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• I believe that the lack of preparedness and protective gear when we invaded Iraq pretty much proved that military leaders can be just as incompetent as civilian leaders. Put the worst of both together and you end up with a DOD agency.

  The soldier in field is trying to do their job as best they can with what the generals in the cushy chairs in the Pentagon will give them. They often die trying.

  Robert M. Posted Wednesday, January 28, 2009 6:39 PM

• I also saw this, but assumed it was more of a shot across the bough to DoD's less-than-storied acquisition operation. (The use of the word "ledger" seems like an oddly specific choice by a guy who reputedly chooses his words carefully.) Of course, that may be less than fair considering they're apparently woefully understaffed, but I don't think Michele Flournoy is losing any winks tonight.

  Dan Posted Wednesday, January 28, 2009 10:45 PM

• I think he was referring to the State Department and not DOD civilians. One of the big beefs has been that the Military has been doing jobs in Iraq better suited for diplomats...

  I don't think he was taking a swipe at DOD civilians at all...and I'm one of them.

  Tim Posted Thursday, January 29, 2009 6:39 AM

• That's a pretty short sentence to try to deconstruct. As long as he means that he understands the civilians are in charge of the military and that he intends to ensure his political appointees are properly supporting the military, then fine. If he is trying to imply that civilian employees of DoD are not adequately supporting the military, then he is taking a cheap shot at government workers, like most politicians. At this stage of the game, everyone is super-sensitive. I'm sure everyone will keep listening to see which approach he will take - responsibility or blame.

  Will Posted Thursday, January 29, 2009 7:00 AM

• You're reading it all wrong....the shot was one that DoD military leaders have repeatedly used to note that civilian agencies (e.g. the State Department) are not stepping up to pull their share of the fight. Our DoD civilians are engaged and respected.

  Joe Posted Thursday, January 29, 2009 7:31 AM

• Maybe he sees himself as the leader of the civilian side of the ledger.

  Bill Posted Thursday, January 29, 2009 8:14 AM

• Hey, if we were perfect I would take offense at the statement. But we are not, so it is fair.

  JT Posted Thursday, January 29, 2009 8:20 AM

• Seems like a real stretch, trying to make a story out of Obama's use of everyday slang but ending up with wind pudding instead. I believe if there were to be a "shot" intended, he'd be very clear.

  Nukenik Posted Thursday, January 29, 2009 9:50 AM

• This seems like more of the dump on the civil servants. Foggy Bottom has injected an army of contractor/polital hacks into the system to frustrate the civil servants.

  Wise Old Owl Posted Thursday, January 29, 2009 10:06 AM

• I've read and re-read President Obama's statement several times and do not get your meaning. In fact, I think you are really reaching to imply this short (and somewhat true) statement is meant to negative towards DOD civilian workers.

  I feel President Obama is stating that we must ensure our military is provided what they need and is directed toward ALL civilian who support the military mission.

  As a previous person commented earlier, I don't think President Obama mixes words so if he wanted to state something he would have stated it directly and clearly.

  D. Lorraine Posted Thursday, January 29, 2009 11:43 AM

• Our CS are engaged and respected?? What DOD, and what country do you work for. This has been the only time since he has taken office that BO actually spoke the truth for that my hat is off to him

  dan ketter Posted Thursday, January 29, 2009 12:57 PM

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