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Return to Article: Marine general lays groundwork for unprecedented change

• 51803
  

  This is an excellent article. However, I have one question. Since the General is the Vice-Chairman of JCS why are you making such an big deal about him being a Marine? Goldwater-Nichols has been in place many years now. Wasn't the idea to make everything joint to blur if not eliminate the service slant on everything?

  Jimmie Grimes Posted June 5, 2008 9:31 AM
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  This is one general/flag officer that I would have loved to have worked for. Having seen my share during my Navy days, Gen Cartwright sounds like a standout among the rest of his peers. I rather hope he doesn't get run out, as that seems to happen to a good deal of unconventional officers when they cross the old-style hats.

  Tigerhawk Posted June 4, 2008 12:17 PM
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  Doug, I don't understand it either. There are thousands (if not more) of former and retired military that have made CS their second career. One cannot begin to tell me that these folks haven't had their own impressive careers in service to this country, and you can't tell me that they didn't carry over their work ethic into the CS field.

  Tigerhawk Posted June 4, 2008 11:53 AM
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  As a former (son of an officer) service brat and former enlisted marine, I've seen and experienced the BS, bureaucracy and red tape. But this is not unique to the military. It is rife in government and, to a lesser degree, found in most large corporations. General Cartwright understands this and takes steps to reduce it. (It will never be erased.) He also understands geopolitics and shows an honest compassion for military personnel. I pray that whoever ends up in the Oval Office is smart enough to seek this man's council. SIDEBAR: I don't understand all the whining comments about civil service people. I didn't read that. Sounds a little paranoid.

  Doug Posted June 4, 2008 10:46 AM
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  CS, guess you haven't read the post on NSPS. We have a pay for performance program just getting off the ground that will raise the public's perception of civil servants. You may not like the current perception but just like the democratic congress your the cause

  dan m ketter Posted June 3, 2008 6:22 PM
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  It is interesting to me that some of the folks in these comments bash the civil service, yet have such high regard for the military. You can't have one without the other. The civil service supports the finest military in the world. The US (we) are winning in Iraq, winning the war on terror (no terror attacks on US soil since 9/11) , and are respected as the world's finest military. We are winning with minimal casualties, respect for others, and minimizing collateral civilian damage. For those that judge all the support functions including those that are civilian as incompetant, you are just misinterpreting the fact that the US has the world's superior military forces. I question Mr. Ketter and others judgement. It is fair to criticize with justification, but to criticize a group of civilian folks who are superior performers without equal is just plain ignorant and disrespectful. Civilian servants are playing a significant, unbiased, uncompromised, patriotic role in the war on terror. Period.

  Civil Servant Posted June 3, 2008 1:14 PM
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  "If Sen. Barack Obama gets in the White House, the mothers and fathers of Marine and Army infantry can plan the lose of family members in larger numbers."

  There are a number of weapons systems that are being or have been developed that don't do the soldier on the ground, the pilot in the sky, or the sailor aboard ship, much good. These expensive systems (i.e., Missile defense) are more about lining the pockets of defense contractors than about protecting the troops. What troops need is proper equipment - kevlar vests, rifles, bullets, grenade launchers, and armor for their vehicles. What saves the loved ones in the service is not sending them on a fool's errand of a war in the first place.

  Rob Posted June 2, 2008 5:42 PM
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  One can only wish him well. However, the DOD acquisition Forces of Darkness (contracting officers, testers, milestone review "straphangers," et al)and their Congressional and Industry allies await his efforts to reform "the system." Many a good man (and woman) has broken their lance in the effort!

  Federalist Posted June 2, 2008 3:45 PM
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  Why is it when describing military leaders there is always a lot of color describing their careers and accomplishments. Yet when we talk about about our Civil Service leaders all that can be said is they come to work accomplish little. Is there any wonder why the public has such disdain for the CS gov't and holds the military in such high esteem

  Dan ketter Posted June 2, 2008 11:53 AM
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  Statement: If Sen.Barack Obama of Illinois, is widely expected to cut expensive weapons-buying plans, altho he's pledged repeatedly to expand the number of ground troops and to make sure they maintain high levels of readiness and equipment.

  If Sen. Barack Obama gets in the White House, the mothers and fathers of Marine and Army infantry can plan the lose of family members in larger numbers. We do not need this; we have higher technology and every elite piece of equipment should be used to protect and save our military members. Our hearts and souls are being ripped from our chest over the loss and maiming of our military family members now.

  American Taxpayer Posted June 2, 2008 10:59 AM
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  "You're probably the barrier, not the technology." It's a challenge, not an insult. Thanks for the inspiration!

  Steve Richardson Posted June 2, 2008 10:22 AM
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  Wow. Great article. GEN Cartwright is the right man for such a time as this.

  John Posted June 2, 2008 8:56 AM
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  Now that is what we (Americans) need. A forward thinking General 2nd in command of the joint chiefs willing to shake up the old docterine of hurry up and wait !!!! Lets get our military and foreign policy back on track. If most of this article is based on fact and I do hope it is. Where do I sign up !!

  Paul W. Vause Posted June 2, 2008 8:17 AM
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  Semper Fi Sir, Finally someone with the understanding of the desirable characteristics necessary not only to fight an unconventional war but an understanding of the men and women needed to do so in an effective and efficient manner.

  rick Posted June 2, 2008 7:28 AM
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  Good read.

  PHL Posted May 31, 2008 3:57 AM