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This will be a blow to the moral of the military that might take years to overcome. Rummy is the most arrogant, self centered, egotistical jerk I have heard speak. The berets of Shinseki will pale when compared to what is in store for the US military, not just the army. I see it from the inside everyday and sure do not like what I see. Rummy is totally convinced that air power and air power alone wins wars. The imbedded reporters from GW II showed us that a combined arms team of tanks, infantry, artillery, air power, special operations and various other elements are needed for victory.

Rummy is now upsetting the apple cart. I always figured that if it ain't broke then don't fix it. Obviously many FReepers have different opinions. We are seeing the proof of principle that heavy forces are still needed, that light forces have a place and that they have to have air cover. However that is falling on deaf ears in the Pentagon.

I could go on and on about the transformation process, but only get madder and madder. Who will replace White? A "YES" man of course. Who will replace Shinseki? I have heard from several retired GO's (grey beards) that Keene, who turned the job down, was a yes man, but did not want that reputation to follow him into civilian life. I look for the next Army Chief of Staff to be brought in from the 3 star ranks. Many have mentioned Franks - Nope he is not a yes man and Rummy will not allow that. The actions of the next Chief of Staff will have lasting effects, I pray the senate keeps that in mind at confirmation hearings.

Thank you for quality contributions. The flush of victory has taken over here and Rummy demurely takes credit (while slyly not taking it) for victory achieved by many.

Since the plan for this war was done and in the hopper for a long time I wonder at the stars in the eyes here regarding Rums-the-brilliant. His part in it was done well but one would think he did it all.

Interesting to have such approval of a single, civilian autocratic bureaucrat as dictator of the military.

Your comments are right on the mark and the best I have seen on this subject. I have friends suffering through this both in OSD and in the Army and they echo your views. Keane decided it wasn't worth the grief. My guess is that the next CSA will be Abazaid. Good man, and reportedly he enjoys the SECDEF's confidence. But, his patience, integrity, and fortitude will be sorely testing if he gets the job.

Rummys a "my way or the highway" sort eh ? Sad.......he only got to where he's at by surrounding himself with good people and now that he's in a position to make a difference he won't listen to them.

But then we have to remember that "them" are for the most part Clintonista era career climbers who used the spines of those who made things work to climb to the top.

Stay Safe ......keep an eye on em SLB !!