I don't usually do this, but I simply couldn't say this any better so I decided to copy and paste it. Which I'll have to do by actually reading and typing this whole thing out because I can't find the article online... This is from the opinion column in the back ot today's Marine Corps Times newspaper, entitled "How Obama can win trust". Here goes:

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If the combined forces of the U.S. military were a state, it's 2.2 million residents would have voted strongly in favor of Sen. John McCain in last week's election - giving him five votes, the same as Nevada, in the electoral college.

Those votes would not have swung an election in which Sen. Barack Obama won a clear majority in both the popular vote and the electoral college. But more than any so-called "red state," the military must now turn-to and salute it's new commander in chief.

There is no question that service members will follow their next president. Honoring the chain of command, adherence to the Constitution and obeying orders are enduring principles of military service.

But for Obama, who promised those who didn't support him on election night, "I will be your president, too," it will take a determined and steady effort to earn the trust and respect of a military suspicious of his motives and his politics.

In a Military Times interview last summer, he acknowledged as much: "Precisely because I have not served in uniform, I am somebody who strongly believes I have to earn the trust of men and women in uniform."

President-elect Obama, here's how you can do that:

Choose a wise and strong defense secretary. Leadership starts at the top. The next defense secretary must be knolwedgeable, experienced and willing to listen to opinions different from his own. He must have your ear and your respect, and the will to make unpopular decisions when necessary.

Don't quit fighting. The surge did make a difference in Iraq, and progress continues. Everyone wants to bring the troops home - but it's essential to focus more on achieving lasting peace than on sticking to a notional schedule for how fast we can withdraw. Meanwhile, U.S. commanders in Afghanistan are asking for and getting more troops. But you must continue to press NATO for more troops for combat missions and to train Afghan security forces. And work closely with Gen. David Petraeus, now head of Central Command, to implement the best strategy for success.

Bolster the national will. A president must rally the nation behind our military efforts overseas. The Bush administration fell short on this obligation. You must do better.

Love your troops. As president, you hold their lives in your hands. Honor them. Respect them. They didn't have to serve their country; they volunteered. Pay them what they're worth, and make sure you care for them after they come home and after they hang up their uniforms.

Listen to your generals. They are your military experts. You can benefit from their experience and collective wisdom.

Promote the best and brightest. Working through your defense secretary, you owe it to your troops to ensure that the most talented officers are both heard and promoted, and that different perspectives are given voice. Diversity of opinion is essential to good debate, debate is essential to innovation - and our military thrives on innovation.

Save the social engineering experiments for later. The last Democrat in the White House squandered his first months as commander in chief, alienating troops by clashing with Congress and the Joint Chiefs over opening the military to gays, which led to the compromise "don't ask, don't tell" policy. However much you may wish to fulfill your pledge to change that law, don't rush. Doing so now will create a distraction that will undermine your leadership and more immediate goals. Solve Iraq and Afghanistan first.

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So yeah, there it is. On another note, I heard a nasty rumor that Obama wants to merge the Marine Corps into the Army. I can't even begin to explain how stupid he would have to be to do such a thing, the Army and the Marine Corps are NOT the same, not even close... nor is the Army capable of undertaking the mission the Marine Corps does, not in their wildest dreams... but I digress. I have searched, and found no facts supporting such a claim. It's just a rumor I overheard at the PX while I was purchasing the very newspaper I took this article from.

If I find out later on that there is some truth to it, you can count on another blog from me detailing exactly why the Marine Corps is a necessary piece of America's military might, and why the Army couldn't do what we do even if they wanted to.