General & CIA Director David Petraeus
General & CIA Director David Petraeus : Q/A with former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, General David Petraeus
Q: How do you feel the US is doing with respect to Cyber Defense and Security?
A: The US has clearly taken important steps forward with the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity. And Infrastructure Security Agency, such as: the elevation of US Cyber Command to full combatant command status. Furthermore, various initiatives being implemented by US cabinet departments that oversee the security of the 16 critical infrastructure sectors.
Nonetheless, there clearly is much more work needed to be done. Including security for national elections, among other areas. The challenge in cyberspace is that the rapid development of new and increasingly sophisticated threats often outstrips our ability to develop the legislation, organizational capabilities, policies, and regulations needed to counter the new threats.
Q: You mentioned in your interview with David Rubenstein that America’s new greatest generation is comprised of the people who joined the military post 9/11. Can you expand upon this? What do you want young Americans today to know about the veterans who have fought for them?
A: America’s “New Greatest Generation” is comprised of those who volunteered to serve in the US military in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, knowing that they likely would be deployed to a combat zone. It was a privilege to serve with hundreds of thousands of these selfless young Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines during my years in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the greater Middle East.
Even as our unemployment rate has gone down dramatically during the economic recovery following the Great Recession, these individuals have continued to come forward in substantial numbers to serve our country. They invariably have demonstrated impressive initiative, determination, innovativeness, and courage on the battlefield. It has been wonderful to watch the impressive work by so many of them since leaving the military, as well. Our country owes them and their families a great debt of gratitude.
Q: There are over 120,000 homeless veterans in the United States, how do you feel about the state of these Veterans? Additionally, what do you think we could do better as a country to support these Americans. Who have risked their lives to protect us?
A: Clearly, we need to do more for our veterans overall and in particular, for our homeless veterans. To be sure, there has been bipartisan support throughout Democratic and Republican administrations for more resources for the Veterans Administration, and as a result there have been significant improvements made.
But, given the number of homeless veterans, the concerning rate of veterans committing suicide, and other issues. Makes it clear that more needs to be done. There are many initiatives being taken to address the various shortcomings. And my hope is that the bipartisan support in Congress and public support across our country will continue.
Q: If you had decided to stay in California after the summer you spent there, do you think you would have still gotten involved in government? Did you grow up wanting to follow in your father’s footsteps. And serve or was that an aspiration that came about later in life?
A: I think that deep down I had a considerable desire to serve. And, as much fun as we had during our summer leave on the west coast. I was inevitably going to return to West Point and strive to do my very best there in preparation for service as an Army Officer. My father’s service in the Merchant Marine during WWII was a factor. But so was the example of the many serving and former officers in our hometown, which was only 7 miles from West Point.
Q: You’ve had two near-death incidents. But I’m more interested about the live fire exercise that nicked an artery where you said that you were lucky that the round went through your chest over the A in Petraeus as opposed to the A in Army, on the right side as opposed to the left. Even though it was just a nick of the artery, did you ever fear for your life?
A: On reflection, I think I went into shock pretty quickly and my initial concerns were not about my life. But to have the unit that had been conducting the live fire exercise to do a quick after-action review and resume training.
After that, I really don’t recall what I was thinking, except that I was hurting pretty badly and then experiencing excruciating pain when the chest tube was pushed in through my side after an “X” was cut into my side with no anesthesia. At some point, I think I realized I was going to survive and then my concern became how long I would be out of action having only assumed battalion command a month or so earlier.
CIA Director & General David Petraeus
Q: You mentioned that when President Obama asked you to give up the central command and go back and
be a military commander in Afghanistan, you didn’t hesitate, you followed the president’s orders, “the only answer to a question like that is ‘yes’”, could you tell me a little bit more about that decision? Did you have a preference for one role over another? If you hadn’t been asked to change command would you have wanted to?
A: I thoroughly enjoyed the position of COMCENT. (Commander of US Central Command), responsible for an area of operations that extended from Egypt in the west to Pakistan in the east. And from Kazakhstan in the north to Yemen and the pirate-infested waters off Somalia in the south. As we used to observe, somewhat tongue-in-cheek. We were proud to be responsible for 90% of the world’s problems at that time – as well as 90% of the deployed US Special Operations forces.
But when the Commander in Chief asks you to assume a new position, the only answer to such a question has to be “Yes.” Needless to say, Command of the coalition forces in Afghanistan was very different from Command of USCENTCOM; however, each position was an extraordinary privilege. In truth, there cannot be a greater privilege than serving with our men and women in uniform. And those of our coalition partners – in a combat zone.
Q: Even though you’ve repeatedly said you are not running for office. Have you ever considered doing so at any point in time or have the events of the past few years changed your opinion on the matter?
A: No. From the time I stopped voting, when promoted to two-star general. I have honestly felt that I could best serve our country by staying out of politics. While offering my thoughts, when asked, to those of either party.
Q: How did terrorism change military strategy pre/post 9/11?
A: Clearly, the growth in Islamist extremist activities required the development of concepts. In addition, capabilities to conduct comprehensive civil-military campaigns to counter terrorist and insurgent activity. The bulk of my time as a general officer was spent helping to develop and employ those concepts and capabilities.
Quick Questions:
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: I was privileged to lead extraordinary military and intelligence organizations.
Q: What are your plans for your future?
A: To continue to engage in private sector work that is intellectually stimulating. In addition, rewarding, and relevant to the issues of the day.
Q: What is your favorite country you’ve visited?
A: Our own, the USA.
Q: What is your daily routine?
A: Up early, cup of coffee and cereal while working email, cardio/strength/flexibility workout, and on to work!
Q: Do you make your bed every morning?
A: Yup!
Q: What is your favorite workout?
A: An hour or more of cycling, running, or other cardio. Followed by 45-60 minutes of strength and flexibility, usually while listening to podcasts.
General & CIA Director David Petraeus Written by Grace Kelman
Becoming a Navy SEAL (rebellionresearch.com)
