What's the common thread?

The Decider is furiously creasing his brow, trying to determine whether a surge of troops is a good idea or not, while the Joint Chiefs of Staff are reluctant to embrace this notion.

Let's look at who comprises the Joint Chiefs, what years they entered into military service and what in history might be shading their opinions, shall we?

Chairman: Gen. Peter Pace...................................................1967
Vice Chair: Adm. Edmund P. Giambiastiani, Jr.....................1970
Army Chief of Staff: Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker....................1969
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Michael G. Mullen..............1968
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley..................1972
Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. James T. Conway...1970

These men were all junior officers during the Vietnam war.

When the president says "surge" that isn't what they are hearing. They are hearing what everyone old enough to have memories of Viet Nam hears. Troop Buildup. It didn't work back then when it was foisted on them, and it won't work now. However, now they aren't Lieutenants and Ensigns. They are Generals and Admirals. Now they can push back. They owe it to the troops in their command to do so.