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Actually, I think a lot of today's generals were raised during the Viet Nam era fighting exactly the guerrilla war Hackworth says they don't know how to fight. I definitely agree that there is WAY too much emphasis in our military on stupid, candy-assed professional military education programs, but Hackworth also needs to remember that the era of bayonet charges is over. The outstanding performance of our special forces troops is a credit to their training, and to the foresight of military leaders that made sure those programs are/were in place. As this war continues, the perfumed princes who rose to their positions by punching the right tickets, will fall to the wayside, replaced by true leaders and warriors. Just like they always have at the start of every one of our major conflicts.

As long as "grunts" are on the ground, the day of the bayonet charge is NOT gone. As for the training of the special forces personnel, that goes with the job. While attending Infrantry Training Regiment, Camp Pendelton Ca. in September of 1965 there was a large sign that said, "THE MORE YOU SWEAT IN PEACE, THE LESS YOU BLEED IN WAR".

Hackworth also needs to remember that the era of bayonet charges is over. The outstanding performance of our special forces troops is a credit to their training, and to the foresight of military leaders...

Hack praises the performance of well-trained, well-led SF forces. It's the regulars, specifically 10th Mountain Division units which he accuses of screwing the pooch. And as for your assertion that "the era of bayonet charges is over," take it from one who knows: when the fighting gets close and desperate, you are back in the Stone Age. Bayonets, knives, fists and thumbs might be all you have, so you damned well better have the guts and skill to use them.

As this war continues, the perfumed princes... will fall to the wayside, replaced by true leaders and warriors. Just like they always have at the start of every one of our major conflicts.

I agree with you on this point. However, as you state, this painful process only plays out in major and protracted conflicts. The lambs can hide out while the lions fight the short wars. And they get a lot of people killed at the start...

..."but Hackworth also needs to remember that the era of bayonet charges is over. The outstanding performance of our special forces troops is a credit to their training, and to the foresight of military leaders that made sure those programs are/were in place"...

The 'bayonet charge' you refer to appears to have been replaced by a charge of a different name performed by special forces....and yet, their blood sheds just as easily as the bayonet charging infantryman.

..."As this war continues, the perfumed princes who rose to their positions by punching the right tickets, will fall to the wayside, replaced by true leaders and warriors. Just like they always have at the start of every one of our major conflicts"....

And at what cost....how many more men have to die or be seriously wounded before the perfumed ones fall away so the true warrior/leaders rise from the ashes?

I'm a female, never been in the service so I've never seen combat or even a make-believe combat scenario, but I believe this is what Colonel Hackworth is getting at......its the rank and file who are biting the dust while the strutting peacocks continue to preen...it seems his first concern is always with and for the men, as was great leaders like Gunn.

I can picture Gunn's men following him willingly through the gates of hell and back.....something I can't envision with the likes of a Wesley Clark.