But however strategic they may be, McChrystal’s new marching orders have

caused an intense backlash among his own troops. Being told to hold their fire,

soldiers complain, puts them in greater danger. “Bottom line?” says a former Special

Forces operator who has spent years in Iraq and Afghanistan. “I would love

to kick McChrystal in the nuts. His rules of engagement put soldiers’ lives in even

greater danger. Every real soldier will tell you the same thing.”