Retired military leaders like Maj. Gen. Paul Eaton said that they chose to openly voice their displeasure with the current U.S. administration's approach to the war after finding their advice ignored by top-ranking officials, the San Diego Union-Tribune said Sunday.

"The ethos is: Give your advice to those in a position to make changes, not the media,” Eaton said. “But this administration is immune to good advice.”

Eaton's comments were echoed by other former military heads, who said the government's approach to the war was unwise and unfair in a democratic society.

While the retired generals were attempting to ensure the safety of U.S. troops stationed in Iraq, some retired military officials have said the comments likely had the opposite effect.

"When we are at war, voices that may give aid and comfort to the enemy can cost American blood,” Navy Vice Adm. David Richardson told the newspaper. “I would not want what I said to in any way affect our troops' morale and effectiveness.”