Armchair Generals-Why we were wrong in our war criticism.

Wall St Journal ^ | 4-17-03 | PERRY SMITH

[SJackson]

The "armchair generals" who have been providing commentary on the Iraq war for television, radio, newspapers and magazines have taken much flak. Having been one those analysts since 1991, let me comment critically on my own performance and that of my colleagues.

[Petronski]

Fox, Tom McInerney and Paul Vallely. They all are providing insightful and generally accurate analysis.

The best of all retired analysts of the Battle of Iraq was Colonel David Hunt.

The History Channel needs to hire this dude toute suite, or better yet, FoxNews should keep him. He could be like 'the Judge' Napolitano, the resident analyst on all things judicial.

[mystery-ak]

The best *armchair general* was Col. Hunt..Fox News.

[x1stcav]

My hat is off to this gentleman. He is truely accepting of personal repsonsibility. I'd like to see the other military 'analysts', especially that craven ass Clark, do the same.

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

Always listen to experts. They'll tell you what can't be done and why. Then do it.

Heinlein

[GraniteStateConservative]

Two of the military analysts have serious political ambitions in the postwar period and want to become well known to the American public.

Wesley Clark and who else?

[Packer Pete]

Col. Hunt and Lee Armey should do a show together on the History Channel. OooRah!

[Blueflag]

I agree. Hunt was the most direct and useful. Also accurately portrayed the capabilities of our armed forces. He was credible and un-assuming. The older soft-spoken general they had on from time to time was good as well -- usually working the goofy FoxNews screenwriter

[AndyJackson]

have serious political ambitions

The political ambitions of one of them are purely laughable.

[dawn53]

The "hidden agenda" problem: Two of the military analysts have serious political ambitions in the postwar period and want to become well known to the American public. By serving that agenda, they tend to be very careful with their remarks and hence less insightful than those analysts with no political agenda

Who??? Clark and McCaffey? If so, what aspirations? Inquiring minds need to know?

[SamAdams76]

Evidently Col. Hunt wasn't considered by the author because he wasn't a "general."

[AndyJackson]

The best *armchair general* was Col. Hunt..Fox News.

This is not unusual, actually. While a very few generals are deep thinkers and great tacticians/strategists, (McArthur in both categories, Patton in the latter), for the most part generals are selected for other talents - tenacity, smoothness, public presentability, military diplomacy. The guys who are really good at intelligence analysis, understanding and thinking about new tactics for new technologies, reorganizing doctrine to take into account revolutionary ideas in warfare, etc,. generally make it to colonel. Only exceptionally do they get above that pay grade. For the most part, on a command staff, it is the colonels who spend the days and nights sweating and thinking out a plan. Generals have 18 hr a day calendars with appointments, meetings and briefings. Not to take away their decisionmaking role - but figuring out all except the broadest of details of a plan is not their role. In fact, the planning process usually has several different colonels brining in plans that are discussed and debated and melded together to produce the final plan.

[mystery-ak]

Generals are elitists.

[SJackson]

If you'd like to be on or off this middle east/political ping list, please FR mail me.

[MEG33]

I assume that is why Hackworth wasn't mentioned.I will turn the channel next time he's on.

[mystery-ak]

As my hubby says, *once you make General, you become a politican*...and he is right.

[astounded]

Clark = Clinton

[SkyPilot]

Evidently Col. Hunt wasn't considered by the author because he wasn't a "general."

Warden (who he mentions) is a retired Colonel.

What about the guy on CNN - Christmas? Chrissom?

[Oldeconomybuyer]

Col. Hunt and Lee Armey should do a show together on the History Channel. OooRah!

I'd like Col. Hunt and Jane Skinner on a Fox show. OooRah!

[Bluntpoint]

Hackworth insight:

"Everyone is stupid but me. Look at me in my black turtleneck!!!"