Thomas Ricks' "The Generals" - any opinions?

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 17:06:36 -0500

Any opinions on Thomas Ricks' "The Generals" published in 2012?<br><br>"...a private who loses a rifle suffers far greater consequences than a general who loses a war." - COL(R) Paul Yingling<br><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://cdn.theatlantic.com/static/newsroom/img/2012/10/24/failure1/mag-article-large.jpg?mcf0ub"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/11/general-failure/309148/4/">General Failure</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">Looking back on the troubled wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, many observers are content to lay blame on the Bush administration. But inept leadership by American generals was also responsible for the fa...</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2014 5:22 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 17:22:23 -0500

Yeah, our higher leadership up there could use a refresher course on winning our conflicts. Also, I've seen generals get in trouble by getting involved with the opposite sex and they still, even thou they were forced to early retirement, kept their ranks which I thought was a bunch of BS.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Jan 13 at 2014 6:09 PM

CW2 Joseph Evans — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 18:09:29 -0500

I was in Afghanistan for 2001 and 2003. The problem I noticed was that some cadre were caught in the JRTC rotation problem. Except we never got that mid exercise pause-ex to receive our lessons learned and fix the problems we saw. We kept muddling our way, waiting for that break so we could sit down, hash out the problems and correct our course of action prior to end-ex. Except pause-ex never happened and the AAR was back at home station after a year in the sand.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 5 at 2014 7:17 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 19:17:42 -0400

I am nearly to the end of it now, and it is a fascinating study. I'm actually listening to it as an audiobook, so it is hard to keep the arguments straight, but the one general problem (more of a skepticism really) is that it treats generalship in isolation. It's not as if the quality of generals alone determines the culture of the Force. It also feels like a system of relief for poor command without ending careers is unrealistic.

Overall, it is intriguing and thought-provoking.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Sep 5 at 2014 10:36 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 22:36:37 -0400

Fascinating article! I've got to read the book! Very, very valid points made here.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2014 12:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 06 Sep 2014 00:04:17 -0400

Such a good read Im halfway through my second time. Very well researched and articulated, the book maintains it's relevancy throughout.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 7 at 2014 3:15 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 03:15:49 -0400

I have yet to read the book although I think that I will now. I agree that generals should be held accountable and perhaps forced to retire in some cases. After all they will have made it to 20 years and will be receiving a relatively large retirement. It's up to senior leadership (higher up generals or civilians) to place generals in the right positions. If they fail in one position and might be successful in another they should be reassigned. After all you have to learn to command large organizations. And if commanding at the general officer level escapes you then I say "thanks for the honorable service thus far general and enjoy retirement!"

Response by LTC Barry Hull made Sep 7 at 2014 1:39 PM

LTC Barry Hull — Sun, 07 Sep 2014 13:39:51 -0400

I haven't read the book but need to. But IRT your query, one should compare the complexity of the task at hand. Keeping up with a rifle is a pretty simple task that every Soldier should be able to do. A war is a bit more complex. Not only that, in war you generally have an enemy that is trying to prevent your success. On the other hand, the rifle is just there. So, this comparison make no sense. Not having read the book and not knowing COL Yingling, my sense is that he might have some sour grapes because he didn't get a flag. He does make good beer though.