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Journalism of Courage
For decades, the nation8217;s military officer corps has identified steadfastly with the priorities and values of the Republican Party. So the brass should be reveling in the presidential campaign of John McCain.
Yet, in a culture that typically prefers one of its own, many are wary of the Vietnam War hero.
McCain, a former Navy officer and prisoner of war, would arrive in the White House with more military experience than any president since Dwight D Eisenhower. But he also would bring a long congressional career as an outspoken critic of the Pentagon 8212; prone to harsh assessments of its spending practices, weapons programs and military leaders.
As a result, defenders of some of the Pentagon8217;s biggest weapons systems are worried that if McCain is elected, he will order sweeping changes, killing a number of big-ticket programs. Perhaps unlike other civilian leaders, McCain would be able to draw on his experience and knowledge of the military to reject the advice of generals and admirals.
8220;He is more feared in the Pentagon because he is impervious to the usual methods the military uses to roll the civilian leadership,8221; a senior Defense official said.
