Can a theater commander ever say that his war is not "winnable"?

**Greyhawk** · 09-04-2009

Originally Posted by rborum

Can a theater commander ever say publicly or to his CINC that his theater is not "winnable" (however that is defined)?

Is there historic precedent for making such an assessment?

When the war is clearly not winnable. At that point, what has the commander to lose? For an American historical precedent, Robert E Lee did it at Appomattox, and history hasn't condemned him for the loss.

**Abu Suleyman** · 09-04-2009

Originally Posted by Greyhawk

When the war is clearly not winnable. At that point, what has the commander to lose? For an American historical precedent, Robert E Lee did it at Appomattox, and history hasn't condemned him for the loss.

True, but he was on the side that supported slavery, which is now universally condemned. However, if McClellan had said so after the Peninsular Campaign then I doubt history would have looked so kindly on him. (Not that he has a stellar reputation anyway.)

**Greyhawk** · 09-28-2009

"Can you imagine ever saying to the president of the United States, 'Sir, we just can't do it,'?" Martin asked.

"Yes I can," McChrystal said. "And if I felt that way, the day I feel that way, the day I'm sure I feel that way, I'll tell him that."

- from 60 Minutes interview