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Hoss Leaving, Schwartz Replacing

By Colin Clark Monday, August 9th, 2010 11:19 am
Posted in Air, Naval, Policy, Rumors, Space

The rumor mill is racing with reports that Gen. Hoss Cartwright, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will soon leave his post and be replaced by Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force chief of staff.

Schwartz’s ascension has Air Force sources beaming. It has been some time since an Air Force officer has been blessed with promotion to the innermost command circle. “I’m happy [Defense Secretary Robert] Gates is expressing some confidence in my poor, beleaguered Air Force. (Remember, the AF has had more that its share of recent firings, including AFSec Wynne and CSAF Moseley,) one retired officer said in an e-mail.

Schwartz is seen by many Air Force officers as a complete creation of Gates and the pilot coterie may be quite happy to see him go. But he has also earned grudging admiration for his unrelenting efforts to remake the service’s culture and get his people to focus on their joint contributions and to earn respect by flying drones, not just fighters. Schwartz’s service as head of Transportation Command and his deep commitment to jointness will serve him well in the vice’s seat.

Gen. Kevin “Chilli” Chilton, head of Strategic Command, is said to be in line as the next Air Force chief of staff. Chilton is universally respected in the service for his brains and willingness to exercise them in pursuit of whatever mission he is pursuing.

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	William C. August 9th, 2010 at 11:21 am Regardless of his qualities, I am sure this comment section will be filled by short-sighted Air Force bashers in no time.
	Drake1 August 9th, 2010 at 1:19 pm Yeah.
	Jason August 9th, 2010 at 1:32 pm “It has been some time since an Air Force officer has been blessed with promotion to the innermost command circle.” It’s been only five years. Been ten years since the last Army guy (thank you, Don Rumsfeld). Not like there’s been a dry spell for the Air Force leadership.
	FSB August 9th, 2010 at 2:13 pm You’re probably right, William C. I’m also pretty sure that this comment section will devolve down to the tactical weeds, leaving the more important strategic and policy questions unanswered.
	Drake1 August 9th, 2010 at 2:53 pm Gen. Norton Schwartz didn’t support the 350 so he will be hated for ever by die hard F22 proponents.
	Bill R. August 9th, 2010 at 3:04 pm Any sense whether this move is tied to what Gates is doing to JFCOM today ? You can talk the talk all you want about jointness. Closing down JFCOM ain’t walking the walk. Who cares how they shuffle the chairs on the deck when the ship’s going down — fast.
	Ryan August 9th, 2010 at 4:22 pm I watched the press briefing and the SECDEF only pointed out that the JFCOM move is one of many ways to streamline how DOD goes about its business. I don’t quite know how the ship is “going down-fast”, but if our country is going to be vibrant against the enemy, we can’t cut further than necessary.
	guest August 9th, 2010 at 4:44 pm Having worked with JFCOM numerous times, I’d say they had outlived their usefulness shortly after being created. Every once in a while a good product comes from them, but mostly they are all about process and short on product. I doubt seriously jointness will suffer with their closing. In fact, it may actually get better with one less bureaucratic square to fill. Schwartz is as joint-minded as anyone. Just the same, the Department will miss Cartwright’s vision, focus, and his ability to work both sides of the aisle.
	@E_L_P August 9th, 2010 at 6:11 pm So we will saddle some other poor unsuspecting slob with General Schwartz. “Schwartz is seen by many Air Force officers as a complete creation of Gates.…” — Read; “sycophant” — That was a great way he lied with that letter… http://tinyurl.com/c76gaz
	anonimous August 10th, 2010 at 2:39 am Why you hate the US Air Force???
	Bill R. August 10th, 2010 at 9:49 am Let me put it this way. This JFCOM may be far from perfect, but it is the only JFCOM we have. I’ll be waiting with baited breath for the “transition plan”, but readlining everything is pretty much a dead loss. It isn’t just joint that is at stake here. JFCOM is the center of excellence for DIME/PMESII, and if you think SOCOM is an appropriate transition agent for that, you’re nuts. The only way they can push this is to take the roles and functions they put down in Suffolk and pull them back up into the Beltway. Well — if you are trying to save money, you just raised your personnel costs at least 30%. To summarize and conclude, I’m not seeing the smart power upside there. I’m seeing retrenchment for retrenchment’s sake, and reversal of Bush Administration initiatives for no particular reason than they happened on Bush’s watch. I saw the last minute of Gate’s press conference, where he says they’ll make Hampton Roads well by plusing up shipbuilding at Newport News. From a jobs standpoint, that would be white color jobs changing into blue color jobs. Are we getting it now ?
	CMC August 10th, 2010 at 11:53 am From a jobs standpoint, that would be white color jobs changing into blue color jobs. Are we getting it now ? WOW, that is a little Bushie elitist isn’t it. Is that the Rumsfeld thinking, the pentagon should create white collar and high paid contractor jobs worthy of good Republicans? The DOD needs a few “common people jobs”
	Richard H. Randall August 10th, 2010 at 12:13 pm My thinking is that for the most part, Obama and Gates have done much for the Military, especially the Army and Marine Corps and Veteran’s Administration, while Bush, Rumsfeld did much to the military, including cutting pay and benefits, abandoing campaigns which were working and starting the Iraq mess whose consequences we know. The use of contractors to the enrichment of GOP friends and detriment of the troops is also well understood by now. From a point of readiness and experience, could it not be the case that a smaller support cell could accomplish the same mission, and be ‘beefed up” when necessary, given the amount of similar experience now available? I’ve seen it work, though there is a possible down side. There is a small role for contractors-always has been: this swollen money grab must stop.
	sillybosomhead August 10th, 2010 at 12:21 pm Well? I think if he’s REALLY leaving, then its a damn shame if they don’t give Adam or Little Joe a shot at his job?
	Robert A Schwehr August 10th, 2010 at 3:54 pm Certainly the US AIR FORCE is still relevant,I can guarantee that in the near future other branches and many government employees at DOD will suddenly come to realize this.—-former DOD civilian employee and Airman NJANG.——LtCol US ARMY .
	Bill R. August 10th, 2010 at 6:25 pm Sorry, pal. I call ‘em as I see ‘em. This thing reeks of class warfare in its dirtiest form. Some of the people who are getting the axe will land on their feet, some won’t. The people you so arrogantly toss off have mortgages to pay and kids to put through college. The vast majority of them work hard for a living, and if you think their work has no value, then you’re just a bigot. They have served their country honorably and in most cases with great sacrifice. Not all of ‘em are angels but all are worthy of being treated with dignity and respect. I don’t like what’s going on here and that’s a fact.
	@E_L_P August 11th, 2010 at 2:16 am Actually I don’t. I love it. I hate what some are doing to destroy it.
	bobbymike August 11th, 2010 at 5:26 am Off topic but this “rich Republican and their corporate buddies” narrative is just flat out wrong. The majority of the “rich” members of Congress are Democrats and almost EVERY SINGLE major corporation gave more money to Obama and the Dems than to McCain and Republicans. And besides the “richest” three counties in America all surround Washington who do you think they vote for?
	Novaman August 12th, 2010 at 10:29 am Gen Hoss Cartwright is that his real name? what parents would name there son Hoss Cartwright?, Was Bonanza his parents favorite show? I don’t understand.
	Rugby for ALL. August 12th, 2010 at 3:14 pm Plz!!!! Quit this garbage dialogue. This forum is intended for CLEAN, INTELLIGENT, DEBATE and discussion on the pertinent issues. Keep your FILTH in your OWN BEDROOM. Respect your fellow man/women.
	David Marut August 12th, 2010 at 6:12 pm Now Schwatz and Gates poney up and cut more from the Air Force. These F-22 we do have are not nearly enough to take care of all whats happening in our world. I don’t like war but we build planes like the F-22 for that purpose but some people on Capital Hill say this is no air war. Maybe so but with the right bombs they can contribute. ACC Commander should look at what going on an say let my Fighters in the Fight to. An by the way out the door good ridence.
	sillybosomhead August 12th, 2010 at 8:24 pm RugbyforAll? What the hell are you talking about? Sounds like you’re a real TWINKO! Just what the hell is a “clean, intelligent, debate” anyways? Oh.… no matter… you’re probably one of those weenie USAF ex-officer types who just fantasized about being in a REAL military branch — perhaps like Uncle Sam’s Navy?
	Dodbuzz1 August 13th, 2010 at 1:54 pm Editor’s note: some readers made allegations about Gen. Cartwright. Those comments have been deleted and we will not welcome any further such postings.
	Guest August 13th, 2010 at 4:45 pm General Cartwright is more than qualified to be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs. I’m curious, though, if his name was even on a list of considerations. I salute General Cartwright for his service on behalf of our nation and I hope our leaders choose the right individuals to lead the Joint Chiefs in the future.
	Guest August 13th, 2010 at 11:16 pm Any word on where Hoss is headed? Or is he retiring? That would be a true loss to the nation.
	Guest August 14th, 2010 at 6:10 pm Unfortunately, no one knows. If Washington does it right, General Cartwright would be the next Chairman, then General Schwartz could ease into the Vice Chairmanship. But of course, politicians as they exist, don’t like to face the facts. All they care about is their own self-centered reputations. You are right, by General Cartwright retiring, it would be a big loss to the nation.
	Prior-SRA August 23rd, 2010 at 4:35 pm Schwartz basically is gonna screw this position up just like he is doing right now. The AF is so messed up right now, things are changing way more than they should. and getting rid of airmen for no reason? thats ridiculous. General scwartz just needs to retire already.
	Prior-SRA August 23rd, 2010 at 4:38 pm What has Obama done for the military except reduce pay, and forgetting it? Nothing. its the commanding officers who are doing it all.
	Guest August 24th, 2010 at 5:10 pm Ok, playing the role of devil’s advocate, since General Schwartz, as you said it, screwed up as Air Force Chief, and that he would screw up again as VCJCS, who would be the better candidate for the Vice Chairman position? I agree, getting rid of airmen now is absurd. I still submit that General Cartwright would be the right choice to be the next Chairman.
	Space Dude August 25th, 2010 at 7:57 am Oh brother! Gen Cartwright’s call sign is Hoss. See the Wings of Gold he wears? Usually a call sign goes with it and Hoss happens to be it. As for Gen Schwartz taking over for him, the man is not a clone of Sec Gates, but a man of his own mind who happens to understand where we need to go in the future. He has worked hard with his colleagues to bring the nuclear enterprise back to a respectable footing, keep the USAF positively in the fight, and makes sure the USAF is postured to help all services well in the future. If his predecessor had done that, instead of worrying about a new service dress uniform or whether Airman need a new pistol downrange, then maybe he wouldn’t have been retired before the end of his term. Lastly, Gen Myers was not too long ago the CJCS and he wore USAF blue. So craving to be back in the innersanctum? Don’t think so.
	Space Dude August 25th, 2010 at 8:01 am As for Gen Chilton being possibly bantered as Gen Schwartz’s successor, the man is one of the sharpest knives in the USAF Blue who has worked across a lot fields in the USAF and DOD. He will continue what Gen Schwartz has started to ensure all warfighters will get what they need from on high, regardless of service they are in.
	Papi Chulo September 2nd, 2010 at 12:40 pm I’ve worked for Cartwright and Chilton and together these two leaders has what it takes to get this country back on track. It’s a shame that the the Marine Corps and the USAF can’t persuade to fine Generals to stick around for just one more year.
	Pete Modigliani September 2nd, 2010 at 3:29 pm Gen Chilton announced his retirement, so I doubt he’ll be the next CSAF. http://www.action3news.com/Global/story.asp?S=130…
	Guest September 2nd, 2010 at 9:31 pm Ok, Chilton is out obviously. For the position of CSAF, between General Carroll H. “Howie” Chandler and General William M. Fraser III, which one stands out as the best qualified?
	Space Dude September 21st, 2010 at 12:30 am Can’t be Gen Chandler as he has turned in his retirement pkg. Gen Breedlove is the nominee for VCSAF. No mention anywhere of a new CSAF in the works.
	Guest May 25th, 2011 at 5:10 pm Well, that’s the end of General Cartwright. Thanks, General for your great service to this great nation.

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