I'm back Tuesday to answer more questions, what would you like to discuss with me?

2015-05-24T08:41:04-04:00

From General McChrystal: "Thanks again for all of your questions. This has been great!"

*RP Staff will be moderating this discussion*

From RP Staff: General McChrystal is coming back to visit us on Tuesday at 3:30pm EST. During his last visit members asked questions about leadership, evolving into an adaptive force, and transitioning from service. These topics remain fair game. What would you like to ask?

Worth noting: This May, General McChrystal is releasing his new book: "Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World"

In the book, "McChrystal and his colleagues show how the challenges they faced in Iraq can be relevant to countless businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations. The world is changing faster than ever, and the smartest response for those in charge is to give small groups the freedom to experiment while driving everyone to share what they learn across the entire organization."

You can learn more about the book here: http://www.amazon.com/Team-Teams-Rules-Engagement-Complex/dp/ [login to see]

Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World: General Stanley McChrystal, Tantum...

Team of Teams: New Rules of Engagement for a Complex World [General Stanley McChrystal, Tantum Collins, David Silverman, Chris Fussell] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. What if you could combine the agility, adaptability, and cohesion of a small team with the power and resources of a giant organization? THE OLD RULES NO LONGER APPLY . . . When General Stanley McChrystal took command of the Joint Special Operations Task...

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 24 at 2015 8:41 AM

2015-05-24T08:41:46-04:00

Welcome back to RallyPoint GEN Stanley McChrystal

China said Tuesday that it plans to extend its military’s global reach to safeguard its economic and maritime interests while declaring that it does not seek confrontation with its neighbors despite their “provocative actions” over disputed islands and “meddling” by the United States.

Are there any immediate actions that the United States should be taking in response to this announcement?

Semper fi ...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2015 9:32 AM

2015-05-24T09:32:28-04:00

Always a pleasure to have you here, sir.

What do you feel is the biggest issue the military today is facing, and what can we do to combat this?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2015 10:03 AM

2015-05-24T10:03:06-04:00

I would say that I admire your style of leadership. Few really want to get to the point now a days and call it what it is.

What I would like to ask is where do you see the future of the Special Operations community? We have seen the Army reduce it's size and many Divisions lost one of their Brigade Combat Teams. SF also gained a fourth battalion to their groups from what I understand. I haven't heard of there being a cut happening. Even yet they are growing. Where bases on condensing with budget cuts the Army moved 7th SFG to Florida and left 3rd at Fort Bragg. This just goes on to show how our Special Operations Forces are expanding.

I know you spent time in the 75th and JSOC but was there a trend then that you were seeing that would lead up to this build up? With the initial success of SOF in the early stages of Afghan should SOF have played a bigger role in Afghan?

Even today with the recent strike in the Islamic State by our Operators do you think this is the right answer to attack ISIS as opposed a large scale troop deployment that we have seen in the past?

Thanks for your time. I also just got your book. I am looking forward to reading it.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made May 24 at 2015 10:10 AM

2015-05-24T10:10:27-04:00

GEN Stanley McChrystal, Welcome back, Sir. You've talked about the military establishment turning itself in one generation into an adaptive, resilient force soon tested by the GWOT: what is the biggest threat to those gains? How do we guard against the degradation of what we have achieved? If we fail, what can we learn from this example about cycling back into capability rapidly at an institutional level?

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made May 24 at 2015 10:44 AM

2015-05-24T10:44:25-04:00

GEN Stanley McChrystal -- Sir, thank you for coming back to RP! My question has to do with threats on the African continent. We don't see much news coverage of existing/growing terrorism-related threats in Africa. To what extent do you see Africa-based threats receiving more focus from conventional (not SOF) US forces in the next 10 years? Are we doing enough right now to counter the threats there?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 24 at 2015 11:12 AM

2015-05-24T11:12:45-04:00

The US has been downsizing its military. Given the ongoing GWOT, a serious threat to peace in Eastern Europe that could easily engulf NATAO allies, and with China now puffing its chest in the South China Sea, do you see that trend continuing?

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 26 at 2015 9:07 AM

2015-05-26T09:07:56-04:00

GEN Stanley McChrystal ,

One of my biggest concerns is that, while ISIS/ISIL is a giant...and growing...threat, it is not the greatest and we, as a Nation and military, seem locked on secondary, or even tertiary threats? Any thoughts on where we also need to focusing our attentions?

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made May 26 at 2015 9:46 AM

2015-05-26T09:46:03-04:00

The US military has been in the business of training foreign militaries to defend their own national interests for a long time, but this has fallen short on many occasions; Vietnam and Iraq each having some elements of similarities, and many are concerned about Afghanistan's future. We are always able to equip and train foreign forces, but we are not able to transfer to them the will to fight.

Do you think it's practical for the United States to build up the will to fight in our partner nations who are lacking that will, or are we always creating a losing dynamic if the will to fight is not inherently there?

Thank you for your time on RallyPoint!

Response by SGT Kevin Brown made May 26 at 2015 10:01 AM

2015-05-26T10:01:43-04:00

Welcome back Sir. Do you think that a more permanent presence in the Middle East (like establishing permanent duty stations similar to Germany, Japan, Italy and Korea), would have a possitive impact on the GWOT?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 10:21 AM

2015-05-26T10:21:27-04:00

Sir,
With the current situation in Iraq and the fall of Ramadi. Do you believe we are asking for similar fate in Afghanistan by withdrawing the coalition too soon?

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made May 26 at 2015 11:01 AM

2015-05-26T11:01:18-04:00

In one of your talks, I remember you describing the importance of having a shared purpose within teams. In your combat teams that broke cultural, national and ideological boundaries, what methods did you use to ensure there was always a shared purpose?

Response by SGT Lawrence Corser made May 26 at 2015 12:40 PM

2015-05-26T12:40:04-04:00

Are you planning on any potential political offices? I enjoyed the way you handled the afghan theater when you were in charge and think your style of leadership was/is something that could work for others. Thanks for the time

Response by 1LT Richard C. made May 26 at 2015 12:41 PM

2015-05-26T12:41:55-04:00

Sir -

What is your opinion on the militarization of our law enforcement. How would you recommend we provide them with the tools they need to protect themselves and the communities they serve, and still provide the open approach-ability they need as public servants.

Thank you sir for spending a moment with us and sharing your lessons learned.

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 26 at 2015 12:46 PM

2015-05-26T12:46:02-04:00

Thank you, for the return visit General McChrystal. As I look at the 14yrs of the war on terror I am puzzled that the US is attempting to trust Iran. What is your opinion of putting faith in our enemies?

Response by COL Ted Mc made May 26 at 2015 1:42 PM

2015-05-26T13:42:33-04:00

Sir; Probably the vaguest question you are going to get here:

"To what extent are the problems that the US is facing from terrorism/insurgencies and/or adverse relations with foreign governments due to an almost total inability to understand/believe that people from other countries simply don't have identical goals and aspirations to the proverbial "Dude from Dubuque"?

Response by SFC Stephen King made May 26 at 2015 1:47 PM

2015-05-26T13:47:22-04:00

General McChrystal do you feel a status of forces agreement with Iraq would have helped it's present ISIS situation? Politics aside do you feel sofa agreement in Afghanistan is worth looking into given the current situation in Iraq?

Response by SrA Johnathan Kropke made May 26 at 2015 3:31 PM

2015-05-26T15:31:38-04:00

General, what would your best advice be for an airmen who wants to be a TI, but also go officer, mostly in leadership?

Response by SSG John Erny made May 26 at 2015 3:34 PM

2015-05-26T15:34:03-04:00

GEN GEN Stanley McChrystal , Sir.

The powers that be keep trying to Kill the A-10 attack aircraft. Do you think this is a mistake or can other aircraft fill the role of the A-10

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 3:33 PM

2015-05-26T15:33:49-04:00

Sir, do you think moving out of Iraq was a premature move? Should we have left a presence as we do in Korea and other countries? Do you believe that leaving prematurely created ISIS/ISIL? What do you think about the fact that Ramadi has been taken over? How do you propose to fight ISIS/ISIL? What ROI's would you or would you not impose in order to defeat them?

Think that's all I want to know for the moment! Thanks Sir!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 3:33 PM

2015-05-26T15:33:21-04:00

Sir,

I believe the Army and the DoD is failing to modernize and adapt to changing threats when it comes to countering intelligence collection and count-terrorism/insider threat. Situations such as Snowden (the greatest "loss" to western intelligence...ever) and Booker (a recent example of an insider threat/lone wolf) are becoming more prevalent while the blue forces expected to help combat them are decreased and the zero risk mentality is decimating their effectiveness.

My question is a follows: Understanding the limits imposed by classification levels...What experiences did you have with counterintelligence? Where they positive or negative experiences? How could your CI professionals (military and civilian) better supported you? What advice do you have for MI in general and CI in specific for the future?

Thank you for your input.

Respectfully,

SFC Lantz

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made May 26 at 2015 3:45 PM

2015-05-26T15:45:10-04:00

Sir:
I am at a loss to understand the logic of the upcoming Jade Helm exercise in light of recent draw downs, budget cuts and cut backs in troop strengths. What conflict is Jade Helm training for and exactly where? As we already have excellent numerous worldwide training facilities, why is there a sudden, previously unheard of, requirement to train in the public domain across a large portion of the US?

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made May 26 at 2015 3:49 PM

2015-05-26T15:49:19-04:00

Sir, Thank you for once again returning to RP to answer questions.
My question is related to the use of Cultural Support Teams, given that the book Ashley's War by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon does a very good job reporting on a subject that those of us were restricted from discussing. The question is simple, given that properly trained women fighters such as CSTs have proven that they are effective in today's religious misguided guerrilla wars, will the ARMY further expend the teams? Or are American men so blind that they fail to see the potential of CSTs? This is my take on Rules of Engagement.

Response by SPC Dennis Amblo made May 26 at 2015 4:00 PM

2015-05-26T16:00:20-04:00

What steps are being taken to teach out going soldiers the value of networking?

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 4:23 PM

2015-05-26T16:23:59-04:00

GEN Stanley McChrystal Sir, First I want to say thank you for coming back to speak with us. It is always an Honor and Pleasure to have you here.

Do you see a possibility of the Army making a RNGR Batt in the Guard or Reserve along the lines of the 19th/20th SFG?

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 26 at 2015 4:21 PM

2015-05-26T16:21:53-04:00

GEN - I didn't get the chance before, but wanted to tell you it was a pleasure and honor working for you in Afghanistan. And, honest, when I nearly mowed you down in the gym -- it was a real accident!

Now, my question - how do you respond to civilian complaints about COIN taking too long to succeed?

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 4:42 PM

2015-05-26T16:42:54-04:00

Sir: very much like the ideas in your book. Question I have is how do we continue to innovate as a military force with so many risk adverse leaders worried about what happens in their watch?

Response by SGT Jamell Culbreath made May 26 at 2015 4:43 PM

2015-05-26T16:43:58-04:00

GEN Stanley McChrystal,

How are you doing sir? I have a question in regard to the military's current transition program and its disconnect with civilian and corporate sectors. What steps are being taken to improvement the program where Veterans transitioning out of the military are able to effectively and successfully translate their skill sets to corporate America?

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 4:57 PM

2015-05-26T16:57:00-04:00

Sir, thank you for the opportunity and for your leadership. Do you envision DoD developing conventional combat advisory capabilities based on lessons learned and a perceived trend of Phase Zero (Stability Operations) requirements? It has become apparent that USG, across interagency and DoD, is struggling with the concept of interdicting insurgency as a long-term and deep fight, from a war prevention perspective. So many of our partner nations around the world are looking for a range of influence, technical advice, and subject matter exchanges, that may outpace the availability of SOF or USAID type resources. Security Cooperation is seemingly a growing demand.

Response by Col Matthew Fritz made May 26 at 2015 4:59 PM

2015-05-26T16:59:20-04:00

General McChrystal, thanks for rejoining the community at RallyPoint to answer more questions--it speaks very highly of your personality, not to mention this community. Our readers over at http://GeneralLeadership.com want to know what books, authors or lessons have had the most influence on shaping your personal leadership style? Aside from your own book, "Team of Teams," coming out in the near future, what books do you consider a must-have on a leader's bedside table?
Thank you again for your time!

General Leadership

Leadership advice from America's most trusted leaders! America's #1 Source of Leadership Advice from Senior Military Leaders! The General Leadership Foundation fosters conversations to inspire positive leadership change.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 26 at 2015 5:05 PM

2015-05-26T17:05:45-04:00

Good Afternoon sir,

Being in the National Guard and a full time student, I have spent a lot of time living in both the civilian and military world. Because of this duality, I see the ever widening gap between the two. What advice would you give to any member of the military, active, reserve or veteran, to help bridge that gap?

Response by SFC William Farrell made May 26 at 2015 7:19 PM

2015-05-26T19:19:05-04:00

General McChrystal,

Do you feel that President Obama was justified in firing you or allowing you to submit your resignation? After a distinguished career, I just don't think it should be over like that!

Response by SFC Christopher Perry made May 26 at 2015 8:15 PM

2015-05-26T20:15:56-04:00

I would just like a signed book please.

Response by PO2 Josh Rymer made May 26 at 2015 9:55 PM

2015-05-26T21:55:22-04:00

Hello sir,
I would like to know if there is going to be more talk on the forgien policy involving ISIS or are we going to sit tight and use the wait and see approach? In my opinion pulling completely out was a bad knee jerk reaction. And I would also like to know what are your thoughts on ISIS and the forgien policy.

Response by CPT Bruce Rodgers made May 26 at 2015 10:00 PM

2015-05-26T22:00:04-04:00

Sir, thank you for being here. I'm thinking we are facing traditional threats (nation states) and non traditional threats (ISIS lone wolf attacks) how can our national defense protect our citizens from all threats in our traditional defense posture? Do we need to reevaluate our posture?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 2:18 PM

2015-05-27T14:18:48-04:00

Sir,
Great to see you up on the net. Just finished your book and enjoyed it so much that I bought copies for all of the students in my CGSC staff group. They've been hearing me talk about service with the Task Force all year, so it was very timely. One of the things I've talked about repeatedly is their transition from direct-level to organizational-level leaders. Your points about transitioning organizations from dealing with complicated to complex issues bolster some of those discussions. If you had one piece of advice that I could pass along to these newly minted Majors who are getting ready to head back out into the operational force under current conditions, what would it be? Thanks for your continued service.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 27 at 2015 11:17 PM

2015-05-27T23:17:29-04:00

Sir, as a new infantry platoon leader, how can how develop an excellent leader development program within my platoon?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 12:43 PM

2015-05-28T12:43:52-04:00

Dear, General McChrystal,

VA's decision to reject requests for chiropractic treatment is unsettling because Public Law 107-135 explains that Congress directed VA in 2001 to treat veterans with acute back and neck pain with chiropractic care. VA's decision hinders veterans transitioning into civilian life and bankrupts them financially. Will you recommend a lawyer with experience in assisting veterans transitioning out of the service and who might be able to assist them recovering from the havoc that VA wreaks on their financial life and physical well-being?

Sir, thank you for any information that you may provide. Thank you for your leadership and service.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made May 28 at 2015 6:26 PM

2015-05-28T18:26:45-04:00

First, thank you for your service to this country!

Second, I have two questions Sir:

1. If you were the President or Commander in Chief what would your Foreign Policy be regarding ISIS and the continued "War on Terror"?

2. I believe the War on Terror is far from over and that this country will get lazy again and let down it's guard. Do you agree or disagree and do you think we will get attacked again on American soil like 9/11?

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 6:48 PM

2015-05-28T18:48:49-04:00

Sir, You probably don't remember me. Been a long time since I saw you. Had a question for though. What is the best way to maximize nation state alliances, while minimizing conflicting interests that are brought about in our dual party governing system? As always, good talking with you. I look forward to reading your new book!

Response by MAJ David White made May 28 at 2015 9:14 PM

2015-05-28T21:14:01-04:00

General McChrystal: I've noted in several venues that folks have pretty much laughed off the concept of climate change being a national security threat. Given how destabilizing mass migration is becoming within the "third world" and now in Europe and the US, how high a threat do you think it poses? Consider both short term as well as long term implications. If climate change accelerates migratory drives (war, economic disparity, socio-religious conflict), is this a greatly underappreciated source of concern? I don't care if one buys into the science, if the events on the ground are real.

Response by SPC David Isakson made May 28 at 2015 10:28 PM

2015-05-28T22:28:39-04:00

GEN Stanley McCrystal Sir,
I am part of a team of Veterans and other great Americans. We are a year and a half old, legally formed political party with recognition in three states. But we are not politicians we are Americans first and foremost with one simple goal, put veterans and other great Americans in office.

We would like your opinion on our approach. We can be found on the website http://www.veteranspartyofamerica.org

Thank you for your time sir.

Veterans Party of America

Being a Veteran is not required. A desire to fix America is required. We are founded by Veterans, for ALL Americans. Join with us.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Jun 23 at 2015 7:04 PM

2015-06-23T19:04:56-04:00

Sir, Thank you for your service. My question is simple, why does the trend for backing failed nation states continue to happen? Since the Vietnam War the US hasn't been on the winning side of much of anything for quite some time (exceptions being Grenada, and Desert Storm). We have pretty much screwed up much of Central & South America, our involvement in Middle East has been less than stellar, missed the rising threat of Putin's Russia against its neighbor's, We have backed drug lords in Afghanistan and not really backed any credible government in Iraq.

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Aug 9 at 2015 1:55 PM

2015-08-09T13:55:07-04:00

GEN Stanley McChrystal sir, I'm appalled at the staggering numbers of vets with mental illness and also those who are homeless. What can be done to alleviate this nation disgrace? To make matters worse, the VA is apathetic in their response to this crisis.

Response by BG Robert Enzenauer made Jan 17 at 2017 11:20 AM

2017-01-17T11:20:13-05:00

GEN McChrystal: I regret that I will be hard-at-work this afternoon (1400 RMT here in beautiful Children's Hospital Colorado), but wish you continued success, and hope to see you sometime in God's country Colorado. Thanks for your contributions to RP. Robert W. Enzenauer, MD, MPH, MBA, MBA, USMA 1975, BG (Retired), Bn Surg, 5/19th SFG(A) 1998-2010, OEF2, OIF2

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Apr 29 at 2019 8:58 AM

2019-04-29T08:58:20-04:00

Dick the dick. C. LBJ. Little blow.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Apr 29 at 2019 9:00 AM

2019-04-29T09:00:01-04:00

If you do not like the truth than so be it. Colen Powell. Jerk.

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made Apr 29 at 2019 9:01 AM

2019-04-29T09:01:39-04:00

Trump is a jerk draft dodger. He should have hid in canada