That decision is above his pay grade.
That is their standard comment to hard questions, Obama atempts some kinship with our troops that he doesn't deserve. What pay grade? He is a US Senator and damn-sure ougtht to have an opinion on everything.
Obama clearly doesn't banter well when he is unscripted and is keenly aware of a need for fresh evasive responses to hard questions.
His handlers need to be a little more original.