic profiling would be the keystone of my plan.
I've been at my in-laws for Christmas too, but never had to bring my 45. I did bring a shotgun, but left it in the truck. *wink*
And then we'll pull out the .45
I'd take that and serve proudly.
BTW, why you trying to stuff that ribbon in your right pocket?
:>)
I carry where ever I go. But normally leave it in the car. My wife wanted to take a picture with the .45.
TSA would be extremely made over.
The ribbon is on the handrail behind me. I did steal it later.
From the looks of that bullet hole in the front door, they just missed your head by inches, and you didn't even flinch!
I never flinch. Because I'm hard of hearing.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.