[SevenMinusOne]

Military personnel rules prevent the top brass from reaching down into the ranks and plucking out high-performers who have proved themselves especially adept at counterinsurgency or have amassed significant knowledge about Afghanistan and Iraq. "In all previous wars, promotions were accelerated for officers who were effective," a senior Army official said.

Huh? This is exactly what happened and why Gen. McCrystal was appointed to where he was.... because he was that d*mn effective at getting the job done! There was very few more effective at tracking down and killing bad guys from a leadership role than Gen. McCrystal has been since 2002.

[himno hero]

I would point directly at the new mandate emanating from the muslim marxist boy who would be king in the White House (and his administration).