Embarrassing question re: McChrystal's resignation.

[gateley]

Is McChrystal out of the service -- a civilian now, or just out of that particular job? Obama said (paraphrasing) "he's resigned his position as..." not "he's leaving the Army", so I'm not sure.

Thanks.

[nadinbrzezinski]

Been relieved of command

but he is still within the service.

Once he files his retirement papers that process of separation will start. It takes about oh three to four months for the process to end, and it will not be faster because he is radioactive.

[hlthe2b]

3. Has he announced plans to retire?

[nadinbrzezinski]

5. No and the PR adept DoD

might let us know the day they hold his retirement party... mostly a pro-forma thing in his case. So if by four months from now they haven't, either they decided to really keep it quiet, or he is in command of very long tittle command here... (The longer the tittle of the command the more in the shits you are)

His career is effectively over.

And by the way, what they voiced to the press... was classic special forces shit... special forces, by the nature of the job, have a problem with authority. If you let them do their shit, they will win the war, just ask them. (And honestly, they have a few times)

[gateley]

11. Reading the RS article, I doubt he'd be happy doing anything else. nt

[nadinbrzezinski]

12. Yeah but sooner or later all soldiers

retire...

I guess he could always try to ENLIST...

Though that would be quite unprecedented.

[deaniac21]

14. I thought they faded away....

[gateley]

8. Thanks! nt

[hlthe2b]

1. He would be reassigned, but generally at this level, they retire...

to save face...

[gateley]

9. Makes sense. Thanks! nt

[Sherman A1]

2. I do not believe he has left the service

He has however, resigned his position. Obama also stated that the General was relieved, the results are the same, but there is a bit of a difference in getting there.

[gateley]

10. Thank you! nt

[HereSince1628]

4. My guess is that Gates will say he isn't needed and muster him out

If you don't keep making satisfactory evaluations after 20 years, it's my understanding that the military can pull the plug and muster you out.

[nadinbrzezinski]

6. I am sure he is being counseled as we speak

to tender his retirement papers...

[gateley]

7. What exactly does "muster" him out mean?

And, out of curiosity, had this not occurred do you think he would have received a satisfactory evaluation?

[HereSince1628]

18. As I understand it, you get orders that discharge you

After Vietnam the US Army mustered out hundreds of officers (mostly company grade helocopter pilots and infantry officers because they weren't needed in the downsizing military. My older brother who was a helocopter pilot and a major at the time was mustered out because he hadn't earned, and wasn't even on course to earn, a bachelor's degree and the Army was up-grading the quality of it's field grade officers.

Mustering out can be an entire unit, or just an individual. You're out, often for a reason, but under good terms.

[pinboy3niner]

19. He's eligible to retire--all he has to do is file for it, which he will

The post-VN culling was called a "RIF" (Reduction in Force).

[KoKo]

13. Wasn't he a "Special Ops" expert? Imagine he will be used elsewhere..

Maybe he will go Private Contractor and rake in Millions working against us. Who knows. These "special people" are always rewarded for their mistakes and F**k Ups.

[gateley]

15. He was in charge of one of the largest black ops operation and they were called

a killing machine.

When this first came out I predicted he would hook up with Blackwater/Xe. Maybe we'll give him business as he seems to excel in that arena. I don't see him being just a gun for hire, I get the simpression he's pretty gung-go USA.

[EFerrari]

16. And crimes. n/t

[msongs]

17. he can command the afghan army and share in the graft nt

[Lurks Often]

20. He'll retire unless

he is offered another 3 or 4 star position, presuming there is an open position. Given the circumstances, he is unlikely to be offered another position and will retire. He'll probably be retired by Labor Day.

[pinboy3niner]

21. I'd say there's no chance of another position

Once the President has expressed lack of confidence, it's over. Retirement is the only option.