Does Gen. Allyn really believe that the Army has been ‘winning’? I’m worried

The other day, Gen. Daniel Allyn, the Army vice chief of staff, supposedly said that, “Winning is what we do in the United States Army.”

If he did say that, I am worried. I kind of wonder where he has been the last 13 years. Neither Iraq nor Afghanistan looks like winning to me. And so the comment smacks of denial to me. An Army led by people who won’t face facts is an Army in trouble.

I don’t know the context. Perhaps he was just boosting morale, giving a little pep talk. OK, chalk it up to good intentions — but not good leadership. The Army needs some sober self-reflection, and he is not providing it.

Perhaps one more reason to make Gen. Stan McChrystal the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs. Except this time, make sure he has a better media advisor.

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