Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

McChrystal forgot most basic rule

After spending more than 20 years enlisted in the United States Air Force, I know that one of the things that was ground into our heads from Day One in basic training was not to disrespect senior noncomissioned officers or officers. We were taught that our opinions were our own and that we could be punished, up to and including a court-martial, for conduct unbecoming. One thing that was repeated was that we were never to disrespect our commander in chief, i.e., the president, no matter if we voted for him or not, or what we thought of his policies or politics.

As I progressed up the ranks of airman to senior noncommissioned officer, I learned, and was encouraged by my senior NCOs and officers, that if I had a disagreement I was to come to them and express those thoughts and opinions in private, with no adverse actions, as long as those thoughts and opinions were presented in a professional manner.

Gen. Stanley McChrystal, it appears, did not live by the spirit of those rules, but instead expressed his disrespect for the commander in chief, as well as the civilian leadership of the military, in public. He was lucky. He was allowed to resign and keep some dignity. I know that if it had been me, I would be booking a trip to Leavenworth military prison for a long stay.

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