War in Iraq

[Stu]

Incredibly, conservative political and military leaders remain the key voices highlighting a stunningly absent yet foundational component of our national strategy. In 2005, Speaker Newt Gingrich opined, “The problem with the War on Terror is that DoD is at war, the rest of the United States government is not.” That remains true, but more importantly, our society remains disengaged.

CJCS and Marine General Peter Pace recently joined a growing list of military leaders testifying before Congress and on the record who have noted this flaw. So has Army General Stephen Mundt who last week challenged industry to relook its output priorities and Congress to generate the timely defense authorizations required to then equip the force. Both Congress and industry are capable of responding; like they did after the public uproar over individual ballistic protection and up-armored HMMWVs. Like parents, I suppose we must occasionally raise our voices to get the attention of those, in this case, vying for our votes.

I suggest we collectively ignore any further complaints emanating from Washington and the campaign trail about the war in Iraq until Congress has helped lead our nation to a wartime posture. That would help send the right message to friends and foes, put elections in the proper context, and set conditions for the elements of our national power to pull in the same direction to win this war.

Still Serving & Army Strong!

Stu McLennan
Harker Heights