Yeah, they are the toughest of the tough. I know them well. We have one at the head of our local state university. He is remarkably focused on his new job and doesn't bother fighting old battles and lost causes. IOW, he is not spending his coin in futility. Could any of them beat the heck out of you or me? Well, I am old and broken down, so probably they could; don't know about you. IQ? Some, maybe; most, no.
You're right, I spoke to quick. There are some very bright retired generals who are outspoken in their criticism of the Iraq conflict. I am not prepared to outright dismiss them as either unintelligent or political in their motivation, especially with the current results.
Apologies for the haste of my prior post.