Of all Freepers, I know you'll understand my analogy in comparing AS vs. Tom Mc.
Tom McClintock reminds me of a good, maybe great, staff officer. He's in his element when it comes to developing training schedules or operations orders. However, he's out of his element if he has to lead the troops.
Arnold's ability to lead, rightly or wrongly, comes from his celebrity. He doesn't have to know all of the details to get the job done, he lays out a plan of action and exhorts his troops to execute the plan.
I had a grizzly old Battlion Commander who didn't want to know the details. He told us what he wanted done, and expected us to exhibit professionalism and imagination in getting the job done. I'd have followed him anywhere.
For the record, I considered myself an average officer, with a few successes to go with a few failures. For example, I flunked my first platoon evaluation, learned from it, and kicked butt on every future tac eval.
I saw too many staff pukes in action during my 8 years who believed they were Patton reincarnate. Unfortunately, I was a battery commander for one of them. Our conflict led to a rapid conclusion of my once 'promising' military career! BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!