General Discussion

Years ago a friend of mine was a political appointee (SES IV) at the Pentagon where I was doing a tour as a field-grade officer. He was a competent and professional official, not a political hack given a sinecure. When I went to his spacious suite, sitting in the outer office was a USAF Lieutenant-General (three bright stars) with a bunch of papers.



Stunned, I stammered out the greeting of the day. The general gave me (a US Army officer in BDUs) the once-over, courteously returned the greeting of the day, adding, "I'm just waiting for my boss." When the door opened, the general and I stood up. My friend smiled and gave me a hug, advising the USAF general "be with you in a sec, Xxxxx."

Warmly ushered into the office I noticed an ashtray on my friend's coffee table. I suggested we meet later as a three-star general was waiting for him. My friend replied not to worry because he was his boss. Nevertheless, I made an excuse to leave and we agreed to meet later. When I walked out I bade the general farewell (military courtesy) and he replied "Uh, huh."

The generals in the High Command are going to hold their noses and comply with the former Faux News TV host, misogynist, and dipsomaniac, but will be snickering behind his back at the Officer's Club, wondering how this miscreant became their "boss."