30 June 2010

Gen. Petraeus' "Dream Team" assembling in Afghanistan?

The news from Spencer Ackerman isn't all bad, though.  Writing from his new post at Wired.com's Danger Room, Ackerman reports that Brig. Gen. H.R. McMaster has been selected to serve as Gen. Petraeus' J-5, the lead plans officer for Afghanistan.

You might remember Brig. Gen. McMaster as a veteran of 73 Eastings during the First Gulf War, and Tal'Afar during the Second Gulf War.  Holding a PhD in History from the UNC-Chapel Hill, he's the author of a scathing criticism of US military leadership during the Vietnam War.  McMaster is also responsible for creating the new Army Capstone Concept, a guide to military leadership in the 21st Century.  Most recently, he's been quite the avowed PowerPoint basher, even going so far as to ban the software in his organization.

Finally, we're sending the brightest minds to Afghanistan, after years upon years of neglect.

Focus:  Whom would you like to see as part of an Afghanistan "dream team"?  Let's look at both civil and military leaders.  

Personally, I'd like to see Lt. Col. Paul Yingling and Lt. Col. Gian Gentile (thanks Gunslinger).  Both are exceptional, though contrary, military minds who aren't afraid to call it as they see it.  Their brand sort of intellectual honesty is something we need more of in our Army.

Focus #2:  If Gen. McChrystal's inner circle took the name "Team America", what will Gen. Petraeus' inner circle be known as?

6 comments:

Jason Fritz said...

I can't disagree with those two. Minor point though, Gian's a full bird...

Starbuck said...

Thanks, dude.

Jason Fritz said...

Anytime. Impressive flash-to-bang there.

Starbuck said...

Ha! You don't know the half of it. I'm enjoying Bavarian lager right now AND posting to my blog. I surprise even myself!

FaST Surgeon said...

This only really caught my eye because I thought you said LTC Yuengling ... you know.. The oldest brewery in America :)

FaST Surgeon

Michael C said...

I would say he should keep General Flynn (either B or M General, I don't know which one). His paper really gets intel, I just hope he can execute even though he is from a SpecOps background.