General James Conway, truly a Marine's Commandant, has been in the thick of these issues throughout his four-year tenure.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Send away the Marines?

And, of course, the Marine Commandant General James Conway told reporters just last week he wants to see even more Marines head to Afghanistan.

NPR: How Many U.S. Troops Needed In Iraq, Afghanistan?

Gates then selected a successor to retiring Marine Corps Commandant General James Conway who was likely to be more tractable in deliberations about future military needs.

FORBES: Gates Challenges Marine Corps' Mission