McChrystal most likely on the way out..

[UnderseaLcpl]

Originally Posted by Zachstar

According to various rumors he has handed in his resignation. Good that ought to be minimal for destroying morale among his command by mocking a superior.

And you assume that morale is derived from respect for the chain of command? In such a perfect world, I'd derive more morale from the approachable princesses riding unicorns.

I'm joking, of course. Respect for the chain of command is essential, and it plays a very important part in morale, but it is very rare to see an officer who can manage respect, performance, and troop morale. Show of hands from the military guys here. How many of you had what you would consider "good" officers more than half of the time?
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I don't know whether Gen. McChrystal is a good leader, but I can say for certain that his removal for political reasons will be bad for morale. If there's one thing that troops hate more than being led by an idiot, it's being led by an idiot who is led by an idiot. If what I've heard first-hand thus far is any basis, Obama is pretty unpopular amongst the troops anyway. Assuming that is true, most servicemembers would take offense at the General's removal.

Perhaps I can make the point more clear. The worst thing to happen in a combat situation is to be attacked from an unexpected direction. Even the most elite troops will rarely weather such a thing, hence the importance of flanking. If McChrystal is removed, the troops will feel both outflanked and unable to do anything about it. Worse, they will think (whatever the case may be) that it is for unrelated political reasons, and troops hate dying for unrelated political reasons.

The fact that this situation occurred is bad enough already. Let's hope that it does not become worse.