From the Pentagon to the Private Sector

[defendandprotect]

Published on Sunday, December 26, 2010 by The Boston Globe

From the Pentagon to the Private Sector

In large numbers, and with few rules, retiring generals are taking lucrative
defense-firm jobs

by Bryan Bender

EXCERPT ONLY --

Among the Globe findings:

■ Dozens of retired generals employed by defense firms maintain Pentagon advisory roles, giving them unparalleled levels of influence and access to inside information on Department of Defense procurement plans.

■ The generals are, in many cases, recruited for private sector roles well before they retire, raising questions about their independence and judgment while still in uniform. The Pentagon is aware and even supports this practice.

■ The feeder system from some commands to certain defense firms is so powerful that successive generations of commanders have been hired by the same firms or into the same field. For example, the last seven generals and admirals who worked as Department of Defense gatekeepers for international arms sales are now helping military contractors sell weapons and defense technology overseas.

■ When a general-turned-businessman arrives at the Pentagon, he is often treated with extraordinary deference — as if still in uniform — which can greatly increase his effectiveness as a rainmaker for industry. The military even has name for it — the “bobblehead effect.’’



http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2010/12/26/defense_firms_lure_retired_generals/?page=full

-----------------------------

Revolving Pentagon Door Fuels 'Militarization of Economy'

"CLEAR POTENTIAL FOR CONFLICT" --

NOTE THE LIST OF BOSTON GLOBE FINDINGS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ARTICLE --

[Kaleko]

1. This is how a cancerous social system perpetuates itself

and spreads its disease. Unless it is cut out completely and ruthlessly, it will destroy its hosts - which in this case amounts to the global economy.

So what's it gonna be?