Yep. Pretty weak leadership-—hiding behind the ol desk—like good generals do. Pansy bottom.
I had a CO once that directed me to violate orders to enhance morale. Did my homework—determined the existing instruction was canx without a current replacement. I did as requested, nearly got tagged for it by a very curious JAG investigation. Visions of the ol Kansas fort vacation. Once the Navy (3star) promised the AF it would never happen again, this CO asked me if I would do it again. Told the ol Skipper I was not his man. About face and out the door.
Admired the guy—thumbed his nose at the biggies, marched to his own drum, had a get er done attitude. I imagine he probably got drummed out once his tour was over.
Not many real leaders in the military. Best CO I had was an alcoholic that could tie it on all night and be in complete control at 7am. Troops loved em because he had that get er done and we aint cheating the system with any pencilwhippin maneuvers.
Generally, not much real leadership. Now, in this pc police climate, probably even fewer willing to risk a career.
“Visions of the ol Kansas fort vacation.”
Yikes! That would leave a mark on the memory. I’m sure I would like that CO too, but a little more ‘upfront leadership’ might be in order. Your second CO sounds amazing-definitely a man I would want in charge.
I can’t imagine being in a combat zone under the current ROE. I have the greatest admiration for the enlisted, NCO’s and field officers who put up with what they have to put up with.
They're still there - But so are the pansy-as$ PC political career types too (obviously).
My grandfather served as an advisor to the South Korean Army during the period between World War Two and the Korean War. During that time, he and the other American advisors under his command were engaged in a number of major combat operations and dozens of smaller skirmishes. He lost at least one officer killed, had two captured (but they managed to escape the next day), and had a number of others wounded (himself included).
But the paperpushers, or waffle-bottoms as he called them, back at headquarters refused to approve any of his endorsements for medals for these troops, including the Purple Hearts that many of them had earned the hard way. They informed him that no American troops were involved in combat operations in the Pacific Theater since the surrender of Japan on September 2, 1945.