WTF? Wasn't Odierno the CG of the 4th ID in the early days of the Iraq War, and didn't his division have the policy of kicking doors down, dragging men out wholesale and interning them on little or no intel, and otherwise acting the part of aggressive, oppressive occupiers -- arguably feeding the coming insurrection? Wasn't Petraeus' success with the 101st exactly the opposite of the knuckle-dragging Odierno's policies? If so, why is Odierno being rewarded with the top job in the Army? Is there no accountability any more? Is the Army's talent pool so shallow?

You are correct Odierno Division was heavy handed, however as Petraeus second in command during the critical days of the surge, he underwent an ephipney. He proved his mettle in that position and when he replace Petraeus as the Commander in Iraq.

As far as Casey, a nice man, but clearly over his head in Iraq and as CSA. I was struck by one picture of him in the Fourth Star (between pp 154-55) in Bosnia. He is briefing Turkish officers in full battle rattle to include a perfectly snapped helment. This picture says a lot, as he is a man who will not deviate from the expected norms even when it makes sense!

I'd much rather see Dempsey as CofS. Odierno will be better than Casey was, but that is such a low bar.

Did Casey do anything right in Iraq?

What has he done as CSA?

It looks like, at least for Dempsey.
Best,
Tom

Agree on Tom's guess on Dempsey's successor. Although that means the final shift of US military focus from war on terrorism to Asia-Pacific -- more specifically, China.The so called AirSea Battle Concept will be widely discussed after US finishes up in Afghanistan.

But why not some harmonious coexit? Quit cold-war thinking.

I would have said back in 2004-05 that GEN O would have been a poor choice for this position. Upon further reflection I think he is the right choice. He understands soldiers and understands the transformation period the Army is going to go thru with the draw downs from both theatres that is coming in the near future.

This mix of characters will be fun to watch. Grab a seat and get your popcorn. Dempsey is the same guy who corrected people's grammar on documents while at Tradoc. Odierno was the Nate Sassaman supporter while at 4ID in Samarra, totally letting Sassaman jump the chain of command right over the brigade commander. Heard that Odierno had softened since his son was injured in the war. In any case, add Austin to the mix and there will be fireworks for sure.

Think about it. The pool is small and these guys have been interacting (both favorably and unfavorably) with each other for nearly 35 years. There may be water under the bridge, but all of them are human beings who, for better or worse, are fallible. If I were POTUS and choosing senior, senior leaders, I would ask a behavioralist to examine their histories together and determine what this particular mix will reap. My guess is that competition, testoterone, branch loyalties, and history will only lead to gridlock. Talk about your team of rivals.

What is missing from the article is the WHY all these sudden moves?

Moves at this level prior to an election year are about known entities that will not embarrass the administration.

General “Hoss” Cartwright was the prime candidate for CJCS as mentioned by President Obama on numerous occasions. He was not selected because of Civilian leadership objection in the Pentagon. That most likely means Ms. Michele Flournoy, Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and the number three person in the Pentagon. When it comes to money, she is the chair for the Deputy’s Advisory Working Group (DAWG). The military equivalent was led by General Cartwright was the Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC). Being a fly on the wall, one could surmise that there was a difference of opinion on how the Department of Defense should curtail programs which led to a move to retire General Cartwright.

Enter General Dempsey. Ms. Flournoy’s previous job was as the president of the Center for a New American Strategy (CNAS) which is one of the administrations key think tanks. She was replaced by Dr. John Nagl who, as an Army officer, served under Dempsey and knows him. Also, General Raymond Odierno was neck and neck with General Dempsey for the selection to Chief of Staff of the Army (CSA) when General Casey departed. Only makes sense that when the known entity of General Dempsey was selected to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Odierno would fill the CSA slot.

General David Petraeus to CIA director is a smart move as well. To continue the fight in Afghanistan while pulling out U.S. forces, America will go to covert operations. That means the CIA will lead the fight. Who better to steer the ship than the commander who has been in the front lines fighting the war for the past ten years.

Finally, CIA Director Panetta to Secretary of Defense is another logical and smart move. To cut the Department of Defense budget, you need someone who knows the government monetary bureaucracy. Under the Clinton administration he was Director of the Office of Management and Budget, a position that built on his years of work on the House Budget Committee.

I agree with Tom this may be a short term fix, but anything in the beltway is counted in dog-years.