Posted on 06/08/2007 11:18:58 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
WASHINGTON - The Bush administration sidelined Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on Friday, announcing plans to replace him as the nation's top military officer rather than reappoint him and risk a Senate confirmation struggle focusing on the Iraq War.
"It would be a backward looking and very contentious process," Defense Secretary Robert Gates said at a Pentagon news conference where he announced he would recommend Adm. Mike Mullen to replace Pace.
Mullen is the chief of naval operations, and Gates praised him for having the "vision strategic insight and integrity to lead America's armed forces."
At the same time, he made clear he had made his decision with reluctance, saying he wished it had not been necessary.
"I am no stranger to contentious confirmations, and I do not shrink from them," Gates said at a hastily arranged news conference.
"However, I have decided that at this moment in our history, the nation, our men and women in uniform and Gen. Pace himself would not be well served by a divisive ordeal. ..."
As chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for two years, and vice chairman for the previous four, Pace has been involved in all of the key decisions leading to the 2002 invasion of Iraq and the planning for the post- Saddam Hussein era.
" President Bush appreciates Gen. Pace's long and distinguished service to the country and as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff," said White House spokesman Gordon Johndroe, who was traveling overseas with Bush. "He is an example for all our men and women in uniform and has been an integral part of the president's national security team."
The war, now in its fifth year, has claimed the lives of more than 3,500 U.S. troops, and has become intensely unpopular with the public. The new Democratic majority in Congress has shown an eagerness to challenge Bush's handling of the conflict, and the president has already vetoed one bill that included a troop withdrawal timetable.
Gates said he made his decision after consulting with Republican and Democratic senators alike. Asked whether the developments indicated GOP support for the war was waning, he replied, "No, I don't think it says that."
Less than a month ago, Pentagon officials circulated word that Pace was in line for another two year term. His current term expires on Sept. 30.
Gates said he also will recommend Gen. James E. Cartwright, currently the commander of the Strategic Command, as the next vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He would succeed Adm. Ed Giambastiani.
The defense secretary said he had originally intended to name Giambastiani to a second two-year term, but Mullen's selection had foreclosed that possibility. It is customary for the chairman and vice chairman to come from different branches of the service.
Gates heaped praise on Pace, a Marine of more than 40 years. "He has served our country with great distinction and deserves the deepest thanks of the American people for a lifetime of service to our country and for his leadership. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with him, trust him completely and value his candor and his willingness to speak his mind," he said.
“Pace out as head of Joint Chiefs”
Not Again!
How many times can they fire this guy in one day?
It appears that the Bush administration has disrespected General Pace, big time. It is payback time.
ap reworked this earlier piece by same author. emphasis was on nominated new chairman, but we all now know Iraq was the issue, right? (and little to do with the General’s statement earlier this year re: the ‘you know what, don’t go there’ policy.) ;-)
Mullen tabbed to head Chiefs of Staff ^
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1847108/posts
Posted by NormsRevenge
On News/Activism ^ 06/08/2007 10:15:04 AM PDT · 15 replies · 513+ views
AP on Yahoo ^ | 6/8/07 | Lolita Baldor - ap
WASHINGTON - Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced Friday he has recommended Adm. Mike Mullen, currently chief of naval operations, to become the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Gates said that Mullen has the “vision strategic insight and integrity to lead America’s armed forces.” If formally appointed by President Bush and confirmed by the Senate, Mullen would replace Marine Gen. Peter Pace as the nation’s top military officer.
I always thought General Pace was one helluva man.
What do former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff do? Remain in the service in another capacity or retire?
LOL.. What do you have in the pool anyway? I got 15 by
Noon PT. ;-)
I am sure Pace will have a tell all book deal wrapped-up by the end of the day.
Usually retire, they can become Directors on boards, do speeches, make good money on that alone. They get a decent pension too and benefits.
Actually, this was the most comprehensive of all the articles thus far posted.
You don’t like Marines much, do you?
I don’t blame ya, They’re all trained killers, ya know.. ;-)
God, I hope so. And I hope it comes out quickly. That would help me, but I don’t know that it will help him. The man is a Marine and he just got his ass kicked unjustly. What a sad, sorry White House. Not an ounce of fight in them for one of their own, but all out for the mexicans.
Like I said this is a reworked article, ap had do get all the digs in it could at Iraq and the administration.. they have a reputation to keep up and also to besmirch. They are such sweethearts. huh? ;-)
Pace’s book will attack Bush War policy from the right.
Should be a good read after all the books attacking Bush from the left.
This is a Marine who just got his butt kicked - no amount of pensions or speaking engagements is going to make up for that.
It’s always good to get a good look at things from as many angles as possible. ya still have to separate the chaff from the wheat tho. I will be interested to hear his comments later.
And just who does the Administration think that the democrats will approve without contention? I have grown very weary of doing what is easy instead of what may be right for America. If Pace is the guy for the job (of which I am not qualified to opine), then reappoint him and fight like heck. If he is not the man for the job, don’t announce bogus reasons why you will not reappoint him. This just looks like a cave-in to the democrats.
God, Country, Corps
He’ll get over it.
Admiral Mike Mullen has a big pair of shoes to fill.
Semper Fidelis,
fontman
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