Obama Expected to Name New Commander for Mideast

This nomination shows the ascendency of Special Ops in the military hierarchy. It's really quite remarkable compared to the way things were in the 80s and 90s. Then, while the best special operators could become SOCOM Cdr, there was little serious consideration that a SOF general would take over a combatant command. The pecking order had the combatant cdrs at a much higher level as SOCOM was just a force providing HQs back then.

As far as the comments about President Obama not wanting to hear the truth from generals, I believe that is simply a fiction created by his political opponents. For example, in 2008, then candidate Obama had a well publicized meeting with Gen Patraeus in Iraq, and it was widely reported that the two disagreed significantly. Yet Pres Obama chose him to take over in Iraq after McChrystal was relieved for him and his staff disparaging the President's policies openly. Even when you are a 4 star, you owe loyalty to your higher commander after a decision is made, just like a company commander is taught to never disparage his battalion commander in front of his troops.

So Pres Obama selected a man who told him things he didn't agree with to command all US forces in Iraq. Then, he made him the head of the CIA, the most important position for informing the President. This hardly seems to me like a President not wanting to hear the truth.

Anyone that would take this job under the present C-in-C probably shouldn't get it. You will toe the line set by Rice and Jarrett or you in the company of General McChrystal. JMHO

Oh boy, If this man lives up to his SO background, Mr. Obama might hear words he doesn't care for......