Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, September 10, 1993 TAG: 9309100144
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
In a farewell interview, the retiring chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff discussed his 35-year military career, which officially ends on Sept. 30 when the baton is passed to Gen. John Shalikashvili.
Powell was the first black chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the youngest man ever to hold the office. As the nation's top military officer during the Persian Gulf War, Powell became a well-known figure to the American public. And his stock as a possible political candidate is high.
In the interview, Powell gave the strongest indication yet that he does not intend to disappear from the public arena.
"I don't want to spend the rest of my life giving speeches," the 56-year-old general said with a smile.
"I feel, just as an American citizen, and because of the position I have reached, I think there will be an obligation on me to do something in public life," Powell said.
Powell said such a development "does not suggest politics to me right now," but he also said he would not rule anything out.
"It suggests that I should find ways to use the experience I have and use the position I have achieved in some way to help communities across the country, to help young people," Powell said.
Powell will write his memoirs, at a reported $6 million, when he leaves office; he said it would not be a "kiss-and-tell."
On a current military issue, Powell said he would advise that America not "cut and run" from Somalia now that the situation has become difficult.
"I think we have to stay there for the foreseeable future to continue to play our part in the U.N. effort," he said. "And it will be very, it seems to me, unwise for us to suddenly pull our troops out. It would be devastating to our hopes for the new world order."
by CNB