re: What in the world is going on with the President search? What is McMaster doing?

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The job is supposed to require a doctorate degree,

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This is the crux of the issue among USC faculty and admin that oppose the hire. I worked in higher ed admin previously at the University of Mississippi and, coincidentally, made a move here to Columbia this summer. I assure you. Bob Caslen's ability to function with distinction as the USC President should not be in doubt. If he was Dr. Caslen, it would be a no brainer. It is ego and nothing more.

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He has zero record as a fund-raiser. He has zero record in the field of research. He does however, have a strong record in military tactical strategies.

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This is shortsighted and incorrect to a large degree. His previous experiences in the Army's generating force outweigh his tactical experiences in its operational force, IMO.

As a former commandant of cadets and eventually the Superintendent at West Point, he is more than prepared for the position. He is an extraordinary leader and good man. Bob Caslen will quickly earn the respect of Admin and faculty alike. He is an gifted organizational leader and will build a stronger team.

I worked for him when he was the Commanding General of the Combined Arms Center (CAC) at Ft. Leavenworth.

With more than 32k servicemembers and civilian employees stationed around the US and throughout the world, CAC is one of the largest organizations in the Army. It manages a huge portfolio with lead efforts in force modernization in a dozen+ proponent areas. So, yes, I do believe he has some experience in the field of research and development, as well as advocating for funding for these efforts with both the elected officials and Army purse string holders. While different than shaking the trees for alumni donations, he is charismatic and a visionary. Raising funds and attracting research grants is not going to be the issue.

In addition, CAC manages the Army leader development, Army profession, and Army education centers. Bob Caslen helped set the course for the creation of the Army Univeristy system, headquarted under the control of CAC, that supervises curriculum, funding, and management of 16 Army branch schools, and seven non-branch schools along with 37 other US Army schools, which train and educate more than 500,000 students annually, including nearly 10,000 students from 146 separate nations and more than 10,000 sister service students. This doesn't include the supervision of dozens of Army educational programs, fellowships and partnerships with top tier Universities throughout the nation.

I understand some of the backlash due to the appearance of undue influence in the hire. But, as stated in another post, Caslen should not be considered a political appointee for the right. His personal views would surprise many and they will likely begin to show as he is no longer bound to remaining apolitical in his expressed opinions like current servicemen and women.

In any case, it is a homerun hire for many reasons. If the opposition will give him a chance, I think they will be well pleased.

ETA: he does need to pull his son's social media access; immature punk.