In a recent discussion on Capitol Hill, retired Brigadier General Mark Kimmitt joined a panel to address a significant issue affecting the military and its relationship with Congress. The general expressed his concerns about certain members of Congress suggesting that soldiers should consult legal advice before following orders. This idea, according to Kimmitt, raises a red flag about military discipline and the chain of command, which serves as the backbone of military operations.
When the conversation turned to the implications of such suggestions, Kimmitt pointed out that introducing doubt into the military ranks can set a dangerous precedent. He emphasized that the military operates on a foundation of good order and discipline, which is essential for it to function effectively. The general viewed the calls for soldiers to question lawful orders as not only unnecessary, but likely to create chaos within the ranks. After all, if soldiers are left wondering whether they need to pull out a law book each time an order is given, the effectiveness of operations could be severely hampered.
The discussion then veered into the political ramifications of these comments from Congress. Kimmitt noted that while he doesn’t claim to be a legal expert, he believed that such actions from Democrats might border on a seditious act. The panelists pondered whether this was a tactical political game or a genuine concern for the welfare of military personnel. Either way, the message sent was troubling, as it undermined the trust placed in the military’s capability to assess and follow lawful orders without second-guessing from civilians.
General Kimmitt also mentioned specific instances that seemed to fuel this divide, including actions taken in the Caribbean by military forces. He pointed out that the orders issued by the president regarding these operations were lawful and within his rights. This raised the overarching question of why members of Congress would imply otherwise, especially when they had failed to alter legislation through standard political channels. Instead, they turned to social media to raise doubts, an approach that Kimmitt found both puzzling and ineffective.
To wrap up the conversation, Kimmitt made it clear that the military is trained to handle challenges on the ground and in the air, and that worrying about the legality of every order could lead to a breakdown of trust among ranks. While the panel acknowledged the importance of moral integrity in service, they expressed that the duty to follow orders should not be muddied by political theatrics. The general concluded that encouraging soldiers to scrutinize orders not only disrespects their capabilities but also endangers the entire chain of command that keeps our military strong and effective.
