General Dempsey's first fight in Iraq shapes his approach to Islamic State. What do you think about the information is this article?

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Mon, 25 May 2015 23:10:02 -0400

As Dempsey prepares to step down this fall after more than four years as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, however, the Obama administration’s deliberative foreign policy remains an object of frustration for critics, including some Democrats. In this view, the failure of the United States to more aggressively employ its military might — an approach Dempsey has played a key role in shaping — has left a power vacuum filled by the Islamic State and Iran.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/gen-dempseys-first-fight-in-iraq-shapes-his-approach-to-islamic-state/2015/05/25/69462d50-f821-11e4-9030-b4732caefe81_story.html?hpid=z1

Gen. Dempsey’s first fight in Iraq shapes his approach to Islamic State

Gen. Martin Dempsey, the outgoing chairman of the Joint Chiefs, has played a key role in forming the administration’s often-criticized approach of using military force sparingly against the militants.

Response by SFC Joseph James made May 25 at 2015 11:59 PM

SFC Joseph James — Mon, 25 May 2015 23:59:05 -0400

Please keep in mind a General runs the Military, they do not make policy. If our President says, "Go crazy, kill them all" it is their duty to make it happen. As well as "Lets not do anything, hugs for everyone!". Duty to manage and make an effective force as possible.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made May 26 at 2015 1:50 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Tue, 26 May 2015 01:50:31 -0400

"Against the Islamic State, Dempsey believed that ‘the only way there’s a sustainable defeat is if the Iraqis feel the real weight of the problem,’ the official said."

I think that Gen. Dempsey makes a good point there, but I'm afraid that "the Obama administration’s deliberative foreign policy" generally leads to dithering and indecision, which just allows the situation to fester.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2015 6:37 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 06:37:20 -0400

I think it's a good article - thanks for sharing it.

The quote from al Maliki is telling ... calling Dempsey the Father of Money. That's what I saw in both Iraq and Afghanistan - people who were more interested in what they could line their pockets with than in their country.

Personally, I'd like to see us kill more of the ISIS SOBs, but I recognize that the local governments have to want that to happen even more. They must take responsibility for their own country's problems, or all we are going to be is the policeman for the area from now on.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Dec 2 at 2015 2:10 PM

SGT Rick Ash — Wed, 02 Dec 2015 14:10:19 -0500

Great article, lots of good info. But now, Obama will continue to respond with military-lite and not what we HAVE and NEED, Military Might. With only one carrier we could destroy ISIS in 2 weeks. Collateral damage can be avoided if civilians move away from known ISIS encampments. Bombs Away!
Thanks,
Rick