Politics Toppled Pace From Joint Chiefs

Defense Secretary Gates Recommends Adm. Mike Mullen To Lead U.S. Armed Forces

(CBS/AP)  Gates made it clear his decision on Pace came reluctantly.

"I am no stranger to contentious confirmations, and I do not shrink from them," Gates said. "However, I have decided that at this moment in our history, the nation, our men and women in uniform and General Pace himself would not be well served by a divisive ordeal."

Asked whether the developments indicated GOP support for the war was waning, Gates said, "No, I don't think it says that."

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 2003 invasion of Iraq and the planning for the post-Saddam Hussein era.

Johndroe said, "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."

Pace had stirred controversy recently by saying that homosexuality is immoral and the military should not condone it by allowing gays to serve openly. He later said he should not have expressed his personal views and should have simply expressed his support for the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, which allows gays to serve if they keep their sexual orientation private.

Mullen was in Annapolis at the Naval Academy Friday when the announcement was made. His spokesman, Cmdr. John Kirby, issued a statement saying Mullen was honored.

Gates said Mullen "has a broad view of what the needs and requirements of the services are." To illustrate that, Gates said that when Mullen was recently asked by senior Pentagon adviser what he was most concerned about, he replied, "The Army."

The Army has been strained to the breaking point by soldiers' lengthy, repeated and difficult tours in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

Gates also heaped praise on Pace, who recently celebrated his 40th year as a Marine. "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.

Gates said he would recommend Gen. James E. Cartwright, currently the commander of the Strategic Command, to be vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He would succeed Adm. Ed Giambastiani, who is retiring.

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. Gates then offered Giambastiani another senior assignment, but the admiral declined the job. It is customary for the chairman and vice chairman to come from different branches of the service.

Other members of Congress were largely mum about the discussions with Gates prior to the announcement, preferring to offer praise for both Pace and Mullen.

Sen. John Warner, R-Va., said Pace had served with "the greatest of distinction." He added, "As we look to the future, in Admiral Mullen, we will have a new hand on the helm, a steady, well-trained hand that will guide and protect the men and women of all of our services, and their families."

[opfor311]

brianbwb,

The answer to hypothetical questions such as yours is that I would perform my duty under the UMCJ, and take the consequences of my actions. This is what I'd also expect of any serving member of the military.

But as for your premise that the Commander in Chief is blatenly violating the laws he swore to protect, I have seen no proof, and it is the duty of Congress to bring articles of impeachment if they have proof. Since the Speaker has said that impeachment is off the table, I'd have to say that it is merely your opinion then, and you are entitled to it.

Remember Winston Churchill's words:
'To be conservative at 20 is heartless and to be a liberal at 60 is plain idiocy.'

[macusweil]

"Looking at whats going on right now and who's doing what.... the Joint Chief needs to be an Army Man."

Or not .. so far the Army has screwed the pooch in Iraq.

We have just a bunch of yes-men running the Army because the Bush administration could not stand up to real leadership, so they are all weeded out. Just like at the justice dept. only the bigest a** kissers are left.

What you expected the best man for the job!? LOL

[Keypinitreel1]

The Best guy to take his place is more than likely an Army General rather than a Navy Admiral...

Common sense speaking....

Looking at whats going on right now and who's doing what.... the Joint Chief needs to be an Army Man.

[brianbwb-2009]

In fact, Opfor311, this is exactly my concern, what happens when a future C-I-C (or even this one) decides to finally deal with the "race problem" in America by creating false evidence of a threat, then ordering the military to take action? Should a soldier, being sworn to defend the US, actually attack US citizens on orders from the C-I-C, based on false evidence of threat?

This is the precedent being established now by this C-I-C, and if no one opposes it and holds him personally responsible, the story above may come true a lot sooner than you think.

[zootallures2]

He can get a job playing Frank Burns if they bring MASH back. But then so could most of the men in America. Maybe you'll get Hotlips Hilery to star with...LOL

[brianbwb-2009]

to Opfor311,

You write, "He will attempt to do all that he can to see to the welfare of his troops, but he will do so with a eye to the larger picture."
I understand your respect, and would like to share it, but in these days when the C-I-C is blatantly violating the very laws he was sworn to uphold, following his orders becomes a problem.

Allow me to pose a theoretical question, If your C-I-C told you to kill your own family, because he had info that they were a threat, but you know the info to be false, would you, as a soldier, obey that order?...

[antoniof123]

"I think that the events of the last several months have simply created an environment in which I think there would be a confirmation process that would not be in the best interests of the country," Gates said. "I wish it were not necessary to make a decision like this. But I think it's a realistic appraisal of where we are."

Ya think......

[king77shaw]

isn't he dating Ted Haggard ? maybe that's what did him in.

[petesis]

The military has become such an arm of the government that it is becoming just as messed up as the rest of the government. They wear uniforms and salute but they are a huge bureaucracy nonetheless and they reward a$$ki$$ing even more than alot of other branches. As a result... this is what we have. This guy was more a politician than a strategic thinker and finally the tide has turned against him. But it is far too late. And if it were not him they would have got some other yes man.

[ajmarine1]

edegenhart,

I meant service.

[ajmarine1]

edegenhart,

Thank you for "your" sevice.

[edegenhart-2009]

Dear General Pace,

As an US citizen and vetran, I thank you for your dedication and commitment to defending democracy for your country. You can be proud of your accomplishments and service to your country. Thank you

[ajmarine1]

"Naw! You shaw a chance to throw some hate at a fellow citizen and Neighbor so the POINT is forgotten."

"Naw," I just didn't like him saying a "Dictator" is better than our President or chimp as he called it.

You can keep that "Swaskia" cr*p also.

[opfor311]

brianbwb,

I'm sure that Adm. Mullen will do exactly as he has done in the past and take seriously his duty to obey the civilian authorities, and obey his Commander-in-Chief. He will attempt to do all that he can to see to the welfare of his troops, but he will do so with a eye to the larger picture.

I know General Cartwright will do the same, as I have seen what he has done as Commander of USSTRATCOM. General, we hate to see you go, but we are confident that you will serve with great honor and distinction, as you have with us. Semper Fi, Sir, and may God be with you.

General Pace, Bravo Zulu. Thank you for your honorable service to the Nation and to the Corps.

[hungry1968]

"Pace's departure will put nearly an entirely new slate of leaders and military commanders in charge of the war, which is now in its fifth year and has claimed the lives of more than 3,500 U.S. troops."

This will save Bush the trouble of having to replace the generals on the ground. He replaces them every few years when they say that the current plan isn't working - now he just has an excuse to get rid of them ahead of time. He was one of the architects of this invasion / occupation so he should have been replaced due to incompetence anyway. Now go join Rummy the Dummy - good riddence.

[mcvet]

I'm sure they have plenty of empty houses avaible, with all the the people that have left there; ever think about moving?
Posted by AJMarine1 at 11:16 PM : Jun 08, 2007

ROFLMAO THAT is what you got out of that post? ROFLMAO Man YOU have got to take off a few of those Swastika's... H-e-l-l someone from the Third Reich could have gotten the meaning of that post but you? Naw! You shaw a chance to throw some hate at a fellow citizen and Neighbor so the POINT is forgotten. That's the mark of a TRUE Fascist!!!

[johnshaft4]

Fall guy Pace was placed in an impossible no win situation by the losers in the Bush administration.

[bluestardad]

PACE IS A BUSH BOBBLE HEAD WHOS TIME HAS COME!

MAYBE HE CAN RETIRE IN DUBIA, SAUDI ARABIA, OR ISRAEL WORKING FOR HALIBURTON!

HE SOLD THE LIVES OF THOUSANDS OF SOLDIERS FOR HIS CAREER!

NOW THEIR IS MORE ROOM UP BUSHS BACK SIDE WITH THIS STOOGES HEAD OUT OF THE WAY!

WHEN THE NATION WIDE WAR CRIMES TRIAL STARTS WE WILL KNOW WHERE TO FIND HIM!

DONT GO AWAY MAD JUST GO AWAY!

[brianbwb-2009]

it will be interesting to see if Mullen is going to be a realistic leader who cares enough for the lives of his soldiers to advise Bush to do right by them, and bring them home immediately, or just another suck up, who will allow yet more soldiers to die needlessly for Bush's illegal agenda...

[roger_inkart]

Yeah, f-you you little ******-bag. Maybe you should keep your opinions about homosexuality to yourself, less you should be suspected yourself - you brown-nosing little loser.

You are a foot-note to the sad tragedy that is the war in Iraq.