c**t

Ok, here is the language in the Act, you can look it up...: The Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986, sponsored by Sen. Barry Goldwater and Rep. Bill Nichols, caused a major defense reorganization, the most significant since the National Security Act of 1947. Operational authority was centralized through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs as opposed to the service chiefs. The chairman was designated as the principal military advisor to the president, National Security Council and secretary of defense. The act established the position of vice-chairman and streamlined the operational chain of command from the president to the secretary of defense to the unified commanders.

I hear you, and while that is one option...they would have just rotated Rodriguez in from jump street. Remember when they relieved McCrystal? They put Petraeus right in and left him there until he was nominated for CIA...by the way that kept him from running for president. I admit it's all speculation, but remember this: Ham being in DC does not keep him away from his communications with his HQ. And, gives him immediate access to his boss. Technically speaking, he works directly for the President with communications through the SECDEF.

If you want to know whether the DoD was consulted, just take a look at the replacement of GEN Ham by the Administration. If he was asked to execute something he'd have done it. If he wanted to do something and was told no, he may have resigned in protest and it's all kept quiet by two folks: guess who they are.