I would add that since we are subordinate to civilian leadership why do we always leave that variable out of our discussions?

Where are our Lincolns who have the moral courage to stand up to military leadership going in the wrong direction?

Another area I think we under appreciate is the influence of our multiple think tanks. Kagan who was the one who pushed the surge in Iraq and he was in a think tank. Bob talks about the need for fundamental change, yet a powerful think tank just recommended that DOD justify their budget with a big war scenario or risk cuts. More cowbell please.

We have leaders in the military with moral courage, but that is only a prerequisite for change; it is not a road map to change.