Silence is Golden

For John, BLUF:  Misreading history may be a problem with the American News Media  Our history is one of the military staying out of politics, but with individual military officers stepping in, but the majority following the George C Marshall model.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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For top military officials, silence is the order of the day

From The Boston Globe, by Reporter Brian MacQuarrie, 16 September 2020.

Here is the lede plus three:

When President Trump reportedly belittled American war dead as “losers” and “suckers,” they said nothing.  When he alleged that the Pentagon seeks perpetual war to benefit US defense contractors, they did not confront him.

Rarely in American history has the president been more critical of his military leadership, yet the nation’s active-duty commanders have refused to challenge him publicly, even as many Americans clamor for them to do so.  Instead, they have remained silent, adhering to an unwritten code to keep their policy and political opinions to themselves.

“Speaking out is a personal decision, and I prefer to keep my damn mouth shut.  That came from the guys I grew up under,” said Peter Aylward, a retired Army major general and Melrose native who served 35 years in the military.

“When you take the uniform off, you don’t want to put the folks coming up behind you in jeopardy at all, and make the civilian leadership feel those officers are being politicized,” Aylward said.  “I wouldn’t comment publicly on what’s going on right now.”

Yes, we recently saw a list of 235 General and Flag Officers, all retired, publically advocating for reelection of President Trump.  I recognized two as classmates from the Air Force Academy and one a classmade from Army War College.  I also say a couple of previous commanders.

The Globle Writer doesn't have the historic perspective, where we find it best if Generals (and Admirals) play the role of good public servant, remaining publically silent, and if they reach their limit, resign.  It does not help the Republic to do well for senior military officers to be offering up their own opinions on issues of national interest.

I wish the 235 had all held their counsel, but this is America and we are all citizens.

Regards  —  Cliff