Quote:
Originally posted by depmats
I don't think Clinton was the worst president ever. I do believe he has been overrated to a large degree. He treated the US military like dogshit.
|
Under Clinton, the military loved what they got. Give Clinton a problem, provide him with the reasons, then he would ask probing and incite questions, and (most important) make a decision. Those in the military who got caught without a well thought out proposal did get their ass handed to him.
As a result, under Clinton, the B-1 and B-2 bombers finally got fixed. Both $multi-billion warplane were useless for most of their 20 and 10 years previously. Under Clinton, the carriers finally got fixed - having demonstrated during the Kuwait war that they were not functional weapons of a coordinated military.
Under Clinton, expensive ships such as the entire Missouri class were decommissioned to be replaced by just as functional destroyers and cruisers. Entire Army functions were integrated with Air Force units to make a truly mobile and fast reaction force. Unfortunately, even under Clinton, the Republicans got a classic piece of useless pork - ie the C130J instead of more desperately needed C-17s.
Given a need to coordinate the Hati invasion, under Clinton, something new happened. Army was delivered to the battle on the USS JFK. Previously not even possible. The Navy's crown jewel was instead used to deliver soldiers and helicopters. Such cooperation just was not possible in days before Clinton.
Overall, the military loved Clinton because a smart military man could make his case and Clinton actually understood those facts. Compare this to a boondoogle that even top experts say does not work - George Jr's Star Wars system being built in Alaska. God knows bin Laden will some day launch a nuclear missile at us. Its good to know we have this defense. Yes, good military men needed more armoured HumVees and armour plated body armour. However they got a real expensive Star Wars system instead. You can imagine how well this goes down with smart military men.
To find reasons for a military dislike of Clinton, one must spend too much time listening the Rush Limbaugh propaganda. However listen to the retired Generals. They don't like George Jr and don't like the micromanager Rumsfeld.