I am pleased that Lieutenant Colonel Albert Garland read and commented on my article. I still believe, though, that military executives are more systematically prepared than their civilian counterparts to become high-level executives in the Department of Defense. Garland's comments on my article can be dealt with on three fundamental levels. He does not seem to understand that there are major role differences and role expectations between a manager and an executive. My analysis states it is the executive role that creates major problems for civilians, not the middle managerial role or the project manager role.
Executive positions require leadership abilities much more than nitty-gritty managerial techniques.
Technical expertise is only one dimension of executive competence. Hence, one can lead without having brilliant technical skills. Finally, there are effective and ineffective career executives in both the civilian and military services. Federal Executive Institute Contributor Dr. Stupak is Professor of Political Science and Contemporary Affairs and Senior Faculty Member at the Federal Executive Institute, Charlottesville, Virginia. The conclusions and opinions expressed in this document are those of the author cultivated in the freedom of expression, academic environment of Air University.