You’re welcome. I was one of the many retired retreads that went back in and went over. Pretty near everyone on this thread is right about the additional numbers helping stabilize some areas which gave units like mine the opportunity to get Iraqi troops into the fray and whacking the bad guys. Petraeus is a genius in my book and the BS he got from the likes of the Dems just infuriated me and the troops with me. They can not be trusted with our liberty or security.
You know when all of that was going down I sat back and watched how Petreaus handled it. The guy never lost his military bearing. He stayed on point and professional at all times. He didn't take the attacks personal, he saluted answered all their questions and kept his focus on the mission. He is the epitome of an American general. That's why this guy is successful. He doesn't play politics, all he does is lead men and accomplish his mission. I'm proud to be a citizen of a country that produces men like Gen Petreaus, regardless of whether he was promoted by a democrat or a republican.