If this story can be detached from the reality of Obama as CinC, there is nothing inherently bad about the type of relationship described in the article. Schwartzkopf dealt with POTUS through Powell and Cheney. His advice was presented and the results are history. Bush 43 and Petraeus had a relationship that was more the exception than the rule.
There IS something wriong with this relationship. Obama will not listen to his General’s recommendations.