Originally Posted by
Winged Wheeler
In our republic the uniformed military advises the civilian authorities, but has no right to insist that its views be adopted. Of course, uniformed officers have an obligation to stand up to civilian leaders if they think a policy is flawed. They must convey their concerns to civilian policy-makers forcefully and truthfully. But once a policy decision is made, soldiers are obligated to carry it out to the best of their ability, whether their advice is heeded or not.
I think this about sums it up.
There is a reason civilians are in charge. It's called the constitution. Military officers swore an oath to support and defend the constitution.
They are also obligated to give their leaders (SecDef, POTUS) their unvarnished opinon. After they have done so, and when our elected and/or appointed civilian leaders make their decisions, the military is obligated by law to carry them out. Anything else is insubordination (or treason, sedition, or an attempted coup).
As a former miltary pilot, I am appalled by the immature truculence shown by the military brass for the past several years (until very recently) regarding to the SecDef's and President's orders.
There is absolutely no excuse for that type of behavior.