[Buffalobob]

An interesting thread simply because it contains some of Jacks writing.

[QUOTEI]t is also the very reason why their are good staff officers and good commanders, but many times some not suited well for both or either. So the best that the military can do is let them in the door if they show the minimum potential needed and let the leveling begin in their basic courses-those that don't fit leave and get hired by the corporate world-despite their inability to perform in the military as a leader or ability to make a commitment to what the military leader is all about. That does not make him a bad person, but it does provide a fertile ground for recruits for the corporate world because inspite of the officer's failings or lack of commitment he is now more mature, has shed a lot of his baggage that the corporate world will not have to cull, and will go on to do great things outside the military-or not. Just my observation. [/QUOTE]

I served under Jack in a very stressful time for Special Forces and I believe Jack saw me and my contemporaries and that formed a lot of his opinions and views of the world. I agree with many of his views. Mostly I agree that 2Lts simply are not mature enough to be COs of ODAs. My peer group of 2Lts at 10th SFG(A) was simply the worst collection of lost little boys you ever saw in your life. No matter how hard you tried and no matter how hard you wished it differently you simple had not had enough life experiences to lead. The best decision I ever made as a ODA CO was to leave SF and go to RVN and get some experience.

As Jack opines, I went on to rise to the heights of my profession outside the military because of what I learned in the military.