Four Star Generals:

 

I read negative comments about the current generals and the recent meeting of our military leaders. The Secretary of War was critical of some of them and they deserved it. I served under two four star generals, one Air Force and one Army.  Both were great generals and part of the unit I was in. I knew I could count on them and they knew me by name. 

The Air Force general was a good guy and when I flew with him it was on a first name basis. He was just another member of the flight. I was part of his personal elite guard unit. He was fun and just one of the guys. When we would visit a base he was then general and demanded military respect. We knew he always had our back and we had his also.  

The Army general was also one of the troops. I was in a small special operations unit and he was friendly and one of us. Having him right there along side of us enlisted was good. He was never an arm chair quarterback but part of our unit. 

Our current Secretary of War was completely right calling out our military leadership. From what I see they have lost their fighting edge. Back when I was in the military the troops were in peak fighting condition, both physically and mentally. I was fortunate to be in the units I was but after 8 years I got out as it was then getting to be a softer military. 

As an example when I was in the special ops unit we had base police to do security on our headquarters which was isolated  in the back of the base. I went out one night to relieve one of the guards and I found him sound asleep on his post. I woke him up and he got testy advising me that he would kick my ass. I invited him to try and it was over in seconds and to this day I don't know what I did but he was then out for the night. 

When they came to pick him up he was still pretty unsteady on his feet. I had extensive training and reacted without thinking. I was called into the commanders office and asked what happened. I explained and the commander advised I should have reported him and he would have lost his rank. I told the commander that he learned that you don't sleep on duty and I doubted he would ever try to strike a non commissioned officer again. 

My message allowed him to keep his current pay rank and understand the military discipline better. Losing a pay grade didn't send a lasting message . I was told that no longer was the way in the modern military as we were now a kinder and gentler military. That was the moment I decided I would be getting out after this enlistment. I'm glad to see that we are returning to a tougher fighting force and it starts at the top. We don't need generals or soldiers but tough men who are well trained and fight to win. Tough men and women.