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Another Perspective
Draft Koss for President
In serving the United States, David Koss did the proper and honorable thing. How rare is that?
Who? David Koss. Still not ringing a bell? That is to be expected because in the world of politics, Koss is a complete nobody. An unknown.
An explanation is in order.
David E. Koss is a 42-year-old bachelor. He has no family. There is a question if he is Republican or a Democrat. It is not clear if he is even registered to vote. And, if so, in which state is he registered? His political positions on the major issues of the day are not publicly known. But he does have at least one admirable trait as will be explained shortly.
Koss is a commander in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from the Naval Academy in 1991 and is currently eligible to retire from the Navy with 20 years of service. He is also a fighter pilot and, until last week, he was the flight leader and commanding officer of the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, more popularly known as the “Blue Angels.”
As the world’s premier flight demonstration team the Blue Angels have been impressing audiences since 1946. To date, nearly one-half billion people have watched the Blue Angels perform. About eight million witnessed their aerobatics last year.
The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the skills of Navy and Marine Corps aviators as an aid in recruiting.
Koss viewed his selection just over a year ago to become the next commanding officer of the Blue Angels as a dream come true. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he explained earlier this spring.
He was no different from countless other young boys who watched the Blue Angels perform when they were youngsters. It became his lifelong ambition to join the Blue Angels. Of course, he had to pay his dues along the way.
First, he had to join the Navy, gain a commission as an officer, get selected for flight training, and transition into fixed-wing tactical aircraft. Fighters, specifically. Then he had to rise through the ranks and assume command of a fighter squadron. He had to demonstrate the acumen as a premier naval aviator just to merit consideration.
He did all of the above. Eventually, he became an F/A-18 Hornet pilot. Hornets are the Navy’s primary carrier-based jet that performs the dual-role of being an attack and fighter aircraft.
Before he joined the Blue Angels last September, Koss was the commanding officer of Navy Strike-Fighter Squadron (VFA)-14, the “Tophatters,” based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. VFA-14 is one of the Navy’s oldest aviation squadrons that dates back to the earliest days of naval aviation. The unit is nearly a century-old. It most recently deployed with the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) and its carrier air wing in support of U.S. operations in Afghanistan.
Koss had over 3,000 flight hours and he conducted more than 740 aircraft carrier landings. His personal decorations include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Medals with combat V, four Air Medals, two Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medals, the Joint Achievement Medal and various campaign and unit awards. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom.
This is what is so admirable about Koss. Last week, he resigned from the Blue Angels, the job he spent his entire adult life working toward. In a statement he said he was guilty of “not meeting the airborne standard that makes the Blue Angels the exceptional organization that it is.”
During the May 22 demonstration at the Lynchburg, VA Regional Air Show, the Blue Angels performed a maneuver in which several aircraft flew below the “hard deck,” the minimally-acceptable altitude. The flight demonstration team immediately ended the remainder of its performance and returned to home base at Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL to immediately commence a “safety stand-down.” No one was injured and no equipment was damaged.
As the squadron’s commanding officer, Koss did what he believed to be the proper and honorable thing. He offered his resignation. It was accepted.
It is the extremely rare occurrence when someone holds themselves to the highest of standards and then resigns when failing to meet them. Washington, D.C. would look a lot different if our elected officials did likewise.
Vote Dave Koss for president. What do we have to lose?
About the Author
Mark Hyman hosts “Behind the Headlines,” a commentary program for Sinclair Broadcast Group. You can follow him on Twitter at @markhyman.
Letter to the Editor View all comments (116) | Leave a comment
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dee see| 6.1.11 @ 6:45AM
---Great piece.
NOW, putting aside the STILL unmentioned
RED China TREASON op, the world's greatest
ever nuclear disaster in Fuksihima, and the
destruction of our borders, currency and culture
---UH, shouldn't someone be covering the
FACT that Obama has not only siezed war powers
unconstitutionally ---but has subordinated American power to the
Bankster/Capstone EUGENICS front U.N.?
"We are losing the Republic on the installment
plan."
-Bruce fein
Constitutional Lawyer
(yesterday online)
Alan Brooks| 6.1.11 @ 10:07PM
"What do we have to lose?"
It has come to this?:
'what do we have to lose?'
That is what the GOP has to offer? nothing to lose?
Bob K.| 6.1.11 @ 7:06AM
I believe that there are about 1,500,000 active duty military personnel serving at about 700 bases world wide. None were elected. All of them volunteered. The great majority of them are not in an entertainment unit like the Blue Angels. Virtually none of them have the luxury of resigning if they make an error.
I don't get your point. I'm sorry.
Bob K.| 6.1.11 @ 7:26AM
Consider the absurdity of a Staff Sergeant in Afghanistan submitting his resignation because he made an error of judgement? Do we seriously think that it would be accepted? If it were serious enough to put lives at risk do we seriously think that he would not have been required to appear be fore a court martial?
David Koss is lucky he is a member of the Officer's Class. Just like our elected officials are members of the Ruling Class.
L. Ross| 6.1.11 @ 9:05AM
Hate to break it to you, Bob. In the military, you are not "lucky" to be in the officer class. It is a privilege you have to earn.
Pelligrino| 6.1.11 @ 9:55AM
L. Ross, I hate to break it to you, but, yes, luck (good fortune, happenstance, blind luck, dumb luck etc.) often have a lot do with life. Sometimes you just happen to be the lucky Joe in the right place at the right time.
There are some aspects/places where our officers really do earn it the old fashioned hard way -- earn it to be selected and eventually commissioned as an officer.
But some never merit the slightest consideration. They earn nothing; they were practically gifted it.
If you doubt what I say, there is no need to. Go visit several colleges or universities offering ROTC. Yes, some of the kids really do merit it and are working hard toward academic achievements, military skills, graduation & commissioning.
An alarming number are just average slackers along for the ride. Too many, in fact. They're not earning anything in a real sense; they're just on a conveyor belt that leads to being an officer.
Just listen to those US Army and US Navy ad campaigns on the radio that talk about 4-year $135,000 tuition assistance/scholarships.
Financial assistance is not the only reason, but it is a big one. In sum: Many just want to avoid debt or cannot afford college/university in the first place.
At schools that don't offer athletic scholarships (many), you'll often have a football, soccer, or basketball, swimming or lacrosse coach pushing to get the kid into ROTC (and "scholarshiped") otherswise the kid can't be there & playing said sport.
That is just one reason we have LOTS of officers who never ever should be in the ranks.
There are many more; many actually don't merit it. But ROTC cadres are just like Army, Navy, Air Force enlisted recruiting stations: At the end of the day the bottom line is how many bodies did you sign up.
All aspects of military recruiting often take less-than-standard, substandard young people because they have monthly/quarterly/annual quotas. And those quotas can be totally unrealistic. The numbers 'game' drives A LOT of stuff.
PaulyD| 6.1.11 @ 10:44AM
Pelligrino and Bob K:
You are both missing the main point of the article. That point is a concept known as "accountability." The Commanding Officer is accountable for whatever happens in his unit. In the Navy, when a mishap occurs, the normal course of events is to have an investigation, after which the C.O. is usually relieved, involuntarily. It is most extraordinary (these days) for a C.O. to do the honorable thing and step down over an incident where no one was hurt or major damage did not occur.
Your comments imply that you are ignorant of this concept. This is not unusual. Most people no longer understand this prinicple. In fact, I've thought of writing a book called "The Death of Accountability" because it has gotten so bad over the last 25 years.
For example, Was any senior official in government relieved after 9/11? Did the Republican Senate suffer any consequences for ignoring the constitution during the Clinton impeachment process? These are just two examples of hundreds that immediately come to mind when I think of the decay in standards that has been ongoing. Only in the military do you see them still trying to hang on. And of course, that is the major reason the military has now become the most respected institution in America, and why the usual suspects have been doing everything they can to marginalize it.
SpiralArchitect| 6.1.11 @ 12:05PM
Thanks for posting the (what I thought was)obvious.
carnot| 6.2.11 @ 10:00AM
bingo!
Stormzeye| 6.1.11 @ 2:50PM
I believe the Commander resigned from leading the Flight Demonstration Team. He didn't resign his commission or separate from the Navy.
Your remark concerning the fact that he was a "member of the Officer's Class" and comparing it to the Ruling Class was stupid and insensitive and shows a complete misunderstanding of the role of our officers when leading men in matters involving life and death. In this officer's case Honor was his guiding principle.
Stormzeye| 6.1.11 @ 2:52PM
The above-remark was intended to be directed to "Bob K.".
AZ2 VFA-87| 7.22.11 @ 11:24AM
Bob you have no idea what you are talking about. I had the privileged to server under then Lt. Koss while at Strike Fighter 87. We had 10 months of carrier time together before I seperated, I think I know him fairly well. Even as a young Lt. he was respectful of all in the squadron and the wing, enlisted or officer. Like all officers he worked hard to earn his commission. He also worked hard to earn the right to be CO of the Blue Angles. It was only because of his immense sense of responsibility and duty that he stepped down after a unsafe maneuver.
To try and equate the Blue Angels with combat troops in the sand box is just asinine. The Blue Angels, along with the Thunderbirds, Golden Knights and USMC Silent Drill Platoon, are all military exhibition units. Each and every one only accepts the finest of their respective services. CMD Koss earned the right to be on the Blue Angles and especially to be CO of them. It was not freely given to him. Even the enlisted on the Blue Angles go through a tough interview process and review of their service record. Each and every member of the Blue Angles (and I assume the other units) are free to leave if they feel they are no longer of standards for that unit. It is totally different than a combat unit. CMD Koss could not of and would not of requested to resign from VFA-87 when he made a mistake while aboard the carrier. And during our six month cruise, I am sure he had a some low landing scores, maybe even a bolter or two.
Officers are not "the ruling class" in the military, they are the management. Just like any other enterprise, there are different levels of responsibility in the organizational chart. In the military you can tell the level of responsiblity by the collar device or sleeve. You don't have that in the civilian world. The lines or responsibility are often blurred and thus avoided by many. And even in the military you have those who try to avoid the responsibility of their actions. CMD Koss is not one of those. He voluntarily resigned not as an officer in the United States Navy, but from a position that young aviators can only dream about obtaining; the CO and number one jet of the best military exhibition flight team in the world.
VFA87 Vet| 8.3.11 @ 3:00AM
I was in VFA 87 under Mr. Koss, as well. He was an upstanding man then, as I am sure, he is an upstanding man now. I feel confident that he did what he felt was the best thing...the right thing to do. And far too many people wont do that themselves. It's hard to put yourself in check and I believe that it is a very admirable trait. You're support Mr. Koss!
John Daniel| 6.1.11 @ 7:10AM
A man of honor. Not expected in the political arena, but unfortunately all too rare in the military service.
Merlin| 6.1.11 @ 7:16AM
I get your point.
What could be more irresponsible than deficit spending year after year after year? If our congressmen and senators had any honor, most of them would resign and commit suicide.
SpiralArchitect| 6.1.11 @ 12:06PM
That would be the gateway to a New America.
Tina B| 6.1.11 @ 7:19AM
And I don't get your point, Bob K.
I believe this was a story about a leader, a leader who self evaluated and chose to step up, take the heat for an error made by he and some of his men, and then step down, from a leadership position he had longed for all of his life. What a concept.
Doing the right thing regardless of the consequences. I think only a small percentage of us would have had his courage. The vols who can't resign are not the same as a single flight leader, Blue Angels or Bronze Star, who sets standards as high as they come. And then,failing to live up to them, takes himself out of the game. I would vote for such a winner.
Bob K.| 6.1.11 @ 7:32AM
As I pointed out above. David Koss can do this because he is a member of the "Officer's Class." Just as our elected officials are members of the "Ruling Class." They are immune from the punishments that are required of the people they rule.
Brubaker| 6.1.11 @ 8:06AM
Bob, you appear to have a serious grudge against officers. Get over it.
Commander Koss wasn't dodging anything. He stood up and took responsibility for the actions of those under his command. As a result, his assignement with the Blue Angels is over and his Naval career is likely also at an end. It takes considerable courage and a real sense of honor to do what he did.
Bob K.| 6.1.11 @ 10:45AM
I don't have a grudge. I wonder what happened to them after their service is over?
A couple of years ago our local newspaper had an article about the men MIA from the Korean Conflict in the county I live in. Their names and ranks were given. There are 35 MIAs. Only one was an officer. He was a pilot, a Naval Ensign whose plane was lost over Korea at the beginning of the war.
Draw your own conclusions from that article if any are warranted.
But consider this. I am a 44 year member of my American Legion post which has over 500 members, a very few going back, still, to WW II. A few more from Korea but most are from the Viet Nam era. We are getting some new ones, not as many as we would like to see, from our recent conflicts in the near east. We have only one member that I know of who is an officer.
I do not hear of any officer's associations doing things for wounded veterans or getting involved in community activities. Everybody active in these associations seems to be a former enlisted men. I rarely see newspaper pictures of former officers taken at these events.
The Ruling Class laughs at these patriotic organizations and former officers seem to act like they are ashamed of them. Like it or not, the public notices this.
SpiralArchitect| 6.1.11 @ 12:15PM
Fascinating how our POTUS has done nothing promissed before elected nor durring his tenure and has...messed up considerably.
What does he expect? ...another term. Incredible.
Pelligrino| 6.1.11 @ 3:07PM
Bob is right on this overall general point regarding the makeup of vital community veterans organizations. Typically the members of American Legions and VFWs (the active membership) tends to be former enlisted.
I don't know if AMVETS is still active, but when I had interaction with them (several decades ago), the makeup was prior enlisted.
When I see veterans as individuals or in groups volunteering and pitching in for the community in thankless (unseen ways), one learns that they are typically former sergeants or petty officers.
And it is great to see their ongoing service! But you do have to ask sometimes: Where are the retired or vet officers?
One should not generalize, but my life experiences are akin to what Bob is writing (above); vets volunteering and helping out the community overwhelming turn out to be former enlisted soliers, sailors, Marines, and airmen.
And he is right to assert, "What are all former military members still doing today?" His message is a message for all of us: The responsibilities for service never end.
PaulyD| 6.1.11 @ 3:17PM
There are thousands of former officers doing volunteer work of one type or another. Just because they aren't doing it through the VFW or American Legion doesn't mean it isn't important.
Perhaps they aren't hanging out at the American legion post because they're afraid of running into guys like Bob K.
PolishKnight| 6.1.11 @ 1:35PM
I've worked in large corporations where a lot of former military officers gravitate. They successfully migrated their career as an officer into becoming a manager or even corporate officer.
I've known about 4 such guys. In all cases, they were the most corrupt, narrow minded, power hungry, sadistic, good-ol-boys I have ever seen. They treat their superiors like they're god and their underlings like trash. Unlike in the military, when someone is treated like that, they can talk back or even quit without fear of reprisal and they're shocked when that happens. They took down fine companies that had been operating well before they came along.
I take those experiences with a grain of salt. A former marine tells me that these guys probably washed out of the military or left while the getting was good and ran for the hills. Otherwise, they'd still be in the military.
Tenn Slim| 6.1.11 @ 9:44AM
"immune from the punishment..."
The USN this past several months has eliminated, relieved of Command, more top level Commanders than in the past 10 years of service.
The Rocks and Shoals, UCMJ, all apply EQUALY to ANY service member.
Commander Koss did what the Blues Regs require.
If you even come close to screwing up, resign the command. Clear the decks, return to base, and regroup ASAP.
His decison was correct. His actions were proper. The idea that he somehow is Ruling, is absurd.
end
Semper Fi
big bob| 6.1.11 @ 2:53PM
OK for those who somehow have a block of wood lodged somewhere between the ears and brain: Let's just for a second consider how this would play out in another setting, say, the president of the United States!! In the article, an invisible deck is violated, without damage or injury. I'm guessing that is WHY the deck is invisible so there would be a buffer for just such an error. In real life, the current White House would overlook this and probably quote a phrase often heard on youth soccer fields all over the world: "no harm, no foul". And quite possibly, our esteemed president would find a mechanism to lay blame at the feet of some appointed person in a speech where no response could be articulated.
But in the case of Koss in this article, there is such a strong sense of HONOR, that when rules were broken within the group for which he was RESPONSIBLE (good word to learn!!), he felt that his leadership had failed the team and that he needed to step aside FOR THE GOOD OF THE TEAM. Now contrast this with his commander in chief, who sees everything in the world as a function of his ego. Can you imagine anything causing him to sense shame? Let alone sensing responsibility to the extent that he would step down following a dire failure. I don't want to put words in the "mouth" of this author, but somehow, I think that is why the comments about Koss running for president are included. No where in this current White House is there anything such as honor found, and certainly nothing as described in this story. Now if I missed something, I apologize. But that is for the dorks who have never seen or experienced honor played out in real life. Blessings to David Koss. BTW, such honor can be found in the enlisted personnel, and is found all the time. Start with the list of recipients for the Medal of Honor and Silver Cross.
carnot| 6.2.11 @ 10:01AM
ummm...non-sense.
The Bishop| 6.1.11 @ 7:49AM
As the brother of a retired Marine aviator, I second the nomination. Good men are rare.
Melvin| 6.1.11 @ 7:50AM
Call it what many of you will, but it all boils down to the responsibility of command. David Koss knew this and accepted it.
Leadership isn't something that cannot be bargained, or dealt with by victimization.
Any person who has had to command troops in the field knows this, and leadership isn't just regulated to the Officers Corps.
Where Leadership by example really hit home for me was, on the return from Desert Storm one of my squad leaders came up to me and said, "Thank you." "For what I asked?" "You were one of the few Staff NCO's that remained faithful to his wife while on deployment."
I had to really sit and digest what this young man had just said, he wasn't saying it for himself, he was saying it for our whole platoon. The way these young men looked at it, If I failed my wife. I would fail them, because after all, all Marines are brothers, and sisters.
As a Platoon Sergeant these men held me to a higher standard as a leader. And if I failed them, in any way shape or form I could never regain my credibility and trust that they had in me.
This is what David Koss exemplifies. The unit failed therefore he failed and especially with the Blue Angels in close proximity to their adoring crowds. There is no room for failure.
Smokey | 6.1.11 @ 7:52AM
BobK;
I am not seeing the logic of your animus.
An American who pursued his private dream, achieved it, demonstrated what we have to recognize as the extreme in dedication to excellence, and is rewarded with Naval Aviations highest honor. His team makes a mistake, and he takes full responsibility for it . He surrenders his dream to preserve the honor of the corps, not because he is in personal danger.
Only Karl Marx would deem his earned merit equal to that of the enlistee who changes his mind about his choice of service.
Yours is the social justice logic of the sixties.
Bob K.| 6.1.11 @ 8:17AM
Animus? I have no animus here.
I just pointed out that because he is a military academy graduate he is a member of the Ruling Class and has the option of resigning his commission, which the men he commands do not have. He chose to exercise it. And since he was engaged in what is described by the writer as recruiting activity then he is to be commended for it. Well and good. (He could have asked to be judged by his peers on it.)
Our congressmen, who are elected by us and are also members of the Ruling Class, can resign and, for the most part do not resign, but they are judged by their constituents each election and can be removed that way. We have an option available to us to rid ourselves of poor elected officials.
The Ruler with Class| 6.1.11 @ 8:40AM
Bob, you obviously are ignorant of the US Military, especially the disstinctions between officer and enlisted and the requirements to stay or go. An enlisted man can leave anytime after his VOLUNTARY service agreement. An officer cannot resign his commission. He can request that he be retired after 20 years, or be released from service before that, but you can't just decide to leave. What this CDR did was OFFER his resignation of a command (a job). His RULING CLASS BOSS could have rejected his request. I can only assume you are a prior enlisted man that was "released" or had a problem with authority. How was that Big Chicken Dinner (BCD)?
Bob K.| 6.1.11 @ 9:27AM
You are ignorant which is why you make unwarranted assumptions. I was a draftee during the Vietnam conflict. I served my full term, which was not voluntary, and I received an honorable discharge. Stuff your own chicken where the sun don't shine you phony.
And you miss the point here completely.
All your technicalities are so much bull crap! He could not have received an appointment to a military academy without being recommended by a member of congress. That makes him a member of the ruling class. And that makes him different from the regular grunt.
Tenn Slim| 6.1.11 @ 9:39AM
Wrong////
There are some 400 Plebe seats saved for enlisted folks, every Academy class.
Congressional appointment is only ONE venue of appointment.
Plebes come from every state, every level of economic strait.
The RULING Class aspect is an insult to every Sailor ever deployed.
The USN is and always has been, a Working Mans enviornment.
The whole idea of a Ruling Class for any Sailor, of any rank is abhorrent.
end
Semper fi
The Ruler with Class| 6.1.11 @ 11:15AM
Bob K,
PTSD anyone? Lots of anger so far down the road. Get help. Ignorant means lacking in knowledge not lacking in intelligence.
You once again obviously know knothing about Academy appointments. Sons of Medal of Honor winners get one automatically. I guess dying and getting an MOH makes you the ruling class. Hundre=ds are open for enlisted. Ever heard of the seaman to admiral program?
Phoney? Me? I served and still serve honorably. I come from a poor family. I worked hard and studied hard and got a commission via OCS. I blame no one for my failures and take pride in my success.
You should be proud you served and be proud of anyone who serves, no matter their background.
Please get VA help for your anger issues.
1110 0-6| 6.1.11 @ 9:57PM
WTF do you mean? An officer can damn well resign any time he likes. There may not be a ruling class but there sure as hell is a group of ring knockers.
SaltyDog| 6.2.11 @ 1:22AM
Bob K.
Do you miss Che? Your officers are 'ruling class" rant is bizarre and not even relative to the opinion of the article. He failed to meet standard and resigned. That is integrity and accountibility. That is the point of the article.
Your sergeant argument?: OK, the Sergeant would in fact be relieved if he stood up in Afghanistan and 'resigned'. Happens more than we admit to the public.
My father, sister and brother all were enlisted. (USAF/USN/USA) and I'm "ruling class". Have immense respect for, and have learned from, the many in the military, both enlisted and "ruling class'. Your sour grapes are evident.
carnot| 6.2.11 @ 10:05AM
yes...your pre-voluntary armed forces experiences that date to nearly 50 years ago certainly are relevant to today's military! as does your ignorance, for example, of facts such that over 50% of Naval Aviators do not arrive via the Service Academy path.
Yes...we get it. You have a disdain for officers and Academy pukes.
next.
big bob| 6.1.11 @ 2:53PM
Yeah, you have animus...unless you don't mean what you write.
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Tom| 6.1.11 @ 8:47AM
What a contrast to Anthony Weiner, Barney Frank et als.
I suspect that Commender Koss will be haunted by this for the rest of his living days. May he take some solace in the fact that his final act was that of a honorable man, or as was once a more common phrase, "an officer and a gentleman."
TennesseeVolunteer| 6.1.11 @ 9:11AM
Dave Koss, Patriot.
hardcard| 6.1.11 @ 8:54AM
boob k shuta you face !!!
Paul| 6.1.11 @ 9:16AM
Bob,
Koss had over 3,000 flight hours and he conducted more than 740 aircraft carrier landings. His personal decorations include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Medals with combat V, four Air Medals, two Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medals, the Joint Achievement Medal and various campaign and unit awards. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom.
740 CARRIER LANDINGS, risking his life on every one of them to protect a country full of ungrateful losers like you.
Bob K.| 6.1.11 @ 11:05AM
Read my posts above before you call me ungrateful.
Paul| 6.1.11 @ 1:54PM
Ungrateful and a moron.
The Commander spent 20 years risking his life during 740 carrier landings to protect our freedom when he could have been making 5 times his salary elsewhere.
G.S. Patton| 6.1.11 @ 9:27AM
Commander Koss exemplifies everything the "Ruling Class" is not. True leaders, especially in the military, take their leadership role very seriously.....and are expected to hold themselves to a higher standard. Thats what it means to be an officer. It's no coincidence in the Marine Corps, every aviation officer is required to become a full fledged ground officer first. (there are usually 1 or 2 Blue Angels that are Marine Corps aviators) His resignation is part of the mechanism afforded to a leadership role, as he is responsible for the safety of his team and his guys; whether on the ground with a platoon, or in the air with an air wing. To say he is ruling class, just because he can "resign," shows no knowledge of what it means to be an officer in the U.S. Military. Being an officer, means you don't ask your enlisted to do anything you won't do yourself; you lead by example.... and we all know that is rare in Washington these days.
Tenn Slim| 6.1.11 @ 9:35AM
While the act of resigning the command is indeed, commendable, the rules and regs for Command of the Blues demand this.
The below the hard deck altitude, may or may not, have been the result of the Lead Aircraft decision by the Pilot, the end result of a near accident.
The Blues continue thier tradition of being the best, commanded by the best and flown by the best.
HOO RAH
Semper Fi
end
G.S. Patton| 6.1.11 @ 9:42AM
Absolutely. The team and it's integrity comes first. No exceptions.
carnot| 6.2.11 @ 10:08AM
heck yea! remember how Mav was just given a verbal lashing when he did the same thing INTENTIONALLY?!!!!
Dan Hirsch| 6.1.11 @ 9:53AM
Commander Koss,
Thank you for your service. Thank you for your honor and integrity. Thank you for the gift you have given to all of your fellow Americans, your unconditional offer of yourself, should the need ever arise.
Now, Sir, I charge you with one last mission. Please, please, please go out and find a good American woman and raise a bunch of little Kosses to be just like their dad.
God knows we are going to really need more of you, sir.
God bless you, sir!
Dan Hirsch
big bob| 6.1.11 @ 2:54PM
Amen, and seconded.
Old Soldier| 6.1.11 @ 10:07AM
I could name dozens of people I served with (enlisted, warrants, and commissioned) who could do a better job than our current POTUS.
The problem is that none of them are arrogant enough to prance in front of cameras bragging about how great they are. None of them are low enough to get in front of big donors and pander to them - promising them taxpayer money in return for campaign money.
In other words, they are all honorable men and women and ill-suited to politics were scum like Anthony Weiner belong.
Chuck V| 6.1.11 @ 10:31AM
I believe the only subtext of the author's article about the Navy Commander is simple ans straight forward. It is about having a moral and ethical compass that seems to be somewhat uncommon in todays environment. It really does not make a difference whether it is politics, private enterprise, non-profit, etc. The succint point is a persons willingness to hold himself accountable for the trust he was given. It did not take a senior officer, manager or constituents, it was nothing more complicated that than living up to what we commit to.
Pelligrino| 6.1.11 @ 10:34AM
Before we laud someone, can we get a few more details? (the details are a bit thin here in this article)
After this incident in Virginia maybe Commander Koss should tender his resignation and maybe his superivisor(s) should accept it.
Maybe that is indeed all well and proper. Perhaps even praiseworthy.
But if he's that good/superior, why?
Where we need some details: What exactly does below the "hard deck" mean in this case at Lynchburg?
Yes, it obviously sounds like a very firm safety standard where one cannot ever endanger the visitors/public nor aircraft and pilots.
Yes, in these ultra-high performance jets, safety is paramount - always.
Got it.
But was it a willful decision to violate the "hard deck?" Was it lazy miscalculation? Was it showing off? Was it gutsy and silly?
Was this a 'mishap' in Lynchburg due to insufficient show preparation/rehearsals under Commander Koss' leadership?
Seems the Blue Angels wouldn't do any of that.
Which US military aviators who do these shows haven't learned the lessons of places like Ramstein Air Base in Germany in 1988 and all the repercussions from that tragedy. (Yes, Ramstein was Italian fighter jets, but the lessons learned are the same for all.)
Let's not be to hasty to laud if we don't know all the facts (or the most pertinent ones).
Again, if he's that good, maybe several of these options:
A letter of warning/reprimand filed locally/discretely. These "letters" are only used if an officer/leader again has leadership failures. Otherwise, with time and stellar performance, they become meaningless.
A brief suspension from duties.
An inquiry to determine what went wrong/who was at fault if there was a deliberate or miscalculation fault.
And: Did he offer his resignation quietly/secretly hoping it would be swiftly denied? (or caluclating it would be denied)
Did he offer it because if he didn't he still would have been "relieved" but not nearly so gracefully? (Just like in politics or big corporations, the military can often do this for more elite officer billets. Certainly a high profile outfit like the Blue Angels does not wish any negative publicity.)
Sorry. I'm just a tad skeptical. I mean, the best Navy/Marine fighter pilots are hard to come by. We're terribly stretched thin in assignments around the world, right? Can't just willy-nily fire one guy and replace within 4 weeks.
And...please. As much as we all admire daring, dashing pilots who do the amazing stunts and displays at air shows...well, the pilots I really salute most are the ones out in the toughest of the tough assignments.
That sentiment would apply to all military vocations.
I have ZERO knowledge of this until this article; I am basing these simple comments on what I read here. And I know that American Spectator is focused on commentary, Am. Spec.'s focus is not detailed facts like a hard news story or trade journal.
Maybe this man is the true blue virtuous leader and fantastic aviator as portrayed here. If he's the real deal, super! I'm just saying, let's not be too hasty to praise in the highest of tones.
I mean, what's Commander Koss doing now? Has he been reassigned to a squadron somewhere? I would hope so. After all, isn't it also wrong to get all that elite pilot and aviation training, stick time, etc. and then not pay back through service? (service in all the toughest, worst places)
In sum: I hope that we are reading here about a real fine American. I hope we are not just being a bit to hasty with conclusions.
big bob| 6.1.11 @ 2:58PM
Wow. Good thing you aren't calling the shots for the people who protect me!! Unless the info is FALSE, I think everything is there to make the case. What's wrong with basing your understanding on what you read here? Now if you were going to represent Koss, fine. But what is there or what evidence do you have to believe that what you are reading is incorrect? Especially since you had never heard of it before.. Or are you just trying to obfuscate and make an impression? you MUST be an attorney!!!
Joe Schmuckatella| 6.1.11 @ 10:59AM
Koss follows in the wake of other figher aces who later entered politics:
Goering and LeMay.
Way to go! Keep up the good work!
The Ruler with Class| 6.1.11 @ 11:17AM
You mean like Duke Cunningham, the Black Ace (lost 5 also) who took bribes and kickbacks? Not all are honorable post Navy.
Stuart Koehl| 6.1.11 @ 12:31PM
Curtis LeMay flew bombers, moron.
Joe Schumatatella| 6.1.11 @ 3:31PM
Which goes to show that you missed my point. LeMay did have a penchant for nukeing first, and ask questions later. And, despite all of his B-17 missions over Nazis Germany the Nazis were still able to fight off over 4 million enemy soliders across three different fronts. That didn't prevent LeMay from going into politics with Barry Goldwater.
And Goering was one of the finest aviators on the Western Front circa 1915-1918. I don't think he was the kind of politician we in Ameirca would endorse.
I will continue to offer up these "moronic" posts as long as people continue to believe that wearing a uniform somehow makes a person a great politician. Yes, Petreous is an outstanding officer. But, so was George McGovern and Jimmy Carter.
Stuart Koehl| 6.1.11 @ 4:01PM
"Which goes to show that you missed my point. LeMay did have a penchant for nukeing first, and ask questions later."
That sentence is so stupid as not to be worth a dignified response, you friggin idiot. Come back when you get a clue.
Stuart Koehl| 6.1.11 @ 4:03PM
Oh, and by the way, McGovern was a bomber pilot, too. But, insofar as it goes, wearing a military uniform has proven to be considerably better preparation for high office than, oh, getting a law degree or being a professional politician.
carnot| 6.2.11 @ 10:12AM
maybe so....but we are swiftly learning that not wearing a uniform is no guarantee of competence either. hmmm....where does that leave you're rather empty observation when it comes to predictive content?
victor| 6.2.11 @ 12:00PM
Joe Schumatatella:
"That didn't prevent LeMay from going into politics with Barry Goldwater."
Is the rest of your political acumen as faulty as your historical knowledge?
Curtis Lemay was George Wallace's running mate in 1968 and they got 14% or so of the vote.
"I will continue to offer up these "moronic" posts"
I'm sure you will, but either no one really reads your stuff or they are as historically stunted as you.
No one else seems to have noticed your blatant attempt to misrepresent your opinion.
Occam's Tool| 6.1.11 @ 8:14PM
Joe Foss was a Marine Double Ace (I believe 26 kills) and a very good Governor of one of the Dakotas.
C'mon, people. This situation was unfortunate, and the Commander handled it with class.
George S| 6.1.11 @ 11:44AM
What McCain went through in Viet Nam parallels what Koss did in term of duty and honor. Need I continue as to the relevancy of a Chief Executive who does not worship Government...?
Pravdoo| 6.1.11 @ 12:53PM
McCain honorable? Maybe in Hanoi but not in DC or the USNA! When asked to support the USS Liberty Veterans Association get a 45+year long overdue Congressional Investigation, he said "Pack sand!" AIPAC owns him and Congress. There is no honor in that place. When you place the interests of a foreign government above the US you are a traitor, not a hero.
Props to Koss. But given the zero failure tolerance of the USN now he just did what any good pilot does...lead turn before being shot by your own wingman.
Stuart Koehl| 6.1.11 @ 4:04PM
More idiocy, larded with a dose of good old fashioned antisemitism.
Stuart Koehl| 6.1.11 @ 12:31PM
It was honorable for Koss to offer his resignation. It was stupid for the Navy to accept it. If one cannot see why, then there is no point in discussing the matter further.
JP| 6.1.11 @ 3:45PM
And why? He broke serious rules which not only endangered his team, but also civilians. If you asked he, he got off lightly. I remember reading about the CO of Abu Grahib. Former Brig Gen Karpinski was only demoted one rank, but she was allowed to retire. She fared much better than the NCOs who were either court martialed or Article 15'd out of service. Many went to prison. It wasn't that long ago that the CO usually was held completely responsible for things under thier command. But not in today's military.
Koss was irresponsible to say to least. He got off easy.
Stuart Koehl| 6.1.11 @ 4:15PM
Just this: a hard deck is nothing. It's an imaginary line drawn above the ground. At 400 knots, it's easy to make a small miscalculation and go through it. So what? The hard deck has built-in margins to ensure that going through it accidentally does not cause a mishap.
Assuming Koss did not deliberately violate the hard ceiling, there was really no need to offer to resign. Instead, the proper thing would be going back home, working through the performance to determine how and why the ceiling was violated, and work out procedures to ensure it doesn't happen again.
Koss appears to be a victim of the "zero defect" mentality, which means not only that one cannot be promoted, but one cannot even serve, if one makes even one small, inadvertent error. The result of the zero defect mentality is the elimination of the imaginative, the aggressive, the risk takers. In their place, you get the cautious, time-serving, bureaucratic hack, the man who does everything by the book and never sticks out his neck.
Timidity is not something one wants to inculcate in a naval officer (or any kind of military officer, for that matter). Yet the United States does this, over and over again, through its personnel policies, going back to before World War II.
It's a little known fact, but throughout World War II, the Navy had to relieve two thirds of its submarine commanders for lack of aggressiveness (sometimes bordering on cowardice), because between the wars we rated sub drivers not on whether they could get in close and sink ships, but on whether their subs were detected by the OPFOR during exercises. You fight like you train.
Same thing happened to the Army, where George Marshall had to replace the majority of divisional and corps commanders before World War II, because those promoted between the wars were simply unfit. The same thing continued to happen during the war at the regimental, division and corps echelons.
It was still happening during Desert Shield in 1990: men promoted in peacetime just folded up under the pressures of preparing for war, and had to be replaced in the days immediately before Desert Storm. Had the war continued more than four days, we probably would have seen more field grade officers relieved for cause.
Why? Because we promote officers using criteria that are irrelevant in war time, which produced officers who are good at keeping their noses clean, but not good at fighting the enemy.
ADM| 6.2.11 @ 4:08PM
I agree with this comment. Safety in the Blue Angels, performing before crowds at airshows, is a legitimate issue, but this whole thing seems an example of a safety-first culture run amuck. In wartime, this sort of emphasis actually makes things less safe for everyone. CDR Koss seems very honorable, but that isn't always the last word.
All American American| 6.1.11 @ 12:34PM
Commander Koss sounds just as honorable as this O-7 selectee I remember from my early days in the service. He was commander of the 552 ABW at Tinker. Like I said, he was selected for O-7. Then he groped a female SSgt and honorably resigned, full pension and benefits included. Ahhhh, honor.
Honestly Koss resigned so he wouldn't be fired. I'm sure he got a call from his boss who told him how much bad pub this would bring on the BAs and all, how it would disgrace all the pilots who went before him blah blah blah, and how he "needed" to make it right and just resign and go off quietly into the sunset.
Now, find me an officer who screws up bad like this but has 19 years of service and then resigns, and I might actually give a rip. Koss thought he was untouchable, as most fighter pilots do, except he found out that there is a limit to their nonsense after all.
Blue Angel Food Cake| 6.1.11 @ 2:05PM
I know of a CDR with 19 years of service who was selected as the Blue Angels Commanding Officer and resigned before retirment eligibility because he wanted an operational squadron tour and the Navy wouldn't give him one.
All American American| 6.1.11 @ 3:27PM
Really? Why wouldn't the Navy give a guy that tour if he was Commander of the Blue Angels? Gotta be more to the story than just that. A guy resigns his commission over what essentially is a pissing match?
I've seen O-3 fighter pilots have their DUIs covered up. This guy must have done something that could not be covered up or "explained away" and yet still felt entitled.
Stuart Koehl| 6.1.11 @ 4:17PM
Good lord, if every military pilot who racked up a DUI was forced out of the military, well, the list of heroes and aces published in Air Force Association Magazine and Naval Institute Proceedings every year would be considerably shorter than it is.
All American American| 6.1.11 @ 4:48PM
The problem Stuart is the double-standard with which the military emphasizes DUIs. I was in units where some idiot 19 y/o E-3 gets a DUI and the whole unit gets punished with extra duty and briefings and mandatory DUI re-education, etc.
When a pilot gets a DUI its swept under the rug.
Its about holding everyone to the same standards, or holding no one. Or if DUIs are not a big deal for the pilot, they're not a big deal for the idiot E-3. Unless maybe magically pilots can't someone kill or injure folks when they are drunk behind the wheel?
Stuart Koehl| 6.1.11 @ 7:28PM
Well, that's what you get when you put political correctness ahead of military effectiveness. On the other hand, I might say that it's a lot harder to replace a trained fighter pilot than an idiot E-3. That's part of the hard calculus of war.
Derek Robinson, in his novel "A Piece of Cake" (about an RAF fighter squadron in the Battle of Britain) recounts a vignette, in which reporters interview a pilot whose damaged Hurricane crashed into a house, killing a mother, father and small child. The squadron leader tries to paint a story about an heroic pilot who stayed with his plane to the last possible moment and tried desperately to avoid populated areas. "The hell I did--I was out of the cockpit as soon as the kite started to burn". And he denies feeling any guilt about doing so, "Because two-and-a-half civilians can't fly a Hurricane".
All American American| 6.1.11 @ 4:58PM
Oh I forgot to mention, when the idiot E-3 gets a DUI at 2:53 am, the Commander institutes a recall and everyone has to be woken up and come in in uniform for extra duty and briefings and beratement for "not preventing the DUI" and "not being a good wingman." So yeah, if they really ain't that big of a deal for a pilot, they ain't a big deal for an idiot E-3.
Stuart Koehl| 6.1.11 @ 7:28PM
Did I mention that military life is dominated by chickensh-t?
Occam's Tool| 6.1.11 @ 8:16PM
Stuart,
like, oh, say, "Pappy" Boyington? Agree with you.
Stuart Koehl| 6.2.11 @ 9:02AM
Tommy Blackburn was known to knock back a few, as were most of the great ones. One way to forget a bad day at the office (marked by a lot of empty chairs in the mess a dinner) was to go to the local pub or O-Club, get obliterated, play stupid games and stagger back to the bunk in a total haze. It was not unknown for pilots scheduled to fly the next day to go down to the flight line early, climb into the cockpit, and breathe pure oxygen for an hour or so to burn the alcohol out of their system. Then, off we go, into the wild blue yonder.
Today's pilots are too professional for such hijinks, but today's pilots haven't been in a really serious war. When they have to fly every day facing loss rates like those racked up by the 355th and 388th Fighter Wings in Vietnam, we'll see how they cope with the stress.
All American American| 6.1.11 @ 12:39PM
I'd just like to say it never ceases to amaze me how vile, abusive, and downright Alinsky-esque "conservatives" get when someone (in this case, Bob K.) doesn't reflexively bow down and worship one of their sacred cows (the military).
I wonder how many of us would be defending him if he was David Koss, Chicago City employee, who screwed up and resigned before an investigation and was able to walk away with all of his pension and benefits? Kinda makes ya go hmmmmmm, hmmmmm?
A REAL American| 6.1.11 @ 12:59PM
ALL American Nazi maybe. Stereotype much. Bob K. is a bitter Nam Vet who needs help. Anyone can ding Koss for his actions. No one here is blasting him for his view of Koss, just his moronic statements about the "Ruling Class"of officers in the military. I guess it is better to be ruled by brilliant liberal thinkers like you. Just tell me where to go to drink the Kool-Ade. Oh wait I can't afford it now because I have to pay for your medical and retirement because you are too lazy to earn a living.
All American American| 6.1.11 @ 1:02PM
Haha! I rest my case!
A REAL American| 6.1.11 @ 2:12PM
Typical Liberal. What case? You make no argument. Too weak to fight and never able to support your views with anything other than an intitlement attitude and child's quip. Thankfully we have real men of substance and character willing to stand on the wall to protect the sheeple. Sleep well my little muffin.
All American American| 6.1.11 @ 3:04PM
Yeah I'm a liberal alright. *eyeroll*
Case restated: "I'd just like to say it never ceases to amaze me how vile, abusive, and downright Alinsky-esque "conservatives" get when someone (in this case, Bob K.) doesn't reflexively bow down and worship one of their sacred cows (the military)." That was the first paragraph of the post you responded to this way:
Case Made: You called me a name in your very first sentence. (All American Nazi). Are you really that dense?
Oh, and you really shouldn't argue against ENTITLEMENTS if you, you know, can't even spell it correctly. Just saying.
Pwnd.
BTW, I spent 21 years in the military, so by "alinsky-ing" me with your name-calling you are violating the first commandment of phony patriot right wing zombies, which is:
Thou shalt not question the military.
Pwnd x 2.
A REAL American| 6.1.11 @ 3:33PM
I guess it's better to play the Zionist playbook than Hitler playbook, though both feed the work on the weak minded. I like to use my own called The Rational Thinkers Guide to Dealing With Whiners.
You assume I'm right wing. WRONG. I'm an uber liberal who loves my country and supports the people who provide my freedom. But it really doesn't matter what I think because you want to do all the thinking for me because you are SOOOO smart. How did I ever make flag officer without you?
All American American| 6.1.11 @ 3:44PM
LOLzzzzzz!!!!!
You're a flag officer? Who can't spell or write coherently? And you drop this nugget right after I mention I did 21 years? OK.....
Oh and you called me a liberal in a derogatory way but now YOU'RE an "uber liberal" huh?
Well if you're a flag officer I got news for you. I retired as an O-12 (they skipped O-11). Its a super-secret rank very few if any ever achieve. Well I was the only one to achieve it. In fact they established it just for me because I was just so damn special. Its a 6-star general and the official title is "General General." It's actual a double-flag officer rank. So there.
Ummm, if you're a "flag officer," doncha have better things to be doing than posting on AmSpec, General? Or is it Admiral?
LOLzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz!!!!!
All American American| 6.1.11 @ 4:54PM
BTW God "provides your freedom." Man can not provide freedom--he can either protect it or squelch it.
Yet another phony patriot right wing zombie mantra, that somehow the military provides us with our freedoms.
We are not endowed by the US Military with our freedom, we are endowed by our Creator. Not to mention and I dunno about you, but I am considerably LESS free than I was on 9/10/01. So much for 10 years of "fighting for freedom," hardee har har.
big bob| 6.1.11 @ 3:00PM
I see NO "Alinsky-esque" mannerisms in this column!! Have you ever read him? Do you know exactly what this refers to? Because there is no response even close to what Alinsky proposes. Please don't throw names around when you are a complete neophyte.
All American American| 6.1.11 @ 3:10PM
For Pete's sake. *face palm* And then we wonder why socialists think we're dumb.
The "Alinsky-esque" tactics I'm referring to are in teh responses to Bob K., which I made perfectly clear in my post. Further, maybe you missed A REAL American calling me a Nazi? Straight outta Alinsky.
But I guess you are immune to irony based on the fact you see no "Alinsky-esque tactics" yet still feel compelled to name call. Amazing. I must conclude the "big" in your screenname refers to your waist size and not your IQ.
big bob| 6.1.11 @ 11:24PM
Name calling? you must be referring to the term "neophyte". That would not be derogatory, except to say that you are not familiar with Alinsky's tenets. Calling you a Nazi is nothing unusual, (not that you do or do not resemble a Nazi), but name calling has been around long before Alinsky was writing his tome. I think you are referring to his rule #5, which states: "Ridicule is man's most potent weapon." I hardly see anything in calling someone a Nazi relating to this rule. On the other hand, your parting shot at my comment would come closer to this rule, but is still weak at best, and is not really ridicule, but just kind of snarky.
All American American| 6.2.11 @ 8:19AM
Fat Bob, the difference between "A REAL American" calling me a Nazi and me calling you fat is:
I'm not a Nazi.
Ka-ziiiiiiiiing!!!!!
All American American| 6.1.11 @ 1:04PM
Oh hey one more thing. Yeah it is really wise to recommend a guy you know nothing about for the highest office in the land. I mean, its working wonderfully with Obama in the WH.
big bob| 6.1.11 @ 3:02PM
We know where this guy Koss went to college and what he did. That is ALREADY more than we know about the nerd in the WH right now.
All American American| 6.1.11 @ 3:16PM
Uhhh, do we NOT know where Obama went to college? Really?????
Fat Bob, the author of the article states,
"David E. Koss is a 42-year-old bachelor. He has no family. There is a question if he is Republican or a Democrat. It is not clear if he is even registered to vote. And, if so, in which state is he registered? His political positions on the major issues of the day are not publicly known. But he does have at least one admirable trait as will be explained shortly."
Based on the author's own words we knew more about Obama in 2008 than we know about this guy Koss today. Yet he wants to crown his prez because in all honesty he took the easy way out of a bad situation and still can collect his pension and benefits.
OK.
big bob| 6.1.11 @ 11:31PM
Koss graduated from the Naval Academy in 1991. And his records are more than likely available upon request. Yeah, Yeah, Obama says he went to Occidental College and Harvard. Right. Our most transparent president EVER has sealed everything he has ever done!! Who wouldda thought? Yeah we know more about Koss than we do Obama. Why? Because he has honor and credibility, something O'bama doesn't even know how to spell except for his teleprompter. And that is the essence of this piece. And most of us agree whole-heartedly. Honor and Obama are two words you will never find put together. Kind of like him putting the words "Freedom" and "Individual" into the same sentence.
All American American| 6.2.11 @ 8:16AM
Fat Bob, the AUTHOR of the article, not me, is the one who states he doesn't know diddly about Koss. He doesn't even know if he is a D or an R. Therefore, my statement that we knew more about Obama in 2008 than we do about Koss now is correct.
In fact, its funny that a lot of you all cry about Obama now. When I was tryin g to warn folks in 2008 about him, all I got from you all is "he'll have to move to the ceeeeeeeenterrrrrrrr." Or "he's not a raaaaaaaaaadical" and my favorite "you're a racist!"
So don't come crying to me about Obama now.
big bob| 6.2.11 @ 3:29PM
Now I know why you completely miss the point of this article. You have no substance, (at least not yet), and try to verbally intimidate anyone who calls you out. You resort to schoolyard names, (Fat Bob instead of my forum name, Big Bob), and you have nothing credible to offer any of us. THIS is the mark of someone who has serious security and identity issues. Must be true because even your name is redundant. (you may have to look that word up, but it basically means that you have to say everything twice because you don't know what you said the first time!!).
All American American| 6.2.11 @ 6:56PM
Fat Bob, I made a comment about one aspect of the article. You challenged it by claiming we know more about "Koss and what he did" than we knew about Obama. I used the AUTHOR'S OWN WORDS to refute your nonsensical claim (and considering the author laid out a litany of things he didn't know about Koss, it was easy). So I guess then you must mean the AUTHOR of the article doesn't get the point of his own article, since I used his own words to lay the internet smackdown on your fat azzzzz.
You know someone has lost the argument when they stop arguing specifics (which is what I have ONLY DONE, and used quotes from the article to do it) and resort to generic, "you just don't get it" garbage.
Well tell me Fat Bob, what don't I get regarding this series of posts that began with mine on 6/1/11 at 1:04 pm?
P.S. - If you had a sense of humor you'd get my screenname. Fatty.
p.s.s. - Verbally intimidate? Haha--the Truth intimidates you I guess! I'm the one getting called a Nazi. What are you, fat AND a sissy??? That's no way to go through life, kid.
big bob| 6.3.11 @ 11:00AM
OOOH. Now you have really explained your position. Very impressive. Ignorance AND petulance. Anyone who has to explain their humor is, well, not funny. We ALL know who and what you are in spite of your redundant name. I'm guessing you are probably an illegal alien masquerading (that means making believe) that you are a citizen. Hopefully you haven't figured out how to vote yet!!! Just because you used the author's words doesnt mean you know WHAT they mean or how they were used initially. That's okay. You provide us all with entertainment. Many thanks.
GENE HAUBER| 6.1.11 @ 2:59PM
MAYBE COL. ALLEN WEST NEEDS A VICE PRESIDENT.
SOUNDS LIKE AN UNBEATABLE TEAM.
THE BLUE ANGELS OF POLITICS, SO TO SPEAK.
Roger Fortier | 6.1.11 @ 3:05PM
Bill Buckley said famously that he would rather be governed by the first 2,000 people in the Boston phone book than by the faculty at Harvard.
Looking at the amount of bile and bias of some of these comments, it always helps me to assume that everyone who serves, does so with the most honorable of intentions, until proven otherwise.
I agree that Commander Koss would be a good pick to lead those 2,000 Bostonians.
Dan| 6.1.11 @ 4:11PM
Bob K, what is it that is so hard to understand about the meaning of this article? It is not about class, but simply about taking responsibility for ones acts. Just like you or I can take responsibility for our acts no matter what we do in life. Koss stepped down from is Blue Angel command, he didn't resign is commission and could very well be assigned to a fighting unit once again. We don't live in a classless world, there are leaders, followers, those who have and those that don't. If you stopped moaning about the "haves" you would learn that in most cases, but not all, they worked very hard to get where that are and to stay at that level.
ABNCP| 6.1.11 @ 4:17PM
I retired as an E-9 from the USAF after 28 years of service. When I retired I was in my 40's, had a wife and two children in school and I had never, ever held a full time civilian job. Yeah it was kind of tense. However things turned out pretty well. After a few years of hard work, I became a company officer (Vice President of Sales and Marketing) for four companys, two of them national companys. Then I hit one out of the park and became the President of a Public company.
The point is guys, not only officers in the military can be very successful after the retire. I go to three Air Force reunions a year most years and many of the Senior N.C.O.'s and not so senior N.C.O.'s have done very well in civilian life using the skills they received during their time serving their country.
Richard Baker| 6.1.11 @ 7:30PM
The point, gentlemen, is that Commander Koss realized that he was ultimately responsible for the UNSAT performance of his command of demonstration pilots and he TOOK this action because he is an honorable man who realized that the Team and the public were more important than his being in command and that his actions may have led to this. Stop this childish Enlisted/Officer bitching. He'll return to another squadron or other billet and continue his service to the country. His integrity is an example of true leadership.
Richard Baker
ex-SSG Infantry
USA
dee see| 6.1.11 @ 10:32PM
---And speaking of Marine pilots, try to
download and watch William Holden in
'Bridges at Toko Ri' ---as it will be about
the ONLY quality look you'll get of Monday's
61st Anniversary of the awesomely relevant
KOREAN WAR...
Stuart Koehl| 6.2.11 @ 9:04AM
Possibly the best movie ever made about carrier aviation. Most of the events Michener put in his book were based on actual events; most of his characters are based on real people.
Replica Handabags&wallet; | 6.1.11 @ 11:24PM
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Con Chef (NB) | 6.2.11 @ 12:36PM
Koss did what was expected of a good officer. He knew he broke the rules. Rules that are established for the safety of the team & the spectators. Rules like those of the "hard deck" are safety rules that have been written in the blood of men who didn't follow them. And while Koss's actions are admirable, I really hope he made O-6 BEFORE this happened. Because if he's an O-5, he's gonna be a "per-mander" til he retires, meaning that he'll NEVER make selection for O-6.
Stuart Koehl| 6.2.11 @ 8:29PM
"I really hope he made O-6 BEFORE this happened. Because if he's an O-5, he's gonna be a "per-mander" til he retires, meaning that he'll NEVER make selection for O-6."
Which is why the "zero defect" mentality must go--good men push the envelope, which means sometimes you fail, or make mistakes. Time servers always color inside the lines, always provide the "school solution" and never, ever stick out their necks. When the shooting starts, these officers get a lot of men killed and loose a lot of battles.
When he was an ensign, Chester Nimitz was in command of the destroyer USS Decatur, which he proceeded to run aground. He received a letter of reprimand. Today, a commander who scratches the paint on his ship can kiss off his career: he will be passed over twice and forced to retire. Nimitz, however, was given a second chance, and the rest is history.
Stuart Koehl| 6.2.11 @ 8:29PM
"I really hope he made O-6 BEFORE this happened. Because if he's an O-5, he's gonna be a "per-mander" til he retires, meaning that he'll NEVER make selection for O-6."
Which is why the "zero defect" mentality must go--good men push the envelope, which means sometimes you fail, or make mistakes. Time servers always color inside the lines, always provide the "school solution" and never, ever stick out their necks. When the shooting starts, these officers get a lot of men killed and loose a lot of battles.
When he was an ensign, Chester Nimitz was in command of the destroyer USS Decatur, which he proceeded to run aground. He received a letter of reprimand. Today, a commander who scratches the paint on his ship can kiss off his career: he will be passed over twice and forced to retire. Nimitz, however, was given a second chance, and the rest is history.
Richard Baker| 6.2.11 @ 9:16PM
Stuart:
As a kid growing up in '60s Northern Virginia near Ft. Belvoir, I saw the "Zero Defect" banners hanging over the entrances to the post and even as a High School kid I thought they were ridiculous. Like so many of the disasters he wrought, we can thank Robert Strange (his real middle name) McNamara for the Zero Defect mentality.
Tammi| 6.11.11 @ 6:52PM
Bottom Line is that David Koss is honorable and did the right thing. This is more that can be said about the majority in our society today.
Adult toys | 7.4.11 @ 1:22AM
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