U.S. Northern Command’s new boss said he’s learned tough lessons from the Iraq war that will help him better protect America from attack and aid civilian officials in responding to disasters.Air Force Gen. Victor E. “Gene” Renuart took over Friday in a ceremony led by the secretary of defense and attended by more than 20 generals and admirals. In 2003, Renuart was in charge of planning and executing the U.S. invasion of Iraq and the humanitarian effort that followed.
Critics say the Iraq invasion, although initially successful, ran into trouble because government agencies such as the State Department lacked a solid working relationship with the military. State couldn't find their ass with both hands super-glued to it while they are giving hummers (not the vehicle) to the insurgent leaders. That is why they don't work with the military Renuart says that wonÂ’t happen at Northern Command.
“I think I have learned some lessons from my previous experience, most importantly it is to keep an open dialogue with each of those interagency relationships,” he said.
Renuart focused on Northern CommandÂ’s tight relationship with the Department of Homeland Security.
“We need to be transparent with them, and we need to share information with them,” he said. “Those are all things I’ll try to do to ensure we don’t create surprises at the point of execution.” You need to do your fucking job despite the
In his new job, Renuart also heads the North American Aerospace Defense Command, a joint American-Canadian effort to defend the continent from aircraft, missile and maritime attack.
Renuart replaces Adm. Timothy Keating, who will be installed at the helm of U.S. Pacific Command on Monday.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates praised Keating, lauding the commandsÂ’ response to Hurricane Katrina and its work to prevent terrorist attacks on America.
Gates also praised Renuart, who has worked as the secretaryÂ’s top military aide.
“I know the defense of our homeland is in good hands,” he said.
Renuart said heÂ’d stick with a Keating program that pulls most Northern Command military personnel from the underground command center at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station.