The Pentagon - Wikipedia
* The military chiefs penned-an op ed warning of risks to civil-military relations
* They call civilian control the 'bedrock' of U.S. democracy
* They cite polarization over 'the first election in over a century when the peaceful transfer of political power was disrupted and in doubt'
* They note the military is obliged 'to refuse to carry out an illegal or unconstitutional policy/order/action'
* They write that civil military relations are set up 'to ensure that the destructive and coercive power wielded by the U.S. armed forces is not misused'
* Article references Afghan withdrawal, clearing of Lafayette Square in 2000, and peaceful transfer of power being 'in doubt'
A group of former Pentagon chiefs and chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff have penned a new letter warning of risks of political instability and the importance of civilian-military relations in an unstable environment – along with the potential for misuse of the military.
The retired civilian and military officials cite political polarization in the U.S. – as well as 'the first election in over a century when the peaceful transfer of political power was disrupted and in doubt.'
It was a reference to former President Donald Trump's repeated claims of election fraud, and his refusal for weeks to authorize a transition after networks called the election for Joe Biden.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: The letter is here .... To Support and Defend: Principles of Civilian Control and Best Practices of Civil-Military Relations (War On The Rocks).
The letter was signed by former Defense Secretaries Ash Carter, William Cohen, Mark Esper, Robert Gates, Chuck Hagel, James Mattis, Leon Panetta and William Perry. It was also signed by five former chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, namely retired Gens. Martin Dempsey, Joseph Dunford Jr., Richard Myers, and Peter Pace as well as retired Adm. Michael Mullen.
Former Pentagon Leaders Sign A Letter Saying That Civilian-Military Relations Are Now Under ‘Extreme Strain’
Former Defense leaders decry ‘extremely adverse’ political climate -- Politico
Former Defense secretaries, retired generals warn of threats of political polarization -- The Hill
Civilian-military relations under 'extreme strain,' former Pentagon leaders say -- FOX News
Former U.S. Defense secretaries issue political polarization warning -- UPI
Civilian-military relations under ‘extreme strain,’ former Pentagon leaders say -- NYPost
Former top Pentagon officials warn of "extreme strain" on civilian-military relations -- Axios
No comments:
Post a Comment