Authors Jim Golby
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I think this thread came from a good place, but I want to add a few thoughts because I think service members WILL be talking about yesterday's events -- and that leaders SHOULD be talking to their troops about them.
They need to be thoughtful, not scared of doing so. 1/
Yesterday, our nation's capital was attacked and the capitol was briefly occupied. 1100 members of the DC National Guard were activated, as were more than 6000 NG troops from half a dozen states.
They're now operating in a highly political environment. More could join them. 2/
Calls for our military to remain apolitical really mean: (1) our military must be non-partisan; (2) it should not interfere or influence elections; & (3) service members should not portray their personal opinions as the military institution's opinions. 3/
While there is a lot we don't know, there are indications that at least some police yesterday acted in a biased way -- allowing the mobs to bypass barriers to attack and enter the capitol building.
Personal/partisan sympathies cannot interfere with a military unit's duties. 4/
Leaders and commanders should talk to their formations about these issues, and try to understand if there are service members for whom that might be a problem. (Hint: there probably are.)
You can't do that if you're not communicating with them and having real discussions. 5/
They need to be thoughtful, not scared of doing so. 1/
(2 of 4) Commandant Sends #13: Protest at the US Capitol
— Army War College (@ArmyWarCollege) January 6, 2021
"And in light of that, I believe it is prudent to remind everyone of our duty to restrain ourselves from political commentary in any venue. The importance of an apolitical military cannot be overstated."
Yesterday, our nation's capital was attacked and the capitol was briefly occupied. 1100 members of the DC National Guard were activated, as were more than 6000 NG troops from half a dozen states.
They're now operating in a highly political environment. More could join them. 2/
Calls for our military to remain apolitical really mean: (1) our military must be non-partisan; (2) it should not interfere or influence elections; & (3) service members should not portray their personal opinions as the military institution's opinions. 3/
While there is a lot we don't know, there are indications that at least some police yesterday acted in a biased way -- allowing the mobs to bypass barriers to attack and enter the capitol building.
Personal/partisan sympathies cannot interfere with a military unit's duties. 4/
Leaders and commanders should talk to their formations about these issues, and try to understand if there are service members for whom that might be a problem. (Hint: there probably are.)
You can't do that if you're not communicating with them and having real discussions. 5/