I think our current military leadership is a mixed bag. Where once we assumed that our military leaders were doing the work of keeping us safe at home by following orders from the Commander-in-Chief and being good soldiers, now we have an increasing political element creeping into the narrative. I think the resignation of General Petraeus was a sad reminder of what can happen when career ambitions consume a life.
Petraeus was appealing because, though he was thought to have the world as his oyster, he expressed no interest in shifting into politics. Yet, he accepted a politically motivated position in the CIA - as opposed to going off to be Sec of Defense - as it was rumored that Obama worried he might have presidential ambitions.
Gen Schwarzkopf was an American hero. He was one of a kind. We owe him a debt of gratitude as Americans for winning a war and lifting our national pride after the Vietnam war disaster. I think he was the last great military leader without the political tinge surrounding his career. May he rest in peace.
