One the one hand, I can sympathize for these two, who have taken heat for more than a decade of institutional neglect, most of which preceeded their administrations.  I know it takes a herculean effort to right a mismanaged bureaucracy.  The misdeeds which occurred, while grave in the extreme, are more likely the result of pasts administrations than the present. 

 

However, Gates had to send a message that would resonate:  Air Force leaders are responsible and must take an active role in insuring  the job gets done--OR ELSE.  If the leaders he fired were inadequate to the task, it is sad, but necessary.  The job is not a prize or privilege, but a responsibility.  Clearly they were not up to it.

 

Our nuclear security is not to be taken lightly.  Gates did the right thing in dropping the hammer, even when it did not land on those most responsible.  I applaud him for making the tough, but correct choice.