Funny, I having been considering this news and all for a couple of hours, formulating my opinions and the content of another I KNOW nuttin` post, and your post hits every ``issue``.

First, I`ve NEVER really liked the idea of an engineer at the helm. No disrespect to engineering types, but in my experience (business guy who nearly always worked in a high tech, engineering-orient world) they make terrible Presidents/CEOs (to the point of idiocy). Focused, intensely focused, on minute details without seeing the big picture, and unable look at things from more than one perspective (see example below). Usually not very people-oriented (though that`s not as important in a small company). Will, however, was obviously what`s called a ``Program/Project Manager``. Usually engineers, but, in areospace, they have to have a lot of business smarts as well. They ``run the show`` for the program/project, and are held accountable for results to a large degree, especially budget and meeting schedule (your next contract depends on it). So here, I feel much more comfortable with Will at the helm.

Second, communication. No offense to those with a strong accent, but when nobody can understand WTF you`re saying, you not only don`t communicate, but people will run from you to avoid the strain of listening to you. Not good when you figure FF had Atul in tow for meetings with prospective customers. The AMS.... Have you ever experienced THAT at any other such meeting, interview, or anything? I found it quite troubling.... I have to think that Will can ``speaky engy`` in a descernable fashion.

Only little conflict with what you say has to do with contacts in the DoD. I just wouldn`t get to excited about it. Rarely are contracts awarded based on ``the person``. His commercial world experience is much more compelling; contacts there can pay off. Set-top boxes. Hmmmm. But his DoD background has acquainted him with how DoD business works (it just ain`t the same as commercial, though the DoD has made moves to get ``closer`` via the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act - FASA). For instance, overrun a commercial contract and you`ll take a lot of internal lumps, but your customer would probably never know, or care. Overrun a DoD contract and you`ll not only take internal lumps, but your customer does know and does care (with FASA, the number one source selection criteria item is called ``Past Performance`` - timely delivery of compliant product on budget). Again, promotes more of a broad, business view.

While any sudden change in top management is a bit distressing, I`m NOT disappointed. But, as others have noted, time will tell.

SGE

Example of Engineer CEO idiocy: Some 10 years ago, our relatively new (Engineer) President and CEO voiced a perceived concern. He`d go to meetings/presentations, and people actually brought copies of the presentation to the meeting to pass out to attendees to aid in following the presentation, facilitate note-taking, and to provide a historical record. He didn`t like it, thought it was a waste of money. So he sends a hardcopy letter to EVERY employee in the company, subject: STOP IT! Directed that copies of presentations NEVER be made in advance, and if attendees wanted a copy, they had to specifically ask for it. So, he spends money on the copies and distribution and time for each person to read the thing (ignoring the associated laugh time and long talks, head scratching, etc.), when less than 10% of the people ``needed`` his guidance, and WE HAD EMAIL.