On National Security issues, is it wiser for a US President to seek advice from retired Generals or career Diplomats?

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 19:02:07 -0400

Response by 1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 7:08 PM

1SG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 19:08:16 -0400

Sir, I don't think it's an "either/or" issue. I believe a holistic approach is best.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 7:09 PM

CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 19:09:03 -0400

Should have included Twiter as a choice. JK, sorry, couldn't resist.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 7:38 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 19:38:58 -0400

COL Private RallyPoint Member Sir, It depends on who the diplomat is and if they put the United States first. There has to be a combination of both to arrive at a balanced approach to National Security.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 21 at 2017 7:43 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 19:43:17 -0400

I'd just go with the regional experts that are subordinate staff at the National Security Council for the meaty facts of an issue, then with diplomatic heads of the Policy Trio to interpret and decide. In each case it can be obvious who should have the lead, Sec State for diplomacy and foreign policy (in which case they negotiate with the DoD as an implied threat) and Sec Def for matters of actual military use or peacekeeping. Other issues have a combination of the whole NSC working together. The National Security Adviser is like the referee for the whole thing and needs to make sure applicable agencies have a say or at least to go around the table and ask if they have anything to add. No offense, but the question is inherently flawed; the POTUS should seek advice from everyone who has a dog in the fight, then leader up and make a decision. I will say however, it is with good reason the NSA's are usually generals. Generals have KSA's to be diplomats AND SMEs on defense, Politicians....well, not so much.

Response by SSgt Gary Andrews made Mar 21 at 2017 8:19 PM

SSgt Gary Andrews — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 20:19:18 -0400

He should listen to both.......but either one would be better than listening to Fox News and acting on whatever he hears there.

Response by SFC George Smith made Mar 21 at 2017 8:24 PM

SFC George Smith — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 20:24:54 -0400

the Career Diplomates are little more than Career Politicians...

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Mar 21 at 2017 9:57 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Tue, 21 Mar 2017 21:57:53 -0400

Personally I'd rather seek advice from let's say General Mattis than say John Kerry,but then again I'm not the President,that's my answer and I'm sticking to it ,PS thank God Kerry is gone couldn't stand the man,with any luck at all he won't return to Massachusetts, bad enough I've got to put up with winters in this place not him too!

Response by SGT Roger Mitchell made Mar 22 at 2017 2:39 AM

SGT Roger Mitchell — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 02:39:43 -0400

That can only depend upon the topic and the individual- some generals may be more skilled in certain topics, while some diplomats maybe more versed in other topics. That's why there are councils and agencies of mixed backgrounds when it comes to national security. I think a balanced approach of several backgrounds is wisest and a best practice

Response by PFC Jonathan Albano made Mar 22 at 2017 3:00 AM

PFC Jonathan Albano — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 03:00:42 -0400

Both Generals and Diplomats can be valid intelligence resources to draw upon in this situation. A wise leader will seek multiple perspectives and gather as much information as possible before coming to a decision.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Mar 22 at 2017 11:27 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Wed, 22 Mar 2017 11:27:24 -0400

Both... a wise man would not play favorites with those offering guidance. A wise man would listen to the words of all those around him and make the best decision based on the information provided.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2017 9:17 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 09:17:45 -0400

Great discussion. Thx for such insightful perspective...

Response by LTC Joseph Gross made Mar 23 at 2017 2:14 PM

LTC Joseph Gross — Thu, 23 Mar 2017 14:14:37 -0400

Greatly depends on the situation and the advisers available.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 24 at 2017 1:50 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Mar 2017 01:50:06 -0400

COL Private RallyPoint Member a mixture, not necessarily 50/50 as things change over time and you need to have different views to get a better fuller picture.