Posted on Apr 28, 2016
William McRaven: A warrior’s career sacrificed for politics
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http://www.tbo.com/list/news-opinion-commentary/william-mcraven-a-warriors-career-sacrificed-for-politics-20160424/
When I was a young boy my father, a veteran of World War II and Korea, schooled me on the downfall of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. MacArthur, he explained, had overstepped his authority and shown blatant disrespect for the civilian leadership of the country. President Harry Truman relieved him of his command, and MacArthur retired soon thereafter.
Civilian rule of the military was one of the most fundamental principles of the armed forces. To believe differently was dangerous, my father told me. Dad strongly supported Truman’s action, and he made me understand the value of the civil-military relationship — a lesson I never forgot.
But over the past decade I have seen a disturbing trend in how politicians abuse and denigrate military leadership, particularly the officer corps, to advance their political agendas. Although this is certainly not a new phenomenon, it seems to be growing in intensity. My concern is that if this trend of disrespect to the military continues it will undermine the strength of the officer corps to the point where good men and women will forgo service — or worse the ones serving will be reluctant to make hard decision for fear their actions, however justified, will be used against them in the political arena.
Take the recent case of Rear Adm. Brian Losey.
When I was a young boy my father, a veteran of World War II and Korea, schooled me on the downfall of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. MacArthur, he explained, had overstepped his authority and shown blatant disrespect for the civilian leadership of the country. President Harry Truman relieved him of his command, and MacArthur retired soon thereafter.
Civilian rule of the military was one of the most fundamental principles of the armed forces. To believe differently was dangerous, my father told me. Dad strongly supported Truman’s action, and he made me understand the value of the civil-military relationship — a lesson I never forgot.
But over the past decade I have seen a disturbing trend in how politicians abuse and denigrate military leadership, particularly the officer corps, to advance their political agendas. Although this is certainly not a new phenomenon, it seems to be growing in intensity. My concern is that if this trend of disrespect to the military continues it will undermine the strength of the officer corps to the point where good men and women will forgo service — or worse the ones serving will be reluctant to make hard decision for fear their actions, however justified, will be used against them in the political arena.
Take the recent case of Rear Adm. Brian Losey.
What Would You Do
Politics
Military Career
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 17
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This is a study in how leaders set the tone of their command. No, I'm not talking about Rear Adm Brian Losey. I'm talking about President Barack Obama. The vilification of the military and its leaders begins in the halls of the White House. The same source has inspired the vilification of law enforcement.
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Thanks for honoring Admiral William McRaven former Commander of SOCOM COL Mikel J. Burroughs. There are some things that are black and white in terms of right and wrong. Those we can never compromise on. Unfortunately the current administration in particular and the bureaucracy in Washington, DC have been working overtime to change the way American citizens of the USA think and behave. People without firm character will bend. Those like Admiral William McRaven will not bend and will stand up for what they believe in.
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I want to say I can not form an opinion on this issue, as the "complaints" were not listed. If a story is to be old tell it in its completeness or don't tell it all. Generals have been criticized since Washington was a General, and I suspect it goes back further than that. History teaches it is lonely at the top.
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SSgt Robert Marx
Sir, I have read other venues that discussed Adm. Losey's situation. It had been alleged that he practiced favoritism. Certain people & groups were seen as slighted or preferred by the flag officer.
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CW3 Kevin Storm
That maybe true, but again the original post left it for us without a complete story
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