McChrystal was fired for insubordination. In the American military chain of command (which EVERY American military man is expected to follow), the president is at the very tip-top. You do what he says and you always show him the proper respect. If you do not, you will be replaced. "Reasoned debate" has no place in the chain of command--you do what you're told and you keep your opinions about it to yourself.

When I served, my chain of command was rigid. If you had a problem, you took it to your immediate senior, not to his senior. If you jump that chain, stand by for a severe ass-chewing. You could, in fact, get brought up for non-judicial punishment for doing it. The chain of command MUST be followed. The president is at the top of that chain. If he tells you to do it, you do it. You may ask for clarification or raise questions about your orders, but if the president says, "Just do what I told you," then you do it. There's no reasoned debate. You do what you're told. If you don't or if you carry it out grudgingly, expect to be replaced with the proper ass-chewing coming somewhere before that.

That's how it is when you are in the military. Don't like it, too bad. You don't get a say and there is no reasoned debate. You either carry your orders out in a timely, professional manner or you get shown the door. McChrystal had it coming. Just because he was honest doens't make him immune to be being disciplined. It doesn't mean anything at all. You do what you're told or you're gone. It's that simple.