As more organizations and commenters discuss the supposed recommendation by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to nominate General James Amos as the next Commandant of the Marine Corps, there is speculation that his views on “Don’t ask, don’t tell” played a role.  The current Commandant, General James Conway, was the most forcefully outspoken against the repeal of DADT among the Service Chiefs.

The speculation appears to attempt to explain why Amos, an aviator who would head the Marines during what is largely a ground war, was chosen over the “leading contender,” General James Mattis.  As some have suggested, it seems unlikely that a military advisory position to the President would be filled based solely on views on a single policy, though it is certainly possible the issue was raised.  At least one homosexual advocacy site claims to have inside information that Amos’ views on DADT “mirror Mullen’s.”

Amos is also described as more reserved compared to both the current Commandant Conway and the potential contender Mattis — a point which may render moot his own feelings on significant policy changes.  To date, there has been no public pronouncement of Amos’ position on the policy, though it will likely come to light if his name does go to nomination.

On an unrelated note, “James” seems to be an amazingly popular name for Marine General officers (Conway, Mattis, Amos…).