One of the worst things you can do to a boss

Box him or her in. 

By openly declaring their views on the Afghan war, US military leaders have placed President Barack Obama in a bind as he faces a fraught decision over the troubled US-led mission. 

But while a war council takes place behind closed doors at the White House, top military officers have made no secret of their view that without a vast ground force, the Afghan mission could end in failure.

Instead of going public, the military leaders should have provided analysis--instead of conclusions--to the Commander in Chief. 

If the organizational structure is broken, then fix it.  Otherwise, respect the organizational structure that you have.  For bosses this means not jumping over subordinates to get directly involved in their decisions; and for subordinates, this means sending information up the chain of command, and not around the chain of command to your boss's boss, i.e., to the people of the United States.