IMO, answer is: NOPE. After the “tragedy” Billy C. looked around and said “who should I pick, who do I know?” For 2 reasons:

A- J.J. had been Vice CJTF for Haiti (to Big Para who later became JCS). This operation was considered a success by that administration;

B- Remember that big hurricane bearing down on Norfolk/VA Beach in ’95 when J.J. took the Fleet out and evaded the monster? Remember his reports to CNN every day? Name recognition. Plus his daughter was runner up as Miss America…

Tis all it takes. The guy went from CAG to 4-star CNO in 3.5 years- impressive. BTW, he didn’t impress me as being anything BUT a conservative (fairly close observation). In the big scheme of things, I think he did his best during that false era.

BTW, Teflon” component comes from TH investigation.

B2

I assume the “Teflon” comment about Johnson was not meant as a compliment. I thought he was no worse than his successor and better than the guy he had to relieve on short notice…..

There is a what if for you. Johnson was VCNO when the CNO comitted suicide. Had that not happened, would he have been CNO?

As Willard’s time in C7F. Well the list of folks he fired is long and distinguished. Thankfully my boss and myself were not among that list. So I count that as a plus………….

Still think you will see Willard as at least CPF…………..

“Where does a vice CNO go for his next assignment?”

Things have changed Snake. VCNO ain’t a dead end like it used to be.

Teflon Johnson became CNO after VCNO. The last dude- Fox Fallon is now PACOM. Rat may still get a CINC job or vice JCS, but it did sound sort of cold. Maybe HE got tired of all the BS going on..

Sure Skippy, I’m sure he’s made your life difficult (Same billet for how long-Ha) when he was C7F but of course you’ve been there so long YOU should be C7F, himself,…

NOT.

B2

PS, B2, Rat=Willard…CUTE!!!