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A senior military official tells NBC News that Duncan Boothby, a civilian on Gen. McChrystal's public relations staff who was apparently responsible for setting up the Rolling Stone interview, has resigned.
The official adds, however, that it appears Boothby was "asked to resign."
In addition, NBC spoke to Michael Hastings, the author of the Rolling Stone profile on McChrystal. He's in Afghanistan on an embed with the U.S. military now, and he's just learning the details about the impact his article is having.
Hastings says he stumbled onto unprecedented access with McChrystal. After McChrystal's press advisers accepted a request for the profile, Hastings joined McChrystal and his team in Paris. It was supposed to be a two-day visit, followed up with more time in Afghanistan.
The volcano in Iceland, however, changed those plans. As the ash disrupted air travel, Hastings ended up being "stuck" with McChrystal and his team for 10 days in Paris and Berlin. McChrystal had to get to Berlin by bus. Hastings says McChrystal and his aides were drinking on the road trip "the whole way."
"They let loose," he said. "I don't blame them; they have a hard job."
Hastings then traveled with McChrystal in Afghanistan for more time. What was supposed to be a two-day visit, turned into a month, in part due to disruptions of the volcano.
Hastings says McChrystal was very "candid" with him and knew their conversations were for reporting purposes. "Most of the time I had a tape recorder in his face or a notebook in my hand," he said.
Hastings says most of the critical comments, which are now causing a stir, were said in the first 24 hours or so. "It wasn't a case of charming him into anything," Hastings said.
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Instead of Rolling Stones, we could be seeing Rolling Heads!
Poor little libs. If Bush had been Pre while this four star was venting his spleen, you would all be nominating him for a Congressional Medal of Honor.
No, I still have a problem with the guys who talked Bush into starting a war in Iran, too.
Just missed the edit cutoff on that last comment. Obviously I meant Iraq, although the Neocons and their friends at the Pentagon were also in a hurry to get to Iran, and Syria, and...
Neocons, isn't that a code wode for Jews.
Yes it is and I was shocked to find out from listening to the chattering "classless" in Manhattan that voting for Bush over the liar, loser and con artist Gore or the traitor, liar and money marrying blowhard Kerry that I was Jewish.
What's really funny that after 5 to 6 years of using the term neo-con over and over again they suddenly started worrying about the rise of anti-semitism on the left that they tried to blame on the right.
"Neocons, isn't that a code wode for Jews."
No, but that's artfully close to Godwin-ing the argument without actually doing so. Methinks Godwins Law needs an Antisemitism corollary.
Since you're going to pretend to not know who I'm talking about here you go. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoconservatism
Bust this loser McChrystal to a private .What a dam disgrace he is to the armed forces !!! He is nothing more then the help... an employee with a bad attitude!!! fire his loser ass !!! make him live in a privates retirement...What do these clowns think? They work for the President!!!
ABSOLUTELY 100% Correct !!
They do not work for the president, they work for the nation as does the president. It is not uncommon to have military commanders not think too highly of the leadership they follow. Gen. McChrystal had to earn every promotion and has spent decades of his life in the service of this country, what has the President done? achieved? how has he served? he has a three hour tour in the white house and he is done. I would dare to say that Gen McChrystal has spent more time in uniform than the President has spent in this country.
Yes..the military works for the nation. They Volunteer this duty. The President is an elected PUBLIC SERVANT..there to serve the public and see that our military has what it needs. This one is lacking in that capacity. The General could have refrained from most of his remarks, but I think it's bringing out an underlying problem that this administration needs to address. And I could not agree more...McChrystal has spent more time serving us than Obama has spent living in America. And finally..are we so PC anymore, that an opinion cannot be expressed without fear of some sort of retribution?
Interesting comments. As a military member, I believe that America was stronger when the Generals and Admirals weren't so "politically correct". Gen McChrystal is entitled to his opinion, and without reading the Rolling Stone article, I would venture to say, he was not too damning in his statements about the president. When our senior military start acting like politicians to get, and keep their jobs, then we are in trouble. "Group think" will take over. Politicians need to realize that they don't know how to win wars, they are not trained to do so. LPJ tried that with Vietnam and failed miserably. America, check your history books, before they get re-written.
It looks like President Obama is going to the M-16 Qualification range today and will qualify "Expert" with General McCrystal. However, I don't think that the general is going to help the President hit the targets, MORE LIKE HE IS THE TARGET, after he or his aides shot his/their mouth/mouths off to Rolling Stones Magazine.
And to think, I had trouble hitting the 300 meter target.
And you wanted to see the President get angry.
Be careful of what you wish for.
Hopefully someone will be at the range to show Obama what end of the M-16 Obama to hold.
I made that comment to show the seriousness of What McCrystal DID. Your comment? Well, there are one of a few ways to look at it, and not one of them are pleasant.
After seeing your previous posts AND seeing your comment today, I'll not make the mistake in the future and forget what side of the fence you are on.
I can understand the frustration that the general is probably under, however, if he had some problems with the way the President was handling the efforts in Afghanistan or with the entire administration he should have addressed them with the President and not some magazine.
The fact that he disrespected the Commander in Chief behind his back is reason enough in my opinion for his dismissal. It could border on the edge of insubordination if it's not considered that already. I don't care how well he handled his command he should understand that open criticism of and apparent disrespect for your "boss" cannot be tolerated.
There are too many in politics now that travel this path all the time and it is very disturbing. Barack Obama has been elected by a majority of Americans to be the President of the United States and whether you agree with his policies or not he deserves the respect that comes with the title, period.
It's obvious Gen McCyrstal's aides and staff (officers and high ranking civilians) and the General failed the required "Military & The Media" courses. All involved should be 1)asked to resign or retire or made to do so if warranted and 2) not be entitled to slide into a civilian job similar to their military job, Gen McC especially. Gen MacArthur was a 5 star and was taken out of command for his loose lips. As well as Patton for his behavior. All of the military is and should be considered "apolitical". The Commander-in-Chief changes at the will of the people by the Constitution, which is what all military swear/affirm to uphold and defend. Private views are just that, private. The comments made by all require swift action and a loss of a star; it is insubordination at the highest level.
Westpoint,
Very well said. Many people just do not get the militray life. If they have not lived in that environment they probally should not be making the comments that they do. I will support their right to their opinions but too many are trying to put themselves in our shoes in other posting sites and speaking for us.
Military people (past and present) are very capable of forming their own opinions. The General has violated the very oath he took and re-took every time he was promoted. At the least he should be demoted one grade and be removed from his command. This is just so sad.
General McChrystal first and foremost represents the CIC while fighting in a war. He is a soldier and whether he likes it or not, he is to respect his CIC, in public, at all times, when you are fighting a war. It is the duty of every General to do this.
People are of the mind that General McChrystal was for "escalating" this war at the behest of the neocons.
I hope President Obama ditches him. I don't like it. But GENERAL McChrystal should have known better. You're in a war, you respect your superiors. Whether you agree or disagree. Period. Stressed out? Don't like your superiors? Go have a few drinks with a few of your friends and vent. We're all entitled to do this. It's called freedom on speech.
DON'T however sit down with Rolling Stone or any other media outlet to air your grievances.
It's becoming more and more obvious that this guy wants to run for office, not oversee his own dubious strategy in Afgahanistan. Watch for Granmama McConnell and ManTan Boehner coming to his defense as soon as he's canned. 10 to 1 he's vacationing in Iowa in a few months. Any takers?
What makes you think McCrystal is a Republican? McCrystal said he voted for Obama. That makes McCrystal a Democrat.
You are an idiot. Just because someone votes for a certain candidate or party, does not mean they have done before, or that they will be doing so again. Not everyone is a partisan and dumb enough to vote straight party ticket.
Well said Gingerbread Mamma, I consider myself an Independent voter because I have an independent mind. I do not vote for anyone I don't investigate thoroughly, all the way down to my state officials and I vote for the PERSON that best represents my beliefs.
Joanna - are you kidding me. My husband is a Republican and voted for President Obama. As a matter of fact, quite a lot of my friends that are all Republicans voted for him. You know maybe you need to take a rest. Some of your posts are becoming incoherent.
Thank you.
McCrystal said he voted fo President Obama -- how would he treat someone he didn't vote for? If anything could piss off the prez, this would be it. I hope McCrystal gets a major earful over his total lack of respect for the CIC and his administration.
McCrystal has found out what most other Americans have found out, that Obama hasn't a clue about what he's doing. McCrystal should have respect for the CIC, but respect is earned, not given, and Obama hasn't earned it.
So JoAnnaSmith, the military brass gets to cut the legs out from under the Administration if they don't like how that administration administers policy? What are we, a banana republic?
JoAnnaSmith
You are one of the most hateful persons on this blog do you ever have anything positive to say?
No they do not. McCrystal should have been fired hours ago. But it is telling, isn't it? Telling that a General with a 24 year career, one that knows what he can, and cannot say to keep himself out of trouble and on a path to achieve General, that he would be so frustrated with the current CIC that he would publicly dress down Obama knowing his career would be over for doing so. McCrystal just gave up his career to make a point on what a poor CIC Obama is.
Same message I gave somone else yesterday. You don't like it, you don't have to read it.
McCrystal just gave up his career to make a point on what a poor CIC Obama is.
-JoAnnaSmith
What an honorable, selfless man, JoAnna. I wonder why he is apologizing profusely at this very moment?
Keeeriste on a pogostick, Joanna, the guy got blitzed on Bud Lite Lime (!) and spouted off on a long bus ride with a reporter onboard. THAT was his strategy to save the country from Obama?
Joanna, dumb and drunk is now way to go through life.
This seems to represent a bit of a pattern. If you'll recall there were earlier "loose lips" moments involving public statements by high officials at the Pentagon when the Afghanistan strategy was being considered. There was a meeting at the WH then as the brass tried to back the President into a corner and force a major escalation in the war there. Every President since at least Johnson has been talked into doing something ill-advised by the Pentagon, and McArthur tried it with Truman as well. It's not that I think these guys are war mongers as such, I just think they see everything through the lens of a military victory. Sometimes the people on the ground aren't winnable, the cost of the conflict (human and dollars) isn't politically feasible, or the losses just aren't justified by the potential gain. They also feel as if every conflict is winnable if we just keep fighting long enough. It's in their nature and their training, and I'm thankful our troops have that tenacity. The civilian side of war just requires a different approach.
I remember when I was a young Sgt I spoke back to another NCO, senior to me in rank, in the heat of a softball game and I recieved an Article 15 for my insubordinate actions in peace time. I think that this is far worse and should be dealt with severly and swiftly. Yes there should be a demotion and he shouldn't be allowed to retire, but made to continue to serve at the reduced rank just like the enlisted men are treated. His punishment should be more severe because he is supposed to be the utimate example of deportment to all his men. His disrespect goes much further to ruin good order and discipline in our armed forces than just the Army. He may be an Army General but it affects all branches of services in the forum in which he did it.
The way this nation is already divided Gen McChrystal's acts will go along way to spur even more paramilitary activitiy with the nation. Maybe even the seeds of a civil conflict. We have already seen the attitude of our political discourse sink to an all time low, noww the vaunted military establishment?
If i were an outside observer I think this nation was ripe for a fall. America we need to step back and really consider how bad we have made it for compromise in any area just by reviling. The tongue a most unruly character.
Ucg,
From one Vet to another, I have to agree with you on this post.
Here are some articles and punishments that General McCrystal COULD face if he violated the UCMJ:
ART. 88. CONTEMPT TOWARD OFFICIALS
Any commissioned officer who uses contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Transportation, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
ART. 133. CONDUCT UNBECOMING AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN
Any commissioned officer, cadet, or midshipman who is convicted of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.
And then, theres the "Catch All, Be All" article:
ART. 134. GENERAL ARTICLE
Though not specifically mentioned in this chapter, all disorders and neglects to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces, all conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces, and crimes and offenses not capital, of which persons subject to this chapter may be guilty, shall be taken cognizance of by a general, special or summary court-martial, according to the nature and degree of the offense, and shall be punished at the discretion of that court.
Good post, thank you Kevin.
Oops......I resign.
Yours Truly,
Gen. M
Generals have PR men? How about just doing what you're told to do by the civilian government and referring any and all questions to the Commander in Chief. Am I being naive here?
Chain of command- learned it as a boot in USMC, followed it in my post-military career as a civilian. The General and his "aides" are off the mark. If a subordinate officer did this to McChrystal imagine his response. I can't imagine the remark that he has a hard job- sounds like Tony at BP- just want my life back- how about the lives of the troops who actually fight the war?
The climate at the General's command is disrespectful of people in command- time for a resignation beyond the civilan press flunky.
Having read the entire article, my take is it comes across as a devastating indictment of our failing presence in Afghanistan. The disparaging material from McCrystal and his staff is getting all the publicity, but the larger story is the fight isn't going very well. A particularly revealing passage is when McCrystal visits some troops that had lost one of their men and McCrystal tries to explain the COIN counterinsurgency strategy. Bottom line is the troops think we're losing.
I agree with you Bill, but wasn't it McChrystal that was the architect of the strategy? Serious question, I'm not being snarky or anything...
I think you're right, this is McCrystal's baby. But lots of other folks bought into it. Without crtiticizing or praising that approach, my feeling as an American is one of dismay that it doesn't seem to be working very well.
General McChrystal is trying to do everything in his power to WIN the war in Afghanistan. The same way he helped win the war against Al-Qaeda in Iraq when his troops were solely responsible for the killing of Zarqawi and the capture of Saddam. This man is the reason the war in Iraq turned the corner. Now he has been asking for more troops for a year and the politicians in Washington are trying to run the war against his expert advice. He sees American and NATO soldiers dying in increased levels because of the civilians doing things their way. If I was in his position I would sound off too. He is the modern day MacArthur in my opinion. He knows what to do to win a war and doesn't give a damn about the upcoming elections in the next few years. We will look back at this man in hindsight and applaud him and Biden/Obama will go down in history for their biggest blunder......Not listening to their generals in a time of war!
You don't get it, do you? Let me break it down for you: Violating Article 88 is bad enough, BUT VIOLATING WHILE IN THEATRE OF OPREATION BREAKS DOWN THE MORALE AND FIGHTING SPIRIT OF THE TROOPS IN RANK AND FILE, NOT TO MENTION THE FACT THAT THE COMMANDERS AT VARIOUS LEVELS HAVE, IN EFFECT, LOST COMMAND AND CONTROL OF THEIR MEN BECAUSE NOW YOU HAVE PLACE MORE DOUBT IN THE HEADS WHEN THEY NEED TO FOCUSED ABOUT THEIR MISSION!!!
The end result: A Chain Of Command that has been COMPROMIZED, especially during the time of war.
Now, IF that's what you want, Chris2pher, then by all means, YOU ARE WELCOMED TO IT!!!
Biden/Obama will go down in history for their biggest blunder......Not listening to their generals in a time of war!
The US is always at war. There isn't a decade in our history where we haven't been in armed conflict. Perhaps we should just ditch this whole democracy thing and let the Generals run things. Hey, it works for Burma.
Chris2pher, Gen. McCrazy came up with COIN and asked for 120,000(!) troops initially. Do we even have those kind of numbers? Even if we strip Iraq/Korea/everywhere else? No? Hm. OK, he says he can do it with 80K. Same questions, same answers: We don't have those numbers. Obama sends him 30K, which BTW, required stripping personnel from Iraq (at least).
Basically Gen. McCrazy came up with an unrealistic plan AND he did it with press leaks to try to force the President's hand. RIGHT THERE the President should have fired him. The President gave the General as much as could be given. I fault the President for that because he should have told McCrazy "thanks but try again, champ." The rest is just one long slog to our eventually planting the flag, declaring victory, and brining our people home.
No one in any sensitive government or corporate position, whether military or civilian, has any business drinking and venting in company with a reporter! And having worked in PR, no true professional in that field would allow such a thing. If my client wanted to drink on the bus, I would have kicked the reporter(s) off - no exceptions.
JoAnnaSmith,
McCrystal just gave up his career to make a point on what a poor CIC Obama is.
Did you stop to think that McCrystal could be considered a coward...I am not saying that he is because I have great respect for those that serve to protect our country and me. However, there are those that have no regards for anyone just because they wear the uniform.
Why does a General need a PR staff? And Rolling Stone magazine? Is this guy a General or a rock musician?
I don't get this. Is McChrystal unwilling to take the responsibility for his own words? Who DID he think he and his staff were talking to?
The General should have kept his yap closed when he spoke with insulting character attacks, but they're just words. If the General has gripes, he should tell the President (no matter who the President is) but to offer ridicule of your boss to a reporter is unprofessional. It doesn't make the General wrong in his assertions, but this is an efficient way to demoralize the troops. That doesn't make him a good General.
Resignation forthcoming.
Generals always ask for more troops, and in most cases they're probably correct to do so. Similarly, educators are always asking for more money, also correctly. I can't recall the numbers but I'm pretty sure Bush did the surge in Iraq with 1/3-1/2 of what Petraeus asked for. Pretty sure asking for troops is kind of like buying a car, the president asks how many you need, as the general you know he's going to lowball you, so you highball it knowing that he'll cut that substantially and give you the most that they can (politically....but that is another issue that revolves around our goldfish brains and unwillingness to rip off a bandaid even though our goldfish brains will forget about the pain seconds after it subsides).
A four star general is not supposed to make a mistake like this regardless of how tense the situation is or how bad the civilian side of the administration is. If McC does not have the caliber to be a 4 star general, he should be stripped off a star or two. A general has to be really really stupid to vent his job frustrations to a civilian and a magazine reporter in particular. Obama should sack him and strip him off his stars immediately if our military expects some respect from other countries.
General McChrystal knows precisely the response to his comments (and I say this as someone who grew up in the military). It is set forth in the Uniform Code of Military Justice: "Any commissioned officer who uses contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Transportation, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present shall be punished as a court-martial may direct." Civilians might sneer at this or find it absurd but the the UCMJ is the set of rules under which General McChrystal and other commissioned officers serve. Doesn't matter if you agree with the President or not or whether you are a member of his party or not or whether you are a conservative or a liberal or somewhere in between. The same rule applies.
Why would civilians sneer at the UCMJ? I've never heard a single civilian sneer at it or find it absurd. Have you? Not being snarky here, it just seems that a Uniform Code for Justice is a good idea that everyone agrees on.