The chain of command is out of the loop

One sure sign that a military campaign is not going well is when the officer corps openly criticizes the conduct of a war. And there has been a lot of criticism, from field commanders to the highest generals*.

The American military has a very strong tradition of unquestionably obeying civilian authorities. The number and seriousness of officers (as well as intelligence people) speaking up should really make those authorities pause and reconsider, especially since the military is supposed to be one of their most supportive constituencies. Sadly the Bush administration seems to have developed its own kind of bunker mentality.

*as well as grunts, but everybody knows that 'theirs is but to do and die'.