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I'm still wondering why Gen. Petraeus took the job in Afghanistan.
Reasons not to (in no order): While there is no reduction in rank or pay, it is a less prestigious position then head of CENTCOM and nominally a demotion since he would (in theory) report to whoever replaces him at CENTCOM. A positive outcome in Afghanistan isn't a certainty and failure would have a negative impact on future ambitions, either Chairman Joint Chiefs or his rumored presidential ambitions. He couldn't really be forced to take the job either, since at that level 4 star officers (General or Admiral) have a fair amount of say as to what their next job might be.
Some reasons he might have (in no order): A promise from President Obama, that the President would endorse/recommend him for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs when Admiral Mullen retires An agreement that Gen. Petraeus could run things in Afghanistan as he saw fit (within reason), meaning an relaxation in the Rules of Engagement, and a reasonable request of additional troops if required (likely 50,000 or less) and no meddling by the military and civilian bureaucrats in DC. Future political ambitions, if he is successful in Afghanistan, it will significantly increase his chances if he chooses to run for President. Something along the lines of "I was able to succeed where the President and his handpicked military and civilian people failed" Doing it because he thinks it is the right thing to do for the country, the military and men and women serving there. (Have I become so cynical that I have trouble believing there are still people out there who'll do the right thing even if it might cost them future potential gain)
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