Quote Originally Posted by btsave View Post
As much as I dislike Obama's politics and self serving approach, as well as his apparent un-AMerican actions, it is a soldier's duty to obey orders and to support the commander in chief. That is a basic rule of the military. He has the right to speak out only after he leaves the service. He broke a cardinal rule.
With 24 years military service, and rank of Chief Master Sergeant (E9) I have known a few generals. Most have had great concern for the people serving under them and respect for the people above them. One of the rules all military men and women must observe is respect for their superiors, the position if not the person. I have also learned that you have an obligation to speak up to your superiors if you disagree with them. This should be done in confidence, if after listening to you, your superiors choose a different path, legal of course, then you are obligated to make their decision your decision. You do not run them down in public nor to your troops. If you are not willing to do that, then you need to find a new job. Whether he was right or wrong, Gen McChrystal screwed up by saying what he did in public and really gave the president no choice.

Pat