1) one has nothing to do with the other. he's been exposed to the environment and inner workings longer than bush which to me makes him more experienced. i've already answered the second part of your question.
2) again one isn't always related to the other. his experience in battle shows that he knows what it's like to actually fight and shed blood for your country. him bringing light to war atrocities is nothing new and doesn't change the fact that he served and fought in battle.
3) i don't think he's respected by all soldiers so i can't answer this question. but i'm sure there are people he fought with on both sides of the fence with their own agenda. like you said...accusations.
