General 'sick of Rumsfeld' stands down (May, 2002)

Telegraph (UK) ^ | May 3, 2002 | Toby Harnden

[My Identity]

A PENTAGON general with a key role in running the war against terrorism who was publicly chastised by Donald Rumsfeld, the US defence secretary, has suddenly requested early retirement.

"It is a square hole and I am a round peg," said Lt Gen Gregory Newbold, who is stepping down as director of operations on the joint chiefs of staff and returning to civilian life in the summer.

He suggested that he would be happier working in the power tools section of a DIY store.

"I'm looking forward to a job that doesn't have the intensity and lack the quality of life that this one has."

Gen Newbold, 53, did not mention Mr Rumsfeld in an interview with the Washington Post, but several sources said he had grown tired of the Pentagon chief's abrasive style.

Things went wrong for Gen Newbold last October when he was being tried out as a Pentagon briefer and told reporters that "the combat power of the Taliban has been eviscerated".

Although fellow officers said subsequent events proved him right, he was ridiculed for the comment. "He wishes he had not said that," said Mr Rumsfeld acidly. "I would not have said that."

[My Identity]

Don't cross Rummy!

[Shermy]

"I'm looking forward to a job that doesn't have the intensity and lack the quality of life that this one has."

Shouldn't have become a warrior then.

[Ciexyz]

How did this guy even get to be a general, if he can't play the game with more savoir-faire?

[SevenofNine]

OH WOW what this guy do to Rummy OUCHHHHH WOWWW I am in shock You are right Don't cross Rummy

[My Identity]

Shouldn't have become a warrior then.

I wonder what his career arc did while WJC was prez.

[Mo1]

He suggested that he would be happier working in the power tools section of a DIY store

Bye Bye .. have fun

[petuniasevan]

You join the military.
You take an oath to protect your country and carry out the orders of those superior to you.
Nothing in the oath says you can pick and choose your commanding officers.
This "general" deserves the quotes I put around his rank.

[Rokke]

I hope this clown takes everyone like him, with him.

[VaBthang4]

WHA

[Tuor]

Jeez, guys, he at least has balls enough to say what he thinks and leave when he feels he doesn't belong anymore. Would you rather him be a bad seed, stewing inside as he follows his commands, looking for the oppertunity to stick the knife in someone's political hide?

He had enough integrity to leave rather than staying on the government teat. I respect that.

Tuor

[joyce11111]

"I'm looking forward to a job that doesn't have the intensity and lack the quality of life that this one has."

Sounds like he got his pink satin panties in a bunch.

[ladyinred]

Good bye, don't let the door hit you in the hiney!
I am sure we will see him on a street corner protesting the war on Terrorism while holding a sign supporting Arafat.

[TheErnFormerlyKnownAsBig]

Wait 'til Hackworth comments on this. I betting he will say something along the lines of "This is great. Hopefully Rummy runs a bunch more of these CEO types out of the Pentagon"

[cynicom]

Lt. Gen at 53, one of the perfumed dandies????

[petuniasevan]

I have to get a night's sleep, and can't stay to argue the point. Ask anyone you know who's military, past or present. I think you'll find they agree with me more than you.

[jlogajan]

You take an oath to protect your country and carry out the orders of those superior to you.

Umm, this isn't der fuherer barking out orders. These guys are paid for their experience and advice.

[tiki]

My thoughts exactly. How did he get where he was and was he a Dimocrat.

[GuillermoX]

And a Lieutenant General at that...that's 3 stars.

[Notwithstanding]

Probably commissioned at the age of 21.

32 years of service as an officer.

LTC ~18 years.

COL ~22.

BG ~26.

MG ~30.

LTG ~32.

Is that so fast or unlikely?

[bybybill]

The " office politics" at the 5 sided puzzle palace must be incredible . Not a whole lot of jobs for a 3 star