Chuck Pelto (#87): Regarding military officers who are venal careerists who no longer serve the interests of the nation and those they lead, but instead themselves, I like what the late Colonel David Hackworth said. Hackworth, one of America’s most decorated soldiers and a peerless combat leader, called them “perfumed princes.” My favorite example 9there are many) is former General Wesley Clark; there’s a butt-kisser if I ever saw one. I am also lately very disappointed in Colin Powell, who has revealed himself to be a turncoat and a political opportunist. The simple fact is that one does not rise that high in the military, to flag rank (or the most senior flag rank of all, Chairman of JCS) without being an intensely political animal, and something of a self promoter.
The late Colonel John Boyd – an infamous firebrand both during and after his career in the USAF – often said to rising young officers with stars in their futures, ‘You face a choice to be or to do, to be promoted or to do something of lasting value.” He was acknowledging the fact that it is a very rare person who can do both. Taking ethical stands on principle and not “going alone to get along” can cost you that promotion to flag rank.
And yes, to confirm what you said, promotions to flag rank are essentially political in nature, since they are done with “the advice and consent” of Congress.
