Posted on Jul 28, 2017
History buff question...Has there ever been a time in U.S History where so many retired military Generals were in key positions of power?
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Responses: 25
Not that I can recall. One of the lessons in SOS is about the love the military is getting now vs objectivity of civilians to soften our warrior ethos. In my opinion, that is how we got here and it has been growing since Desert Storm. The fear; however, and the reason it is mitigated by civilian leadership- is the fear of a military coup created by those loved generals that leave with love/respect of the troops. I think that is Hollywood and not reality however. Personally I think it lends strength to a weakened status projected to the rest of the world.
SP5 Mark Kuzinski MSgt Jason McClish SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SSG Pete Fleming SGT John " Mac " McConnellCOL Mikel J. Burroughs SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas LTC Stephen F. TSgt Joe C. Capt Dwayne ConyersMSgt Stephen Council SP5 Robert Ruck CPL Eric Escasio SSgt Robert Marx Maj William W. "Bill" PriceSgt Steven Thomas SrA Christopher Wright LTC Stephen C. SFC (Join to see) MSG Andrew White
SP5 Mark Kuzinski MSgt Jason McClish SMSgt Lawrence McCarter SSG Pete Fleming SGT John " Mac " McConnellCOL Mikel J. Burroughs SMSgt Minister Gerald A. "Doc" Thomas LTC Stephen F. TSgt Joe C. Capt Dwayne ConyersMSgt Stephen Council SP5 Robert Ruck CPL Eric Escasio SSgt Robert Marx Maj William W. "Bill" PriceSgt Steven Thomas SrA Christopher Wright LTC Stephen C. SFC (Join to see) MSG Andrew White
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Not to my knowledge... next question. Has there ever been a time in history with so FEW veterans in Congress?
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GySgt John O'Donnell
No, but without the requirement of military service like in generations past we probably would fix that. But I wish we could...
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Harry Truman certainly had more generals in his administration than President Trump does and prior to the 1960s military service was almost required of politicians. That said, I get the feeling that President Trump prefers former General Officers for three reasons. First they have a sense of loyalty beat into them during their career, second they grew up in a system where competence and performance are required, and finally the whole idea of deposing a President is anathema to them.
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GySgt John O'Donnell
Great response. I could not find much about former Generals under past Presidents, but I will dig some more regarding Truman.
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PVT Raymond Lopez
General of the Army George Catlett Marshal, Jr the World War two Chief of Staff of the Army and a fellow smart mouthed Pennsylvania boy like myself “I need an officer for a secret and dangerous mission I want a West Point football player.” He was so trusted that President Franklin Roosevelt told he could not sleep at night when he was not in Washington!
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