McQ at QandO points to a very good development in the command structure for the troops surge in Iraq. General Petraeus is putting some outstanding resources on his leadership team.
I've been a fan of McMaster's since he was a CPT in the Gulf War and his troop (from the 2nd ACR) of armored cavalry destroyed an Iraqi Republican Guard armored battalion (3 times the size of his unit) in the Battle of 73 Easting. He's been a squadron commander and a regimental commander of armored cavalry units. His most recent command was the 3rd ACR at Tal Afar where he implemented the new COIN doctrine successfully and actually did win the hearts and minds of the locals. McMaster also holds a PhD from UNC, a scholar-soldier who will bring to the effort in Baghdad both experience and success. He is an excellent choice by Petraeus and my guess is he'll be in the field constantly – and that's really where he belongs. I've been saying since 1991 this guy will be wearing 4 stars someday.
While the politicians wander aimlessly about in Washington, the man who says he can accomplish the mission simply goes on doing his job and putting together a team that will implement the new course of action. The folks in the Senate should be supporting that effort, not seeing who can undermine it the fastest.
