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Petraeus Comes Home to Pick New Generals

Army needs his help finding innovative leaders—like him

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 17, 2007 12:56 PM CST

(Newser) – David Petraeus is returning to Washington this week to help select the next generation of generals, an unusual move highlighting the Army’s desperation to inject Petraeus-style unconventional thinkers into its leadership, the Washington Post reports. “It's unprecedented for the commander of an active theater to be brought back to head something like a brigadier generals board,” said one retired general.

The Army is trying to change a system long accused of rewarding traditionalists ill-suited to modern asymmetrical warfare. Young officers are resigning, frustrated by unresponsive leadership. “The system is very risk-adverse,” said one Iraq vet. “There is every disincentive to challenging that senior officer's worldview.” Instead, new policies aim to encourage new Petraeuses, comfortable with politics, information operations, and counterinsurgency tactics.

U.S. Commander in Iraq Gen. David Petraeus speaks during an interview with the Associated Press at the Pentagon in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) (Associated Press)

General Petraeus will return from Iraq to help select the next generation of military leaders. (KRT Photos)

Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, meets with tribal leaders in Quarghuli Village, about 12 kilometers (20 miles) south of Baghdad, Iraq on Monday, Oct. 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo) (Associated Press)

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Petraeus Comes Home to Pick New Generals

Army needs his help finding innovative leaders—like him

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Iraq • Pentagon • David Petraeus • US Army

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

US Marines Want Out of Iraq

Commander calls for lead Afghan role instead

Army Suicides Hit Record High

Army expected to announce new study of post-combat stress

The Army Wants You. 30,000 More of You.

Pentagon says Army is overstretched

Petraeus Panel to Rethink Iraq, Afghan Strategy

General assembles brain trust for 100-day review of regional efforts

Joint Chiefs Head Calls for Wider PTSD Screening

Post Traumatic Stress a 'bigger problem than we realize,' says chief

About Us

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Newser By Users

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