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Military Advice to Obama Should Be Private: Gates

Defense secretary joins criticism of McChrystal

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 5, 2009 4:10 PM CDT

(Newser) – Military commanders should give their advice on Afghanistan to President Obama, not to the public, Robert Gates said today. In an implicit reprimand to Gen. Stanley McChrystal, who has commented openly on his low opinion of the administration’s Afghanistan policy, the defense secretary said such advice should be given “candidly but privately” to the president, Bloomberg reports.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates smiles as he speaks at the Association of the United States Army 2009 Annual Meeting in Washington, Monday, Oct. 5, 2009.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates smiles as he speaks at the Association of the United States Army 2009 Annual Meeting in Washington, Monday, Oct. 5, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
General Stanley McChrystal, Commander, US Forces Afghanistan delivers a speech in London, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009.
General Stanley McChrystal, Commander, US Forces Afghanistan delivers a speech in London, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2009.   (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Defense Secretary Robert Gates speaks about Iraq and Afghanistan during an address before the Association of the United States Army 2009 Annual Meeting in Washington, Monday, Oct. 5, 2009.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates speaks about Iraq and Afghanistan during an address before the Association of the United States Army 2009 Annual Meeting in Washington, Monday, Oct. 5, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
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And speaking for the Department of Defense: Once the commander-in-chief makes his decisions, we will salute and execute those decisions faithfully and to the best of our ability.
- Robert Gates, Secretary of Defense

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 13 comments
QueenAlli
Oct 6, 2009 12:42 PM CDT
I think Gates is right and not just because it is the Obama Administration. I would feel the same way for George W. It sends a really bad message.
RobN
Oct 6, 2009 12:40 PM CDT
As I said, I agree completely that he failed to grasp his role or the chain of command. I just think the administration has decided he's a liability, not because of his big mouth, but because of his decision to ask for more troops, and is trying very hard to escort him out the door. It's easier to change Afghan strategies if the guy pushing the first one is no longer around.
Robert_Dada
Oct 6, 2009 12:08 PM CDT
Ooops, another conservative that let dontlikeyou down. How many does that make? Anyone? Anyone? I lost count keeping up with this buffoon's disappointments.
Politics • US • World

 
Afghanistan • Robert Gates • war • defense secretary • Obama administration • military commanders • Stanley McChrystal

 
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