Weighing in on military analysis

(The NYT points out that some of your colleagues had ties to military contractors and is that a conflict of interest?) I have chosen not to be involved with contractors for a number of reasons one of which has to do with the responsibilities as a commentator. (Have you been successful in avoiding those links?) Yes. (In the NYT articles you’re quoted as saying it’s difficult for you to criticize your former employer. Do you feel it’s difficult to be objective?) I think so, at the same time, I pointed out that when you grow up with something it’s difficult to bring personal criticism to that. I see the role of a commentator to try to explain to the audience the military consequences, positive or negative. (A number of the analysts quoted in the article felt that the Pentagon briefings were artificial. Is there a specific one that comes to mind?) I think one of the biggest issues we’ve had is training Iraqi forces, military or police. One report I had reported artificially high numbers of readily equipped and trained Iraqi forces.