General Michael Kurilla stood quietly at the podium in the Central Command Building in Tampa, his gaze still resolute. His voice was slightly hoarse but remained firm: "It is my greatest honor to have commanded them."

At this point, this general known as "Gorilla" officially ended his 40-year military career.

By all accounts, this was a dignified farewell. However, in the current atmosphere of Washington and the Pentagon, General Kurilla's retirement was given more interpretations: was it a glorious exit or a voluntary withdrawal? The subtle distance between him and the Trump administration became the focus of external attention.

A Life of a Soldier: From West Point to the Middle East

General Kurilla's military career almost coincided with the situation in the Middle East.

He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and was sent to Iraq and Afghanistan when he was young, spending ten years moving through the war zones. That was one of the most difficult periods for the U.S. military, and also the crucible of his military career.

He was shot several times in one battle and narrowly escaped death. After recovering and returning to duty, he still chose frontline missions, eventually earning two Purple Heart Medals and one Bronze Star Medal.

Those who know him say that General Kurilla has a unique authority in the military: he speaks little, his speech is slow, but every word is carefully considered. He never boasts about his achievements, yet few question his courage.

This temperament also made him appointed as the Commander of the Central Command (CENTCOM) in 2022. To many, he was the most "suitable" person for the Middle East, because he was familiar with the region and had experience dealing with complex allies and adversaries.

"Midnight Hammer": The Peak and Controversy of His Career

In June this year, the U.S. military launched a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities under the code name "Midnight Hammer." This was the highlight of General Kurilla's career and also the most controversial moment.

The operation used 12 30,000-pound "bunker buster" bombs and 30 Tomahawk missiles, directly hitting Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. President Trump later announced on television: "We bombed Iran's nuclear facilities."

For a time, media headlines were overwhelming, portraying it as "a turning point." But a few days later, a preliminary assessment leaked by the Defense Intelligence Agency cooled down the excitement. The assessment showed that the attack did not destroy key components, and Iran's nuclear program might have been delayed only by a few weeks.

This report ignited Trump's anger. He accused the intelligence community of being "stupid," criticized the media for "deceiving the public," and even hinted that the leaker was a "disloyal person."

The Pentagon then triggered a round of personnel upheaval: General Jeffrey Krus, the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, was relieved of his duties, as well as Rear Admiral Nancy J. Hall, the Commander of the Navy Reserve, and General Milton B. Sands, the Commander of the Special Operations Command, who were also removed within the same week.

Yet, this did not affect General Kurilla.

Loyalty or Professionalism?

Why did General Kurilla remain "safe" during this purge?

Some analysts believe that it is because Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has an extreme trust in him. This summer, when tensions between Israel and Iran escalated, Hegseth handed over almost all operational decision-making power to Kurilla, while Trump rarely "interfered with details."

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

This was the highest recognition of Kurilla's capabilities. But on the other hand, Kurilla never publicly endorsed the president like other generals; he always spoke as a professional soldier, unwilling to package military operations into political performances.

This "devotion to professionalism, not political statements" style made him stand out in Washington. In an era that emphasizes loyalty, his silence itself carries a contradiction: he is one of the most trusted generals by the president, yet he is the least willing to get involved in political noise.

The Tense Atmosphere in the Pentagon

General Kurilla's departure occurred in a tense Pentagon.

Within just a few weeks, several senior officers were dismissed, many of whom were related to the assessment of the Iranian nuclear strike. Trump and Hegseth's approach was very direct: if there was any disagreement, they would quickly replace the people.

Chaos in the Pentagon

This practice created a huge sense of unease among the military. Many generals began to worry that it was no longer battlefield performance that determined their fate, but whether they were "politically correct."

In this context, General Kurilla's retirement is thought-provoking. He was neither dismissed nor involved in the controversy, but instead chose to leave before the storm had ended, leaving endless speculation to the outside world.

The Dissonance Between the General and the President

To Trump and Hegseth, the military is not only a combat machine, but also part of the political narrative. For them, generals must be able to win battles and also be able to echo in the media and public.

But General Kurilla has always adhered to the "professional soldier" line:

  • He would push aircraft carriers into the Mediterranean, but would not exaggerate the results in front of the camera;
  • He would approve fighter jets to take off, but would not echo the president's political language in interviews.

This restraint was once seen as a virtue of soldiers, but today it could easily be seen as "not loyal enough." Therefore, his farewell is not only a personal choice, but also reflects the dissonance between a generation of professional soldiers and the current political climate.

The Middle East Powder Keg and the Challenges of the Successor

Kurilla's successor is Admiral Charles Bradford Cooper Jr. In the future, he will be responsible for overseeing military operations in 21 countries, where the most complicated issue remains Iran.

Admiral Charles Bradford Cooper Jr.

Experts predict that the conflict between Israel and Tehran is far from over, and the true damage to Iran's nuclear facilities remains in dispute. Cooper will not only have to deal with tactical issues, but also find a delicate balance between politics and military under Hegseth's leadership.

This is undoubtedly a daunting task. After all, what Kurilla left behind is not a stable strategic legacy, but a powder keg that is about to explode more violently.

A Different Farewell

Kurilla's farewell was not accompanied by scandals or dismissal notices like other generals. He simply quietly handed over command and left a brief and solemn statement.

However, in the current political environment, his departure was particularly meaningful. Some said it was a "rational retreat," avoiding becoming a victim of political purges; others believed it was a silent protest against the current atmosphere in the Pentagon.

No matter which interpretation, it shows that Kurilla is not only a general on the battlefield, but also an outsider in the political era. Perhaps, the real wisdom of this "Gorilla" general lies not only in how to command wars, but also in knowing when to withdraw from the storm.

Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7542956771078390291/

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