Leadership: October 26, 2002

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For several decades, the four star generals in charge of the regional commands overseas (like CENTCOM, or Central Command, that covers the Middle East and Afghanistan), were called CINCs (for Commander in Chief.) But on October 24, 2002, the Secretary of Defense issued an order that henceforth, only the president of the United States (who is, per the constitution, the "commander in chief of the armed forces") would be referred to as a CINC. The old CINCs would be referred to by new titles, like Commander, US Central Command. That, however, does not roll off the tongue. So the question is, what new shorthand name will emerge to identify the CINCs who can't be called CINCs any more. Betting pools are said to be forming throughout the Department of Defense as millions of troops and journalists eagerly await the emergence of a new acronym. 

 

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