More flak for Rumsfeld from ex-generals

WASHINGTON, April 13 (UPI) -- Retired Army Maj. Gen. Charles H. Swannack Jr. Thursday joined a group of former U.S. military officers critical of Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.

"We need to continue to fight the global war on terror and keep it off our shores," Swannack told The New York Times. "But I do not believe Secretary Rumsfeld is the right person to fight that war based on his absolute failures in managing the war against Saddam in Iraq."

Swannack led troops in Iraq as recently as 2004 as commander of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division, the Times reported. He became at least the fifth retired general to call publicly for Rumsfeld to resign.

Retired Army Maj. Gen. John Batiste told CNN Wednesday U.S. forces were suffering under Rumsfeld's direction.

"We need leadership up there that respects the military as they expect the military to respect them. And that leadership needs to understand teamwork," Batiste said.

Batiste commanded the 1st Infantry Division in Iraq in 2004-2005, but refused a promotion offered on condition he return. He said he believes the administration's handling of the Iraq war has violated fundamental military principles, such as unity of command and unity of effort.

Marine Lt. Gen. Gregory Newbold, Army Maj. Gen. Paul Eaton and Marine Gen. Anthony Zinni have also criticized Rumsfeld.

The criticism appears to be motivated by concern among officers that the Iraq war is taking a mounting toll on U.S. forces, while there is little sign troops will be able to withdraw in large numbers any time soon, the Times said.