Replies

Portion of your post #239:

"I read this is coming out. I disagree with it myself but it this is an executive decision that President Bush will make. Rumsfeld was asked to reform and modernize the military and he has done a good job of it, in my opinion. Yes, there are complaints but few alternatives offered, meaning different strategies to accomplish what needed to be done. There are some long time service people who resist the move to the more advanced use of technology and a leaner, faster fighting force. For example, one thing Rumsfeld did that upset some of the old guard was to mix separate artillery, infantry and armor units into one group. The traditional separation was resisted by those who did not want change and wanted to continue the status quo. I agree with what Rumsfeld did to consolidate these three elements into one fighting division that did not have to play political games in coordinating these necessary functions used in battle. Another element that Rumsfeld changed was the inter-service coordination to make the Army, Air Force and Navy closer to decision making in the field, and away from the bureaucratic oversight and interference that made success harder to obtain."

You have some good thoughts on this. What do you think will happen to the transformation movement? Thanks!

My personal opinion is General Franks proved the concept in both Afghanistan and Iraq. (My old armor unit is history, folded into the 4th ID.) The ability to coordinate action, meaning command and control, will make our military faster, fiercer and more effective. That is, IF the program continues as it has been, which I anticipate happening. Democrats may defund the military as much as they can but the changes have already been made and this relationship will continue to improve. As for weapon systems and new R&D, your guess is as good as mine. Democrats are going to be looking for places to cut funding, as they have done in the past, so there's a good chance new weapon systems will be delayed. One weapon system that seems to have a lot of potential would be all the applications for laser and particle beam weapons, although I have not heard much about particle beam in recent months.

I believe Don Rumsfeld has been a historic Secretary of Defense, and I believe he has done an outstanding job in what he was tasked to do. His departure will not help our military although I believe I understand why he is leaving. If there is any blame for Rumsfeld's performance, I believe the blame belongs to the White House in not selling or marketing our efforts. I also put some blame on the Republican party for not supporting him well enough.