[matt1234]

Since they are angry that the DoD gets the final word, I’m guessing [hoping!] it is true.

On CSPAN2, the banner read something like "The Pentagon and President must certify that combat readiness will not be diminished." IMO, this is just a formality, and the required arm-twisting will be from the top down. "Golly General, that's a nice command and pension you got there. Be a shame if something happened to them." As a retired O-5 friend once told me, "In the military, a suggestion is an order." 0bama is CIC.

[Fantasywriter]

Thanks for the additional input. It may be just a formality, but maybe not. The DoD knows more than it’s telling about how devastating this would be for our troops. I wonder just how eager they are to initiate the destruction this change would wreak. I don’t claim any insider knowledge, but I do think there are reasons for the DoD to apply the brakes on implementation. This would be a terrible time for enlistment and re-ups to plummet, for morale to take a nosedive, and for general disruption and degradation in the ranks.

[Cheerio]

On CSPAN2, the banner read something like "The Pentagon and President must certify that combat readiness will not be diminished."

Kinda like the Homeland Security must certify the border is secure before amnesty will be granted? Seems like that was one of GWB's plans in the 2006-07 great rush to "Comprehensive Reform".

Gates would certify in a hear beat just like Crappy Nappy would certify - IF THEY WANT TO KEEP THEIR JOBS UNDER THE KENYAN USURPER, DESTROYER OF AMERICA.