U.S. military defies the President (over Ebola)

2014-10-28T16:01:14-04:00

The U.S. military has indicated (actually, they have disobeyed) they will not comply with the White House's recommended measures to deal with the Ebola virus.

Now, this discussion is not about Ebola. It is, however, about the Department of Defense openly defying the executive branch of government.

Is this a first? Do you agree? Comments, please!

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2014/10/28/obama-ebola-aid-workers-west-africa/18059485/

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 28 at 2014 6:42 PM

2014-10-28T18:42:20-04:00

LTC Strickland, I don't read it that way. The President's comments seem targeted to the general population. Military commanders have different guidance and operational readiness concerns. We'll need them to help maintain order and discipline if things go wrong.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Oct 29 at 2014 7:32 AM

2014-10-29T07:32:54-04:00

I read it the same way as SGM Private RallyPoint Member. By reading the attached article, it seems the military is practicing the time honored past time of "adding to but not taking away from" a policy.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2014 7:37 AM

2014-10-29T07:37:02-04:00

Here's what John Q. Public had to say about it on FB:

"POTUS says that Ebola quarantine rules are different for military and civilians because:

1) Military members are not working directly with patients. (in what rational universe does this make sense?)

2) Military members aren't "volunteers" (while they probably are somewhat mortified to find out what they volunteered for, they are indeed volunteers. How does POTUS not understand this?)

3) The civilian volunteers are "taking time away from their families" (this is just offensive to anyone who has spent time in uniform, especially since 2001).

This might recommend to suspicion that we're not being told the truth about the Ebola support operation currently being conducted by our US military. It also raises fair questions about whether the President has any earthly idea what life is like for his all-volunteer service members. To the extent he doesn't "get it" ... shame on the advisors who are supposed to be making sure he does."

https://www.facebook.com/jqpublic?fref=nf

John Q. Public

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Oct 29 at 2014 11:02 AM

2014-10-29T11:02:57-04:00

I have not a clue if this is a first time that the military has 'struck out on its own' for decissions...but I suspect not. I think that it is appropriate for DoD to determine what they can and cannot do, based on mission, need, and other variables that are not always understood by politicians (especially those that have no military experience). Often times, what is spoken sounds good, but if implimented, will not pass the sniff test in action. Military is proceeding with a 21 day quarentine, not recommended/deemed overkill by CDC... HOWEVER: military members come home and spread out, have concerned family members, community stresses because people at home don't really know WHAT they did, WHO they came in contact with, or exactly WHERE they were at. By placing in 21 days quarentine, while it may be overkill, it will lend credibility to the families, friends, and communities that are receiving these members back home. There is less chance for hostilities or worry against these team members.

Response by PO2 Charles Engelberger made Oct 30 at 2014 12:04 PM

2014-10-30T12:04:44-04:00

Instead Of Sending Patients Back To America, Send A Hospital Ship Over There To Handle everything....

Response by LTJG Daniel Bouysou made Oct 31 at 2014 3:32 PM

2014-10-31T15:32:15-04:00

So, the president is the Commander-in-Chief or not?