Should the POTUS nominate a Republican for SECDEF?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 13:32:14 -0500

With the resignation of Chuck Hagel as the SECDEF, should President Obama recommend that another Republican take over the post?

If the POTUS does recommend a Republican, would it be for leverage to be used at a later date?

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Nov 24 at 2014 1:36 PM

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 13:36:54 -0500

I would like to think that the President would nominate the best candidate for the job regardless of political affiliation.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 1:39 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 13:39:51 -0500

I personally think that it doesn't matter.

Having someone who previously served is a bonus but not a requirement. I think that some reach back to a retired Flag Officer would be a good idea.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 24 at 2014 1:45 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 13:45:04 -0500

I would NOT want to be the one to walk into that "circle of trust." Even if you were the reincarnation of Hannibal, Patton, Rommel, and Wellington combined that would be a challenge. If they managed to pull it off and make peace in the Middle East, it would be because of someone else's "genius." Tango Mike, but no bueno.

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 1:48 PM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 13:48:28 -0500

Can't see that it'll matter what their party affiliation is. They will still be taking order from the POTUS so it'll be what he wants not what they want.

Response by SGT Jim Perry made Nov 24 at 2014 2:00 PM

SGT Jim Perry — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 14:00:47 -0500

The POTUS has run off so many Qualified General officers and SECDEF's that I don't know why anyone would accept the position. He wants a yes man , after all he has so much experience as a military chief he knows it all.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 2:04 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 14:04:33 -0500

What's that matter? Really! Tired of red vs blue. Hire a candidate that isn't a politician. Wait, one just resigned!

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Nov 24 at 2014 2:10 PM

SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 14:10:44 -0500

SFC Private RallyPoint Member My hope is that the best person for the job obtains the nomination and eventual approval.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 2:17 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 14:17:09 -0500

Hubris lives on.....

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 2:59 PM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 14:59:24 -0500

I would think the only prerequisite would be the belief in a strong defence. And hopefully not be a yes person and be forced to not stand on logical principals. And I would hope the person has military experience. A general officer would be better in my opinion because they would have better knowledge of the political spectrum and how dirty and backstabbing it can be.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Nov 24 at 2014 3:21 PM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 15:21:36 -0500

I dont care if the SECDEF is republican or democrat. I want one that can make a decission and stick with it even if it is a hard but right decision. We need leaders in America right now that are not afraid to go against the grain and not just making popular decisions. One thing i learned is sometimes the unpopular decision is the right decision.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 4:10 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 16:10:50 -0500

The nomination will NOT be someone who will stand up to the President and functionaries! He will appoint whom ever Valarie Jarrett tells him too. It will have to be a yes man, one who will listen and do exactly what the President wants, be another mouth piece for the Administration and not listen to the advice of the JCofS.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Nov 24 at 2014 5:39 PM

SGT Kristin Wiley — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 17:39:01 -0500

Political party does not matter and never will. It's about the individual who is going to act in the best interest of the United States, American citizens, and the United States Military.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 7:39 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 19:39:58 -0500

I suppose in a ideal world it should not matter. However, in today's extremely divided government it may make sense for the president to chose a republican in order to expediently get the post filled. It will be harder for the Republicans in the Legislative branch to criticize one of their own.

I would only hope that who ever gets it is competent and is willing to at least attempt to advise the president on matters that positively affect the DOD, and drive proactive policies that do not unnecessarily damage our national security.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 7:41 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 19:41:43 -0500

He should go for it that's what he wants to do. But any Republican asked should turn it down.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 8:28 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 20:28:18 -0500

I'm not so concerned with the political affiliation as much as the qualifications of the candidate.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 24 at 2014 9:32 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 21:32:19 -0500

Pick whoever is most qualified and actually understands the military and not just a political appointment.

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Nov 24 at 2014 11:41 PM

SPC(P) Jay Heenan — Mon, 24 Nov 2014 23:41:16 -0500

I have read numerous posts talking about 'qualified'. Well, what qualifications should one have in order to be the SECDEF?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Nov 25 at 2014 9:34 AM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 09:34:12 -0500

Shouldn't matter IMHO. We so need to do away with party agendas and partisan politics and do what's right for the people, if POTUS and John Boehner will ever bury the hatchet and allow the government to work any time before 1/20/2017.

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 8:07 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 20:07:45 -0500

POTUS should nominate, regardless of our opinions, whomever he thinks will best translate his foreign policy into military operations.