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Letter: Experience can't stand alone
Wednesday, October 29, 2008; 11:08 PM
Those actively serving in the military aren't supposed to bring politics to the job. For better or worse, the commander-in-chief is ultimately the boss of all men and women in uniform. But remaining apolitical can be hard when your life is on the line, you've seen the effects of poor political decisions close-up, and you want to help make sure it doesn't happen again.

I left the Army as a captain in May 2007. While serving, I gained a small insight into leadership under stressful conditions as a combat engineer platoon leader and company executive officer in Germany and Iraq. My platoon's mission in Iraq was to find and destroy roadside bombs, and I was present for the removal of 25 of these improvised explosive devices. I share my thoughts today because I know some of the consequences of steering the country in the wrong direction. One of the top-cited differences between John McCain and Barack Obama is experience. This is a determinative issue for many people and should be an important concern for us all. McCain has a great deal more experience than his opponent, by many measures. After displaying exceptional courage in Vietnam, he completed an exemplary flight-training command, then began a commendable career as a congressman and senator. Obama worked as a community organizer and constitutional law professor before a rapid progression from Illinois state senator to U.S. Senator. Joe Biden bolsters the ticket, with long-term foreign relations experience, as well as a distinguished career in the Senate. And although Sarah Palin has held a state post for only the past two years, she is the only candidate who has served at a political executive post. An important realization, however, is that experience alone does not constitute effective leadership. The real heart of the issue is readiness to lead.

When it comes to readiness for the presidency, objective assessment of the candidates is more difficult than summarizing their resumes. Considering the qualities required of our nation's leader, the following comparisons are important. Obama wrote an entire book explaining his policy positions, including a chapter on the impacts of economic policy on opportunity; McCain has admitted poor knowledge of economics. Obama was president of the Harvard Law Review; McCain was less than stellar academically at the Naval Academy. Obama is energetic, a powerful speaker, and at the top of his game; McCain is an exceptional 72-year old, but understandably shows his age at times. When she was 32, Palin took her first executive post as mayor of the already prosperous Wasilla, a town of about 5,500 people; at age 23, Obama first made a name for himself as a community leader in the dilapidated Chicago neighborhood of Altgeld, population 5,300. While McCain has moved further right over the last year, retracting almost every position his party's base disagreed with, Obama has moved closer to the center. For example, when it comes to energy policy, Obama reconsidered the use of nuclear power and now supports its development; he has even displayed a willingness to more closely examine the benefits and drawbacks of off-shore drilling. He has run a steady, consistent campaign, unlike any of his opponents, and has the energy, intelligence and vision to get our nation back on track.

The time has come for a new direction, led by a new generation with a new face. An Obama presidency has the power to transform our country's image around the world, and to help realize a more sustainable type of prosperity. Choose the team that's ready to lead. Help elect Barack Obama.

Joe Rollin
graduate student
biological systems engineering

You might be interested in... Related Topics: obama, politics, letter
Posted by: Kyle Minor at 10/31/08 Oh, believe me Bobby, I know. I work for the Army staff G-8 (point of clarification: my opinions do NOT represent the views of the army, of the government, or of my office, and I do not use government resources to write these comments), which deals with a lot of these resourcing questions. The issue at hand though is that irregular warfare isn't the only kind of warfare we are ever going to see. The Army is charged with preparation for the future as well as developing the appropriate technologies for the fight in the present - so while few soldiers with boots on the ground right now would prefer money to be spent on FCS and the like, it still needs to be done for soldiers in the future who will certainly face different challenges. Big waste comes any time the size of government becomes inflated - and is often most prominent when Congress begins to determine line by line what will be purchased. The problem with slashing the DoD budget though, as Obama plans to do, is that Congressmen aren't going to simply stop trying to get their pet projects funded. What will be lost will be the programs which actually support the soldiers in the field and preparing to be fielded. I'm not sure that's a risk this country ought to be willing to take. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Bobby at 10/31/08 Kyle. You make some good points on the electorate, but I know few soldiers that welcome more equipment R&D spending. This usually means lining the pockets of contractors and congressmen to send us more impractical junk. Fighting in insurgent style of warfare means rapid adaptation, which needs to use off the shelf equipment and creative solutions, not lengthy "magic bullet" designing, that is obsolete before it can be fielded. I've seen way too much money being spent on high tech equipment that is completely unreliable in combat, while some of the best upgrades I saw between my 2 tours (2003 and 2006) were low cost solutions, like rapid info passed between operations centers using IM style chat rooms, or civilian GPS systems. The money spent by the Army on fielding a new uniform full of noisy Velcro that manages to blend into absolutely nothing is a great example of the "upgrades" that go on thanks to our contractor friends. The military should be audited for its efficiency in both $ and personnel. You will find big waste in both. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Golden Domer at 10/30/08 Excellent letter. You clearly have an understanding of leadership given your experiences. It is troubling to me that no one would even consider challenging yours or McCain's leadership experience but several have so quickly dismissed Obama's experience as a community organizer. He served a vital role in a community that is very difficult to reach. Experts in improving access to medical care in urban, poor areas such as Altgeld have spent years trying to work to improve things like flu vaccine rates in these areas. However, not until a prominent community member or community organizer, buys in to a program can they make effective interventions easily and efficiently. The community organizer knows the system and how to mobilize people within it - this is clearly leadership. Without people like him; medical researchers, charities, and govenrment organizations are unable to intervene in areas and communities where it is needed most. Barack Obama is not only a leader, he knows how to lead in ways and in communities in which past presidents have had neither the desire nor the ability. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Kyle Minor at 10/30/08 Rationality is a powerful concept, but only when supported by a resolve to act. Obama has, historically, always been among the first to speak about the issues and has almost always been the last to act, if at all. He has a history of avoiding politically contentious issues until the chips have fallen, which concerns me. McCain is no ideal candidate, to be sure - I think either man would be dangerous in the White House. Unfortunately, the nation's top office rarely attracts people with the qualifications and the intelligence to do the job. Those people are actually out improving the nation. It is unfortunate that politicians take it upon themselves to stand in the way of the Americans making real progress. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Kyle Minor at 10/30/08 Careful, Bobby. While NOVA is military heavy, it is 'government -heavier,' and government employees have historically voted more Democratic in the last few elections. The problem with your argument is that Obama's policy would withdraw us from the war in Iraq, and would thrust the effort immediately into Afghanistan. I'm not sold on the whole 'net savings' idea of this proposal, because it seems like we're just consolidating the cost by focusing on one theater of combat. It isn't so much about for/against the troops as it is a question about foresight. Obama and his allies seem to desire a reduction in military spending overall, and a steep cut to the funds for future combat systems - while still parroting the 'peace through strength' line from Reagan. The difference is, Reagan meant it. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Luke at 10/30/08 I am also a vet who doesnt like to have people tell us what our opinions are. I find Obama far more rational with strong abilities to adapt to changing environments, political, and economic situations. He is inspiring as well. All point to a far better commander in chief then Ex-Navy man McCain. There are, after all, more than a handful of incompetent and dangerous senior ranking officers in the military, past and present. So you can just cross that "experience" bullet off McCain's resume as well. Palin and her National Guard?? I am guessing anyone who has ever served in the guard these days know that governors do little more then sign their units over to the Federal Government to head to Iraq. Thats not experience. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Bobby at 10/30/08 I pulled this one out of the comments and still find it interesting. "...I would like to point out that the military as a whole supports McCain 3:1 over Obama." Someone really needs to back this statement up. I am a veteran as well, ex Army Captain, and an Obama supporter. 9 out of 10 of the officers I served with are also Obama supporters, and while I was in the military during the 2004 election, well over half of my enlisted soldiers voted for Kerry over Bush. Seeing this many officers in a combat unit, who tend to be very right wing support Obama says something. We have all seen enough of the war to know it is a waste of time and money. Maybe units in cushy jobs have the luxury of voting for someone who will keep them running tax free, well paid, and ice cream fed, but I dont think that could possibly account for a 3:1 McCain majority. Looking at McCain's poor standing in Military heavy Northern VA and Norfolk/VA beach, it looks like its only the Armchair warrior who like to vote "for the troops" by sticking with McCain/Palin. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Jonathan Daugherty at 10/30/08 I'm glad to see they've fixed the issue online. Thank you Joe for your service. Now convince me of Obama's leadership ability. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Anonymous at 10/30/08 In regards to the military supporting McCain 3:1 over Obama, among troops who have served in Iraq, 6:1 favor Obama. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Vince at 10/30/08 Jonathan Daugherty- The author did not submit an unsigned letter. His name is in the print edition. I'm assuming the CT messed this up online. Also, where's this "strong evidence" that Obama didn't write his memoir? And don't cite some conservative blog...that's a pretty serious accusation to be making without some hard evidence. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Jonathan Daugherty at 10/30/08 First, thanks for your service, unnamed author. You obviously know about leadership based on your resume, but you've failed to demonstrate that Obama is a leader. You mention his community organizing, his Presidency at the Harvard Law Review, his book writing skills, his youth, his move to the center, and his shiftiness on energy issues. None of these things are impressive. When he was the President of the Harvard Law Review he didn’t write anything for it; there is strong evidence to suggest that he didn’t even write “Dreams of my Father;” youth and vigor may make for an eloquent speaker, but they hardly make someone qualified for the presidency; of course he has to move to the center, when you’re that liberal there’s only one way to go; and reconsidering nuclear energy (or any policy) when the political winds shift from your favor is not an example of leadership. I’m not convinced by your unsigned letter that you have truly thought this through. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Anonymous at 10/30/08 They all say what they think will get them elected. Then they sit in their comfty Oval Office seat, and they realize it's a lot harder to keep their promisies. And "No McCain-Failin", a SGA president would have lead 25,000 COLLEGE students. They wouldn't have run the National Guard and dealt with other well established organizations and people. Also, chances are they aren't in their 40s and have raised a family. Not that McCain supporters do not show respect, but Obama supporters are horrible. Just like your post '"your"', "the lady," it's inappropriate for either side. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Anonymous at 10/30/08 While I respect your opinion to support the candidate of your choice, I would like to point out that the military as a whole supports McCain 3:1 over Obama... Flag Abuse
Posted by: Chris S. at 10/30/08 This election is no longer about experience. Both McCain and Biden have loads of experience. Neither Obama nor Palin have much experience. What this election is about is judgment. Both Obama has shown he has terrible judgment, in his selection of his friends, his pastor, and his policies. Look at what Biden had to say about Obama before he was selected as VP. He tore him apart in the primary debates. Then once he got on the ticket, his tune changed really quick. McCain has both the experience AND the judgment to lead this country. Obama has neither. Flag Abuse
Posted by: Philip Cathell at 10/30/08 I don't know what the Bush Doctrine is! He never said he had a doctrine, so I refuse to accept a term created by the media. Flag Abuse
Posted by: No McCain-Failin at 10/30/08 The reason it is Obama vs. Palin is largely due to the fact that "your" candidate Mr. McCain is 72 and doesn't have the greatest of health records. If he dies guess who becomes the new leader of the free world? The lady that doesn't know what Bush doctrine is, has no in-depth knowledge regarding policies or the process thereof, and touts her leadership experience as mayor and governor of a small state (as much as they'd like to say Alaska is all-important owing to its natural resources, it's not). Would you let the SGA president at VT run for Governor of Virginia in 2 years? I mean this person lead 25,000 people, right? Flag Abuse
Posted by: Anonymous at 10/30/08 There were several things on Obama v. McCain. Please read again. Flag Abuse
Posted by: McCain Supporter at 10/30/08 Why is it always Obama V Palin. It's funny though because our VP pick has more experience as a leader of government than your Presidential pick. Anyone can be a community organizer, much like your boy obama. If elected in 6 days our Country is in a world of trouble. Like Biden said, an attack is in the future. Flag Abuse
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