1.   Retired brass from other nations, including Russia, will echo their call.

2.   The usual stream of leaks to Congress and retired military brass has all but dried up.

3.   While Pentagon officials insist the stringent requirements in the statutes have not changed, some retired brass fear politics has colored the selection process recently.

4.   Nevertheless, some critics are uneasy with the idea of retired military brass who are privy to American military expertise going into business for themselves.