Why Replacing General McChrystal Was the Only Option

"Let me say to the American people, this is a change in personnel but it is not a change in policy." - Barack Obama

After several acts of insubordination by the former commander of the the ISAF and U.S. Forces in Afghanistan, General Stanley A. McChrystal, President Barack Obama was forced to make a difficult decision in regard to his future. Relieve him of duties as a consequence or allow him to stay on despite his actions...either way he would face criticism!

The bold and opinionated General served as commander from June 15, 2009 through June 23rd of this year. During that time he was found disregarding the White House and questioning the Presidents' policy for Afghanistan. Most recently McChrystal bashed the White House while being interviewed by a Rolling Stone journalist. He's quoted criticizing Vice President Joe Biden's proposed counterterrorism strategy describing him as being "shortsighted," saying it would lead to a state of "Chaos-istan."

The basis of our strong military, the foundation of our armed forces is solely grounded in the discipline of our soldiers and generals. A strictly obeyed chain of command and civilian control of the military is a key cornerstone of our democracy! When a soldier, airman, marine, etc disobeys their commanding officer there, with a doubt, will be consequences!

Disregard for the chain of command by a private, four star general or anyone in between jeopardizes the frame work and foundation of our military...which inadvertently threatens our national security. Furthermore, a kink so high up in the chain of command would have a terrible rippling effect throughout the soldiers on the ground, possibly resulting in soldiers disobeying their commanding officers on the platoon and squadron level.

Realizing these truths the Presidents' decision to replace General Stanley McChrystal was both un-questionable and very necessary. Undermining the authority his superiors and questioning the policy of the Commander in Chief overshadows his thirty-three years of dedicated service to the United States Army.

It's clear and blatantly evident that Stanley McChrystal lacks regard for military chain of command, his Commander in Chief and the concept of an un-politicized military. A chain of command embedded with the concept that your actions coincide with the orders of your superiors, a Commander in Chief designated in the U.S. Constitution with both the authority and responsibility of leading the military solely invested in him and a civilian controlled un-politicized military where policy and strategy are decided by the President and approved by him thereof.

The actions taken by President Obama, the acceptance of McChrystals' resignation and the appointment of General Petraeus, was not only the best decision but the only option he had. Allowing General McChrystal to keep his post would be pulling the rug from under our armed forces....and not to mention the lack of respect and reverence for the Office of the President.

"I welcome debate among my team, but I won't tolerate division." - Barack Obama

Earlier in the financial crisis during the Wall Street meltdown many thought the President should replace Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner when bonuses were paid out to executives despite government interference in the companies. I'm sure during that entire period, and in this particular instance, there was much a debate amongst the President's team. I'm sure that the President, If he didn't already know, questioned his advisers and Secretary Geithner on the issue. I say all this to say, the Obama team was carefully crafted but like all administrations there will be resignations, firing, and replacing but this one thing is true...despite ideological differences, debates, challenges, personalities and opinions there is one President, one leader and one Commander in Chief!