Gen. Franks, top U.S. commander, decides to retire

NBC ^ | 22 May 2003

[Hal1950]

Architect of Iraq campaign will write, hit speaking circuit

WASHINGTON, May 22 — Army Gen. Tommy Franks, who orchestrated the U.S. military campaign against Iraq, has decided to retire, Pentagon officials told NBC News on Thursday.

FRANKS MADE HIS decision after turning down an offer to serve as the Army’s chief of staff, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Among other things, Franks plans to write a book and hit the speaking circuit, the officials said.

[KantianBurke]

wonder what the title will be

[xrp]

I hope his speaking tour doesn't take him to Belgium. Those jerks would arrest him.

[lilylangtree]

He sure inspired confidence during the Iraqi war, much more so than Colin Powell.

[Pukin Dog]

Tommy Franks understands that Army men will no longer be running the Army, and it's too late to teach this old (but great) dog new tricks. The Army is going to become a lot more like the Marines. Faster and lighter, and it's a good thing as long as we are fighting asymetrical battles against men who hide in caves.

A tip of the hat to a great soldier.

[sine_nomine]

I would quit while on top, too. He ran a superb campaign. No one will forget that. I would hate to take the Chief of Staff position after that kind of experience.

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

Gen. Franks, top U.S. commander, decides to retire NBC News and news services Army Gen. Tommy Franks, who orchestrated the U.S. military campaign against Iraq, has decided to retire, Pentagon officials told NBC News on Thursday. FRANKS MADE HIS decision after turning down an offer to serve as the Army's chief of staff, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Among other things, Franks plans to write a book and hit the speaking circuit, the officials said. Franks, 57, has been the head of the military's Central Command since July 2000. In that position, he oversaw the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq while coordinating U.S. military operations in 23 other nations stretching from the Horn of Africa into Central Asia. Franks grew up in Midland, Texas, President Bush's hometown, attending the same high school as first lady Laura Bush, who was a year behind him. He has been married for 33 years to his wife, Cindy. After two years of what Franks describes as "abysmal" grades at the University of Texas at Austin, he joined the Army and was soon an artillery lieutenant bound for Vietnam, where his injuries earned him three Purple Hearts. After Vietnam, Franks intended to leave the military but stayed on when he was selected for the Army's "Bootstrap" degree completion program for promising officers. He attended the University of Texas at Arlington -- this time, a model student. Franks' military career took him from one world hot spot to another -- the DMZ in Korea, a changing Europe, the Iraqi desert during Desert Storm. His commendations have included four Legion of Merit medals, three Bronze Stars with "V" for valor, an Air Medal with "V" and an Army Commendation Medal with "V." His tenure has not been without its critics, particularly early in the Afghan war, when questions were raised about whether he was innovative enough for a 21st-century enemy like the al-Qaida terrorist network. Some questioned why al-Qaida fighters were able to slip away into Pakistan. Some even wondered if Franks would keep his job. But the sniping at Franks largely subsided as the Taliban were routed from Afghanistan, and Bush and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld made clear their support for the general. A potential successor to Franks is Army Lt. Gen. John Abizaid, Franks' deputy whose name also has been mentioned as a possibility for the soon-to-be vacant Army chief of staff job. Abizaid is currently in Qatar but is expected to come back to the United States soon, at least for a brief visit. NBC News' Jim Mikleszewski and Tammi Kupperman and The Associated Press contributed to this report. MSNBC Terms, Conditions and Privacy ©2003

[CaptRon]

a 21st-century enemy like the al-Qaida terrorist network

Huh?

[Uncle Hal]

Can you spell "book deal".

[IGOTMINE]

Interesting that they would list LtGen Abizaid as a potential replacement...its a four star billet, plus they're due to rotate a jarhead in there. On the other hand, Rummy picks his own players.

[JohnnyZ]

Franks grew up in Midland, Texas, President Bush's hometown, attending the same high school as first lady Laura Bush, who was a year behind him. He has been married for 33 years to his wife, Cindy.

Reportedly the wife wanted him to retire, and he didn't need much convincing himself. HE'S EARNED IT!!! :)

[Normal4me]

Lol...More like a 7th century enemy living in the 21st century huh? :-)

[pepsionice]

General Franks is likely positioning himself for the 2004 elections and a governorship....perhaps Texas. I think he could carry 60 percent of the state vote right now.

[johnb838]

But the sniping at Franks largely subsided as the Taliban were routed from Afghanistan

Damn. I thought the sniping subsided as he grew into the job. I thought he was too goofy when he started and during this last campaign I noted with pleasure what a fine 4-star he has grown into. I think he is going to be greatly missed.

[SMEDLEYBUTLER]

plus they're due to rotate a jarhead in there.

A Marine as Army Chief of Staff? Although the Army would benefit if a Marine ran the show for awhile, hell would freeze over first. Not uncommon to bypass all the four stars and pick a three star to run things, particularly if one wants to rattle the institutional cage, as Rumsfeld wants to do. If selected, Abizaid will be promoted.

[js1138]

How long do you have to be a civilian before being eligible for Secretary of Defense?

[ilgipper]

Tough week. first Ari, then Tommy. Oh, and that EPA Secretary. What's her name again?

[RetiredArmy]

How We Kicked Saddam's Big Fat @$$!!! or Dusty Road to RagBag, by T. Tommy Franks.

[Gothmog]

I was thinking the same thing. I forget where I read it, but I think Rumsfeld sent Lt. Gen. Abizaid over to keep an eye on Gen. Franks -- make him adopt swifter strategies, etc.

[xrp]

Not to mention that he can get 10x-100x the income from the private sector doing a book, book tour and speeches than he would in the military!