Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates set off shock waves in Washington

2014-01-08T13:44:07-05:00

Gates' comments come in his memoir "Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War,"

In the book, Gates writes, "[Obama] eventually lost faith in the troop increase he ordered in Afghanistan, his doubts fed by top White House civilian advisers opposed to the strategy, who continually brought him negative news reports suggesting it was failing." Do you feel that this is the right time to do a book like this? And would this be considered toxic leadership?

Response by SFC Cornelius Walsh made Jan 8 at 2014 1:45 PM

2014-01-08T13:45:00-05:00

I read a bit of the review, but haven't had a chance to read the book yet. I would think that the flash to bang on this coming out would have been slightly longer.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2014 2:09 PM

2014-01-08T14:09:15-05:00

SFC Markley-

Great question, I just finished reading the article on CNN. I will defer any comment on the specifics of the book, until after I read it (since it is released next week). However, your question leads me to a different series of questions- which are all about when it is appropriate to question. The articles about former Secretary Gates' book all reference "disloyalty"- now I cannot say one way or another- but is it disloyal to disagree with your commander? I know I have before and yet I have executed orders that I disagreed with, but was honor bound to follow through. The article indicate that he is a historian by nature, as are many of us in the service. We read books by Clausewitz, Sun Tzu, and watch documentaries like "Restrepo" so that we can try and understand war and tactics to become more skilled at our chosen profession. By our very nature, we should question, analyze and review- which I would like to believe is what former Secretary Gates has done. He has taken those experiences of being the Secretary of Defense during war and under two Presidents and has relayed those experiences and what he took away from it. The true test/question as to how thorough it is, will be if provides any insight on his own performance during his tenure. Personally, I hope it is insightful and thought provoking in order to allow the future leaders of the military to glean lessons learned and different perspectives prior to engaging in any future conflicts. Thanks!

Response by CMC Robert Young made Jan 8 at 2014 2:39 PM

2014-01-08T14:39:01-05:00

I will reserve judgment until completing the book with regard to its impact and timing; however, I would offer that to report a candid observation about a troubling situation, and to also disagree with one's boss is far from toxic leadership. If anything it demonstrates leadership at one of its finest opportunities. In an era noted for its nattering yes men, moral weakness, and political pandering, speaking the truth for what it is, is often seen by those plagued by petty insecurities and terrified of losing their particular political standing as toxic or disloyal; but nothing is further from the truth.

The most successful and most morally sound leaders, those most secure in themselves and their courses of action, always seek people who are courageous enough to speak in dissent or opposition to their ideas when necessary. Leadership does not encourage group think or harbor ill against those in their mist that respectfully disagree based on sound arguments rooted firmly in solid information. The best leaders seek opinions which differ from their own to ensure the best possible solutions.

This uproar over "disloyalty" by people who express an opinion differing from the party line is only the most recent example of the powers that be getting their undies in a twist because somebody disagreed with them based on merit. Most frequently the people screaming the loudest, longest, and with the most indignation are those who know that they don't have a leg on which to stand should anybody closely inspect their situation.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2014 3:06 PM

2014-01-08T15:06:32-05:00

Yes, former DefSec Gates needs to tell the American People what is going on (and what is wrong) with our current administration. This is definitely a fine example of toxic leadership. To take a cue from a popular military saying, toxic leadership (just like crap) rolls down hill. Toxic leadership starts at the very apex of the Commander In Chief and works it way on down.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2014 12:12 AM

2014-01-12T00:12:59-05:00

As a "card carrying" Liberal Lol, I must point out this link below about what Sec Gates says after the initial excerpts came out.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/01/10/261378519/gates-says-his-points-about-obama-have-been-mischaracterized?ft=1&f=1003

Gates Says His Points About Obama Have Been Mischaracterized

The former defense secretary tells NPR that some things in his new book have been misconstrued.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 12 at 2014 12:04 PM

2014-01-12T12:04:30-05:00

Since he is no longer a leader in the defense department, this book is based on his observations with SECDEF. Just like any other book, people will take what they want from it. It is up to each person that reads it to make their own decisions. As far as toxic leadership goes, you would have to make your own mind up about that.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 25 at 2014 5:02 AM

2014-03-25T05:02:26-04:00

I mean really this situation was already apparent to most. That is why you select adults rather than politicos to do one's bidding. Who is toxic in this situation? If you mean the administration, then I would probably agree. If you meant the troops, then this is more damage control, showing that there is no real policy.

Response by MSG John Duchesneau made Jun 19 at 2018 11:45 PM

2018-06-19T23:45:47-04:00

The truth sometimes hurts. In a free country we are free to speak the truth.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 20 at 2018 11:41 AM

2018-06-20T11:41:30-04:00

1, Freedom of Speech. 2. He has no ties to the Gov't anymore. Toxic leadership on whose part?