Free Retribution (Soldier Up - Book Five 5) by Steven Linde

would in most cases turn out to be reasonable solutions.  General Townsend asked them why they didn’t bring up their ideas to the chain of command. They were blunt and told him they did, but no one wanted to listen.  Another leadership failure General Townsend pointed out. 
                  General Townsend spent another thirty minutes reviewing the status of the 18 th and berating his peers over the leadership failures.  Lastly, he added they still had a long way to go and they all needed to step up their games and think outside the box and listen to everyone’s idea.  With that, General Townsend introduced General Welford. He left the podium as General Welford took over.  “Well wasn’t that a real eye opener?” General Welford led with which garnered a few chuckles.  “General Townsend is correct; without a doubt we need to step it up like our counterparts on the West Coast.  How many have asked yourself why was the West Coast successful in regrouping and moving forward in a manner which we couldn’t?” General Welford asked the group and no one responded.  “Simple, the architect of the recovery back there was a Special Forces Officer who had gotten intense public and military training on what to expect and how to handle such an event.  Special Operations was also prepared for this and by their very nature in operations, they are all taught and trained to think of out-of-the-box solutions to a situation.  Their chain of command listens to their people and expects nothing less primarily because each one is considered the ultimate professional.”
                  General Welford looked around the room to make sure he had everyone’s attention. “The Division has worked hand-in-hand with the 18 th and the rest of Fort Bragg.  Yes it’s true that I ordered soldiers into Fayetteville to secure big box stores that were near post against orders.  If General Wallace wants to prosecute me for it, then so be it. I stand by my decision.  I also sent soldiers against orders to help what civilians we could early on and escort service members and some retirees onto post.  I was reprimanded by General Portson and then given his blessing on it as long as I was only using 82 nd resources which I was.” General Wallace waved his hand signaling to General Welford, “No one is going to get prosecuted for anything or reprimanded. I applaud your initiative and wish we had more like you.  So let’s move on with the briefing and where we’re at with your division,” General Wallace said.
                  “Yes sir, will do and thank you,” General Welford replied. 
                  General Welford went on with his briefing regarding bringing humanitarian efforts to Fayetteville and the surrounding communities.  He spoke at length regarding their engagements with the gangs and militias.  He was adamant that each new encounter with a militia group it was becoming even more difficult as it seemed they were better organized and had better weapons. However, their training and leadership was still horrible.  But, added that he believed it was only a matter of time before they ran into a force that might equal their own, yet added they were the 82 nd Airborne the toughest bastards on the block and he was still sure they could take the fight to the enemy and win.  He reviewed the current personnel status as well vehicles, weapons, ammunition, food and fuel.  He then concluded his presentation, asked if there were any questions and there weren’t any.  With that, he left the podium and sat back down.  The conference room was quiet for a bit, than General Wallace spoke. “I’ve got only one question for the three of you.”
                  “Yes sir, what’s that?” General Portson asked.
                  “When were any of you going to tell me about Colonel Magnus?” General Wallace stated.
                  “Sir where did