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I retired from US Army in 1993 as a LTC. My son is currently serving and is a Command Sergeant Major. I only mention these things for perspective purposes.

There are many things wrong in the US Army. But almost all that is wrong is simply a reflection of American society at large. PC BS has already been mentioned. I certainly agree with that. McChrystal’s risk-averse, don’t hurt any body’s feelings is a perfect example of he mind set. Then, of course, there has been erosion of basic societal values courtesy of nonjudgementalism.

Sometime in the early 80s Army leadership decided it wanted to be thought of as managers—no different than managers of private sector endeavors. Of course, the military is a completely different animal than almost any private sector job out there. Except, perhaps, policeman and fireman.

I think one of the biggest things that has happened is loss among the political elite of a will to fight and win. The WOT has been onging for at least 40 years. Rather than squashing it right from the gitgo it was treated as background noise. That is until 9-11. Oh boy did we get angry. But we had no idea how to channel that anger into a rapid and decisive smackdown of the perpetrators. We even had Americans saying it was America’s fault. Here we almost 10 years after 9-11 and we still don’t have a clue what we’re doing.

Powell had one thing right. Once the decision is made to go to war it must be fought ferociously and with every resource necessary for a rapid and decisive conclusion. Our army has the tools to do just that. But the politicians won’t let it and what passes for Army leadership does not have the courage to tell the politicians it will not send soldiers to war unless there is a commitment to swift and decisive victory.

This death by small cuts nonsense wears down any soldier’s determination and along with that unit effectiveness.