WASHINGTON INSIGHT

POWELL II? Don’t look for major changes in the nation’s military policy when Army Gen. John M. Shalikashvili takes over in October for departing Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Colin L. Powell. That’s the word from Pentagon officials and private defense analysts. . . . “Gen. Shali” is a Powell protege who is likely to continue his mentor’s policies. He is, for instance, expected to insist that Clinton and Defense Secretary Les Aspin set precise political and military objectives before sending U.S. troops into harm’s way, and he is also likely to insist on using maximum force. He is unlikely to be any more liberal than Powell on such hot issues as gays in the military. . . . But Shalikashvili is expected to be more flexible on one point: showing greater willingness to embark on humanitarian missions.