I agree with you about Obama having to fly Mullen there to deliver that messgage. However, he is the CJCS visiting a combat zone talking to young Airmen, Soldiers and Sailors, he should have known that one of the main things these Warriors were concerned about was getting paid. Many live pay check to pay check. I know I did for my first 7 years in the military. He should have had some type of promise from the CINC, that military pay would be of the highest priority, and not give the Troops anymore things to worry about.
Totally agree with you about the reassurance Mullen should have had before going. As I was writing my first response I was thinking that what it truly betrayed was his total lack of confidence in the President.
I don’t think it takes anything away from the fact that Mullen totally exacerbated the situation and raised the stress level. It really is unconscionable we’re in this situation.