General replacement in Afghanistan reminds me of fresh start at Rockford airport

6 comments May 12th, 2009

The top American commander in Afghanistan,  Gen. David McKiernan,  was forced out Monday in an abrupt shake-up intended to bring a more aggressive and innovative approach to a worsening seven-year war, according to this New York Times story.

The move reflects a belief that the war in Afghanistan, waged against an increasingly strong Taliban and its supporters across a rugged, sprawling country, is growing ever more complex. He is to be replaced by Lt. Gen. StanleyA. McChrystal, who served in Afghanistan as chief of staff of military operations in 2001 and 2002 and recently ran all commando operations in Iraq.

The change in direction reminds me of when James Loomis was replaced in 2002 by Bob O’Brien at what is now being called the Chicago Rockford International Airport. The airport board wanted a new director to embrace bringing passenger service back to the airport, instead of sticking with the status quo of focusing on cargo services.

Over the years, O’Brien has been enthusiastically bringing passengers to the Rockford airport.

Let’s hope the generals shake-up accomplishes the results Obama and the Defense Department want for the U.S.