[gov_bean_ counter]

You make a very reasoned argument, however I don’t think the General is dealing with a reasonable individual. I think the General is doing what he thinks gives the men and women under his command their best chance for success.

[kabar]

I can only draw upon my 8 years as a naval officer, including serving a year in Vietnam and another 8 months off the coast. In the military I served in, a leader has the responsibility for his people, including providing them with the tools they need to survive and win. Without those resources, McCrystal is accepting the fact that his people are in a losing battle and that their sacrifice is meaningless.

Duty, honor, and country means that you tell the truth and do what is right for your people and your nation. We either get out of Afghanistan or win. If I were McCrystal, I would resign and then speak out against a policy that endangers my people and the mission. He can not do that now because he is part of the chain of command starting with the CIC.