The Defense Department's civilian and uniformed leadership alike denounced it, noting that H.I.V.-positive service members were performing admirably throughout the military.

None of the uniformed military leadership was in favor of initiating these changes until after the Commander in Chief changed policies.

The statement notes that the secretary had 273 meetings with senior commanders last year, illustrating "that Secretary Rumsfeld respects and relies on the judgment of the Pentagon's uniformed leadership."

The book, "Lightning Rod," detailed the creation, evolution, and influence of the senior scientific adviser to the uniformed leadership of the Air Force (the Air Staff).

The Department calls its approach to this "federated"-meaning that uniformed and civilian leadership at all levels in the DoD are accountable for transformation progress.

Admiral Kelso's remarks today ran counter to recent efforts by the uniformed leadership to mute their disagreements with the President on issues like homosexuals in the military and budget cuts.

"To date, we have not heard those messages from the uniformed military leadership."

Female Air Force pilots express dismay that the Air Force's uniformed leadership, which is dominated by male fighter pilots, cannot see the handwriting on the Pentagon wall.

Under current plans, strongly supported by the uniformed leadership, the transition to a contracted, rather than conscripted force would not begin in earnest until 2011.

Its political leadership is leaving and its uniformed leadership has been discredited by scandal.