Shinseki acknowledged for military record, accurate Iraq predictions

OLYMPIA – The Senate today passed a resolution to honor Gen. Eric Shinseki, the first Asian American four-star general in U.S. history, who gained national attention for his remarks on the number of troops needed for the post-war Iraq.

“It is important for us to honor Gen. Shinseki for his outstanding service to our country and acknowledge that he was accurate in his view that a larger post-war force would be needed in Iraq,” said Sen. Ken Jacobsen, D-Seattle. “It’s about time that someone stepped up to the plate to recognize him since the civilian leadership publicly rejected his opinion in 2003.”

Shinseki served as a four-star general who led one of the four United States military services as chief of staff of the Army in 1999. He was placed in the spotlight for his remarks to the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, where he predicted that several-hundred thousand soldiers would probably be required for post-war Iraq. Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and former Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz publicly disagreed with his estimate. On Nov. 15, 2006, in testimony before Congress, Gen. John Abizaid asserted Shinseki’s estimate had proved correct.

The Legislature passed a resolution recognizing Shinseki for his courage, dedication and service to our country.

“I respect Gen. Shinseki for his commitment to our country because he attempted to raise awareness that the Iraq mission load exceeded the force capabilities that we could sustain,” Jacobsen said. “In light of his predictions being accurate, it’s only fair for us to acknowledge that he was correct.”

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