Brian M Downing
The military is a powerful national institution that traditionally stays out of politics. Generals and admirals respect institutional norms almost as much as they do the Constitution. One of the norms says to avoid criticizing presidents, especially while on active duty.
There’ve been notable exceptions. MacArthur had little regard for Truman, Walker had a dim view of Kennedy, and Singlaub openly criticized Carter. All three generals were shown the door. Their peers respected the decisions as all three had violated institutional norms. Retired officers aren’t bound by the norms but most abide by them. Some have run for president or vice president, others join media outlets and think tanks.
In recent days three retired four-stars (Allen, Mullen, and Mattis) have criticized President Trump more harshly than any colleagues in the media or think tanks. They did not diverge from him on matters of a policy here and there. More is at stake. They accused him of intentionally worsening divisions and endangering the Constitution. Their views are almost certainly widespread among other high-ranking officers, active-duty and retired. The rank and file is another story.
The rebukes come on the heels of the president’s threat to use the armed forces to disperse protesters – some of them quite violent – outside the White House and around the country. The generals may have calculated that the unrest would soon expend itself or that local police could handle things with tear gas. There’s likely more behind their outspokenness.
The military has been wary of its image since the intemperate mood of the Vietnam era cast disdain on the military, from four-star to buck private. The sight of armed troops in body armor scattering and arresting civilians could not be welcome, the operation could drag on longer than thought, and racial fissures in society might break out in the rank and file.
Most importantly, the officers were concerned that the use of force would be interpreted as sign the military was siding with the president and his popular base, neither of whom is as supportive of the Constitution as they.
The generals and admirals worry about deepening political divisions in America, as does everyone. But they may be especially dismayed by strong support for the president in the rank and file – and by the prospect that it may undermine the cohesion and effectiveness of the armed forces amid a global confrontation with China and Russia.
A consensus may be forming among our generals that the nation would be better served by a new commander-in-chief next year. They may also be coming to the grim realization that they are more dedicated to the Constitution than the major parties and the public at large. That’s where we stand today.
© 2020 Brian M Downing
Brian M Downing is a national security analyst who’s written for outlets across the political spectrum. He studied at Georgetown University and the University of Chicago, and did post-graduate work at Harvard’s Center for International Affairs. Thanks as ever to Susan Ganosellis.