Special Operations Focus

" A major military shakeup in Afghanistan where the top US commander has been sacked. The new commander expected to be lieutenant general Stanley my crystal he is a former special operations commander. Who's been with the Joint Chiefs of Staff for about a year. If confirmed by the Senate he'll be replacing general David -- Kiernan so what's the impact for the war in Afghanistan. One of the new guy bring to the table to talk to somebody who knows -- lieutenant colonel Tony Schaeffer director of external communications for the center for advanced defense study. Defense studies he has worked with general -- crystal so what about what does he bring to the Afghanistan war."

" Well it -- frankly I think he brings a whole lot Afghanistan a very complex situation you've got a full blown insurgency which didn't exist four years ago. That he now has to manage and the good thing about -- crystal. Two things primarily has been talked about press quite a bit today first he has had a great deal of experience being successful. Conducting very dark very special operations that's for a first met and worked with him in 03. And the other notable thing about him is that that he is more than able to translate broad political. Objectives into real sustainable and achievable goals no military goals. And he's very flexible one of the notable things is his flexibility. During the time I worked form during an during operation under strike back in 03. I had to go -- a brief months something he did not want to do it was a practical issue which I had to give -- some bad news on. About a certain methodology was just wasn't working. He took the bad news in stride. Didn't like it but said I'm gonna go with what you're saying and he gave us a shot and actually work so I can't go on specifics but. He has to say that he has got sufficient the sufficiency of both conventional operational background. A special operational background which is assessed necessary for the Afghan theater."

" Yeah unfortunately so much of what you know is still top secret that you can't talk about it but -- soreness if if I'm general -- here and I mean we've been fighting in Afghanistan for seven years now. But -- been at the Helm their only eleven months it was supposed to be a two year term. You know how it if -- him I'm -- wait a minute you guys barely gave me a chance."

" I get a look McCarron is not an outstanding general and I think it it's like looking at someone who has come and -- your house. A plumber is better suited to do -- things -- better suited to electric electrician things. Clearly. -- did an outstanding job during the Iraq invasion was a great commander ground forces but that's the problem here. He's a conventional ground guy I don't know if he had actually all the tools and background necessary to be successful. Two outstanding generals that -- the crystal in my judgment is a better pick for the job. Now this was telegraphed a bit too and if you -- or call Mike. Mike Mullen -- Sitcom commander made a comment the first of may saying that he was not pleased with -- games so this was not should should not be really surprised anybody. And secondly I think there were some comments made by -- back and PBS interview on the seventeenth of march I believe which I don't think so well lot of folks and I think. Those things in context you know indicated there was probably time a need for -- new set -- and I think the crystals and outstanding choice to to to take that challenge on. All right lieutenant colonel Tony -- thanks."