You don’t get to be a 4-star without knowing how to play the game. He comes from a military family. He was also a Pentagon spokesman. I would say he knew exactly what he was doing.
Given the response, or delayed response, he received to his request for troops, and no doubt little to no communication from the CinC, VPOTUS, US Ambassador, OR the Natl Security Advisor, he assumed his last option was to go public in a way that would grab their attention. They may not read his memos, but they sure read Rolling Stone!
McChrystal was made to execute new Rules of Engagement that put every soldier’s life at risk unnecessarily. At some point, any political aspirations he may have had would have to have been put aside in favor of the troops serving under him. I think for that same reason he hung in as long as he did, rather than resign long ago when it was clear this WH was not behind him or his troops.
That maybe the case, but violating the UCMJ was a dumb way to do it. It’s not good for those below to see the people at the top violating the UCMJ.
The General that wins the WoT gets my vote..
not sure he has been born yet tho. ;-)