Difference between revisions of "Stanley McChrystal"
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| − | [[File:Stanley mcchrystal.jpg|Left|thumb|200px|Stanley McChrystal]]'''General Stanley A. McChrystal''', USA (born August 14, 1954) is the current Commander for International Security Assistance Force and Commander for U.S. forces in [[Afghanistan]], having been appointed in June 2009. | + | [[File:Stanley mcchrystal.jpg|Left|thumb|200px|Stanley McChrystal]]'''General Stanley A. McChrystal''', USA (born August 14, 1954) is the 4-star American general and current Commander for International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Commander for U.S. forces in [[Afghanistan]], having been appointed in June 2009. |
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| + | His report to Washington of Aug. 30, 2009, set the parameters for the American debate on the [[Afghanistan War]]. He warned of failure unless his forces are greatly enlarged, and are more focused on protecting the civilian population. He considers the civilian government of Afghanistan a hindrance more than a help. | ||
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| + | ==Career== | ||
| + | A 1976 graduate of West Point, he has held many commands and is known as a scholar-warrior. | ||
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| + | After graduating from [[West Point]] in 1976, McChrystal worked on a U.N. Command Support Group in [[South Korea]], and later served as an Army briefer and commanded the 75th Ranger Regiment in [[Saudi Arabia]] during the 1991 [[Persian Gulf War]]. In 2001, he was appointed chief of staff of military operations in Afghanistan. He led the Army's Delta Force, which is credited for the December 2003 capture of [[Saddam Hussein]]. | ||
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| + | [[File:Mcchrystal.jpg|thumb|250px|General McChrystal]] | ||
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| + | In 2003-2008 McChrystal headed the super-secret "Joint Special Operations Command" in the Pentagon. He took over an insular, shadowy commando force with a reputation for spurning partnerships with other military and intelligence organizations. He managed to build close relationships with the C.I.A. and the F.B.I. He won praise from C.I.A. officers, many of whom had stormy relationships with commanders running the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. His command is credited for the death of [[Al-Qaeda]] leader [[Abu Musab al-Zarqawi]]. | ||
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| + | Before McChrystal's appointment to ISAF in May 2009, command was held by Gen. David D. McKiernan, who was forced out by the Obama Adminsitration, which demanded a new look at policy options. | ||
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| + | ==2009 Report== | ||
| + | In August 2009, McChrystal reported on the dire conditions in Afghanistan to Secretary of Defense [[Robert Gates]]. He asked for 30,000-40,000 additional troops, warning that "Although considerable effort and sacrifice have resulted in some progress, many indicators suggest the overall effort is deteriorating" and added that there is "the urgent need for a significant change to our strategy." <ref>http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/sep/21/mcchrystal-warns-failure-afghan-war/</ref> | ||
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| + | ==External links== | ||
| + | * [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/21/AR2009092100110.html?hpid=topnews "COMISAF Initial Assessment" (McChrystal Report)Aug. 30, 2009] | ||
| + | * [http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/13/world/asia/13commander.html?hp Elizabeth Bumiller and Mark Mazzetti, "A General Steps From the Shadows," ''New York Times,'' May 12, 2009] | ||
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== References == | == References == | ||
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<references/> | <references/> | ||
[[category:United States Army]] | [[category:United States Army]] | ||
[[Category:Terrorism]] | [[Category:Terrorism]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Afghanistan]] | ||
| + | {{DEFAULTSORT:McChrystal, Stanley A.}} | ||
| + | [[category:Obama Presidency]] | ||
Revision as of 06:49, September 24, 2009
General Stanley A. McChrystal, USA (born August 14, 1954) is the 4-star American general and current Commander for International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Commander for U.S. forces in Afghanistan, having been appointed in June 2009.
His report to Washington of Aug. 30, 2009, set the parameters for the American debate on the Afghanistan War. He warned of failure unless his forces are greatly enlarged, and are more focused on protecting the civilian population. He considers the civilian government of Afghanistan a hindrance more than a help.
Career
A 1976 graduate of West Point, he has held many commands and is known as a scholar-warrior.
After graduating from West Point in 1976, McChrystal worked on a U.N. Command Support Group in South Korea, and later served as an Army briefer and commanded the 75th Ranger Regiment in Saudi Arabia during the 1991 Persian Gulf War. In 2001, he was appointed chief of staff of military operations in Afghanistan. He led the Army's Delta Force, which is credited for the December 2003 capture of Saddam Hussein.
In 2003-2008 McChrystal headed the super-secret "Joint Special Operations Command" in the Pentagon. He took over an insular, shadowy commando force with a reputation for spurning partnerships with other military and intelligence organizations. He managed to build close relationships with the C.I.A. and the F.B.I. He won praise from C.I.A. officers, many of whom had stormy relationships with commanders running the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. His command is credited for the death of Al-Qaeda leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
Before McChrystal's appointment to ISAF in May 2009, command was held by Gen. David D. McKiernan, who was forced out by the Obama Adminsitration, which demanded a new look at policy options.
2009 Report
In August 2009, McChrystal reported on the dire conditions in Afghanistan to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. He asked for 30,000-40,000 additional troops, warning that "Although considerable effort and sacrifice have resulted in some progress, many indicators suggest the overall effort is deteriorating" and added that there is "the urgent need for a significant change to our strategy." [1]
External links
- "COMISAF Initial Assessment" (McChrystal Report)Aug. 30, 2009
- Elizabeth Bumiller and Mark Mazzetti, "A General Steps From the Shadows," New York Times, May 12, 2009