The supreme law of the land, the U.S. Constitution, makes it clear that command of the U.S. military resides with the elected civilian leadership of the government, and not solely with the military brass itself. That is how it should be.
But common sense says that political apointees to the top leadership positions at the Defense Department should have military experience so that they understand military strategy and provide what the military needs to fight and win a war.
Given the dangerous times we live in, future Presidents should nominate qualified people for these positions and not someone because of their political connections (though they are useful) or to reward a political favor as has happened in the past. (I'm not referring to Rumsfeld--he's a former Navy pilot). And the Senate, when confirming the leadership of the Pentagon, should be asking the kinds of questions that will prevent such an event from happening.
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