Michael Vickers stepping down

Dive08 · 03-19-2015, 22:26

Current Under Secretary of Defense for Intel (former ASD for SOLIC) is stepping down;

Foreign Policy Article

WPost

I liked that it was a former 18 series guy in a position with such influence. Any one work ever with him either back in group or at the pentagon?

Ill be curious to see who replaces him.

It also seems lots of GOs are going to move around in the coming months as well, as referenced in the FP article.

Badger52 · 03-20-2015, 05:25

Here's hoping Mike Vickers indeed gets that chance to kick back a bit & enjoy some of the other personal tangibles. (I say "a bit" 'cause he's never seemed to be one that just idles the motor.)

Guymullins · 03-20-2015, 09:26

Michael Vickers features in my book, Osama;s Angel. He was the real brains behind the defeat of the Russians in Afghanistan by the Mujahedeen. His master stroke was not the addition of Stinger missiles to the theatre, but introducing a mix of weapons that kept the Russians on the wrong foot much of the time. He understood the strengths of guerrilla warfare and also, critically, its weaknesses.
He was probably the main factor in the collapse of Russia in Afghanistan, and consequently, the eventual fall of the Berlin Wall. In my opinion, he cannot be too highly praised and is a huge credit to the training and open-mindedness of the Green Berets. His personality must have been immense too. He started as a junior officer seconded to the CIA, with little or no clout, but was able to influence CIA thinking, from a rather weak position. He deserves to be a legend to Americans everywhere.

Guymullins · 03-20-2015, 09:37

Of course, it needed the off the wall crazy Gust Avrakotos, his CIA boss to listen and promote the ideas Michael Vickers originated and of course, Sen Charlie Wilson to find the money to fund the madness.

Badger52 · 03-20-2015, 09:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guymullins

Of course, it needed the off the wall crazy Gust Avrakotos, his CIA boss to listen and promote the ideas Michael Vickers originated and of course, Sen Charlie Wilson to find the money to fund the madness.

Indeed, and that was (fortunately) a movie that did a pretty good job encapsulating some mighty deeds in the rather standard alloted time.

RIP Gust.

Guymullins · 03-20-2015, 10:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badger52

Indeed, and that was (fortunately) a movie that did a pretty good job encapsulating some mighty deeds in the rather standard alloted time.

RIP Gust.

I didn't see the movie, but the book was the best read of 2011 for me.

Badger52 · 03-20-2015, 12:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guymullins

I didn't see the movie, but the book was the best read of 2011 for me.

Put that on your bucket list. Forget Tom Hanks & Julia Roberts. That movie doesn't happen without Gust (and you'll laugh your ass off as well).

Guymullins · 03-20-2015, 13:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badger52

Put that on your bucket list. Forget Tom Hanks & Julia Roberts. That movie doesn't happen without Gust (and you'll laugh your ass off as well).

Her was a scream in the book too. I will look for the movie.