[Red Steel]

I didn't say the were not completely "private citizens". However, they have run for presidential office criticizing incumbent presidents while they were generals. General McClellan who was still on active duty when he ran against President Lincoln.I showed you proof where General Valley has recently criticized Obama in my post above to you. Generals in retirement still have the same First Amendment rights that you and I have.

Perhaps you know more about the subject than Col. Bracknell.

Apparently, that rule is not set in stone and they have and do criticized presidents in and out of uniform. Perhaps Col. Bracknell should rethink his position or you have misinterpreted it.

[SUSSA]

Their ability to criticize the CIC is at the CIC’s discretion. Any time the officer gets too much notice the CIC can pull the plug. The way Obama handles McChrystal will signal how much he’s willing to take from retired flag officers. If he bitch-slaps the General don’t expect others to step up and go after him

Their ability to retain their retirement benefits and criticize the CIC is limited to what the CIC is willing to allow.