Pentagon Investigates Top General Franks

CNN ^

[areafiftyone]

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Pentagon has launched an investigation into allegations of possible misconduct by the man who would lead U.S. forces in the event of a military strike on Iraq, CNN has learned.

Army Gen. Tommy Franks, the head of the U.S. Central Command, has been under investigation for some weeks now by the Pentagon inspector general's office. It is not clear how serious the allegations are, or what direction the probe has taken.

[areafiftyone]

FOX NEWS has also picked it up: Franks Investigated for Sharing Secrets With His Wife

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Ouch!! Ouch!!

I've always maintained that this guy is a real weenie....

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That'll teach 'im....

[CedarDave]

Just announced the investigation on ABC news at the top of the hour. They said one of the allegations was having aides run errands for his wife!! To the press and libs, at this time of heightened danger to our country, why do you insist on doing everything you can to hinder our national defense effort?

[areafiftyone]

Because they hate Bush and his War on Iraq. And you know what, I hate them!

[woodyinscc]

"The last administration only talked about being ethical, while perpetrating and allowing for corruption at all levels in all institutions. This one is trying to hold to a real standard, with the goal of restoring confidence in many aspects of our society."

You are so right! Under the last Adm. this would have been a non story.

[Mo1]

I unsderstand and yes you are right .. I am just questioning the timing of all of this ..

[A Patriot Son]

Clinton admin are make up of U.N boys Central Command

[gov_bean_ counter]

Perhaps a link to the stories regarding Pentagon infighting over Iraq has been identified?

[VaBthang4]

Sounds cheesy to me...

[MindBender26]

Backgrounder:

Franks is more of a staff type. Rummy send LTG Abizaid, a real Warfighter to be Franks' Deputy for "Operations" "Manouver" or some such face-saving term.

If complaint is that wifey sat in, then someone else who was cleared (very high) to be at the meeting must have blown whistle.

Abizaid is a Leboneese-American Christian, real tiger. One of the few upper brass that LIKES and KNOWS HOW TO USE all assets of modern warfighting, i.e. when to use Spec Opns, when to use PsyWar, when to use Marines, TacAir, StratAir, when to lock and load the heavy divisions, when to go "hi diddle diddle, right up the middle." etc.

Abizaid is a a BAMF.

[swarthyguy]

Sounds like political bureaucratic infighting BS.

[steplock]

This is called "Culling the Clinton Slime".

THere are still way too many clinton generals and colonels still active. This may be a warning shot to them that it's time to retire.

Can we do the same with jimmy (the nutball) carter?

[mikhailovich]

He suffers from SSS - Spousal-Salute Syndrome.

According to unnamed sources, members of the flight tired of Franks' repeated demands they salute his wife.

[joesnuffy]

The professional arse liquors at the 5 sided puzzle palace cant stand a man like Gen Franks
Too honest too patriotic too troop minded too set on doing what ever it takes to win and to Hell with those who get in the way regardless of their political connections...

Franks will clean out the dead wood...and those who use their good offices to feather their own nests and those working out their personal retirement deals...

No wonder the clintonista hold overs would want him out...their lavish life styles are threatend

God bless and keep Gen Tommy Franks...and men like him...few they be

[Proud Legions]

He is the man for the job, and there is much more to the story...let me explain how I know.

I have been a Freeper in spirit for a long time, reading through the forums every day, but have not registered to post until this AM. But this article is too much for me to handle. I believe I can safely say I am one of the closest people in the World to the Franks outside of their immediate family. I also am very close to Mrs Franks--a wonderful lady. I am not involved with this investigation so I will say a couple of things.

The allegations are way out of charactor for either of them so I have serious doubts they are more than a disgruntled subordinates rantings--which often happens to 3 and 4 star Generals. She NEVER WANTED to attend NOR was she invited by GEN Franks (or anyone else) to attend any briefings outside of unclassified family support briefings or the such. I spent many many hours with the two of them, and also accompanied him to all of his classifed briefings...we NEVER discussed even the topics of those briefings in her presence. I can also tell you we went through tremendous efforts, to include almost daily checks with the JAG officers (Army lawyers), to ensure every "t" was crossed whenever she was going to accompany him anywhere. Gifts from foreign dignitaries were catalogued and returned to the Army or they paid "market price" for any they kept---per military regulations and "by the book," etc. He would have it no other way.

I will also tell you he IS VERY DEMANDING...about the most of anyone I have worked with in over 20 years of service--and that does bother some subordinates who find themselves working for him. I ask you though, who would you rather be in charge of this mission right now--a feel good guy or a tough demanding warrior? I vote for the latter.

As far as all the rumors of his being replaced or that Runsfield put the new CENTCOM Chief of Staff there to spy on him...I think the Secretary addressed that well on C-Span the other day---GEN Franks ASKED for him numerous times and finally Sec Rumsfield relented and let him go work for GEN Franks temporally.

Why the rumors about GEN Franks? I believe 2 reasons: 1--he is tough, and being tough does make some upset. 2--there may be some jealousy within the building (we in the military or not perfect either). Remember one thing---he was selected for this job because most in the military consider him our toughest battle hardened commander.

He will be the man in charge throughout this campaign...believe me.

[Proud Legions]

GEN Franks is hardly what one would call a Clinton General.

[MindBender26]

"The 57-year-old Texas native is highly decorated from his service, including in Vietnam and the 1991 Persian Gulf War, with five bronze stars, three purple hearts and two distinguished service awards."

This is far from highly decorated for a 4 star general. Actually, it is rather minimal for someone in his position. Most 2 tour RVN vets have alleast a SS, maybe a DSC, etc.

There are two types of General Officers. Politicos are needed to keep Congress happy, keep everything flowing, etc. Warfighters fight the battles, kill the enemy, etc. Both are needed in combination; Powell/Schwartzhopf, Eisenhauer/Patton, King/Halsey.

Don't knock the politicos. They are needed, but Franks is a Politico. Good man, but not a Warfighter.

[ken5050]

Douggie..where's the pic of Chelsea at the Camp David briefing with Bubba, Yasser, and Barak?..someone's gotta have it archived?