Posted on Dec 17, 2015
Is it possible to have political opinions in the military without a conflict of interest?
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In it's latest bit of "journalism," The Beast published this page turner about the political rants of officers in the Pentagon. There's a bright idea. Let's spout our political opinions in front of a reporter. The public respects us. In some ways it's because we are an apolitical arm of the government. I'm not sure it's possible to vent political frustrations without undermining what we stand for. http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/12/16/pentagon-troops-it-s-us-or-trump.html?source=TDB&via=FB_Page#
Posted in these groups: 
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Republicans
Politics Republicans
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 19
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Yes COL (Join to see) it is possible to have political opinions in the military without a conflict of interest especially for those service members in the reserve components.
I realize you are most likely focusing this question on election politics.
However every organization of any moderate to large size has "office politics" extant much of the time. The US military certainly has office politics in play at every major formation from battalion/USAF squadron/etc. on up.
One thing that all service members need to be careful of is limiting political discussions with service members of your own rank and never trying to unduly influence those subordinate to you.
It is also very good to remember that all people are human and no candidate or office holder is subhuman and they all need to be treated with at least a modicum of respect.
I realize you are most likely focusing this question on election politics.
However every organization of any moderate to large size has "office politics" extant much of the time. The US military certainly has office politics in play at every major formation from battalion/USAF squadron/etc. on up.
One thing that all service members need to be careful of is limiting political discussions with service members of your own rank and never trying to unduly influence those subordinate to you.
It is also very good to remember that all people are human and no candidate or office holder is subhuman and they all need to be treated with at least a modicum of respect.
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COL (Join to see)
I certainly have opinions...I don't spout them off in front of reporters...or for that matter on social media.
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PFC Stephen Eric Serati
Yes,but not on duty and not to the media,and now a days I would go as far as to becareful to what you post on social media.The one real safe and ethical way to voice your political views are by voting
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COL (Join to see)
PFC Stephen Eric Serati, agreed. I think I said it somewhere else on here as well, but I don't vote for the President. I vote in local elections and congressional elections, but that's my own personal morality coming into play. I have very strong opinions and I prefer not to have a conflict with the Commander in Chief because I cast my vote one way or the other. I shouldn't anyway, but it precludes issues.
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Actually this points to a different perspective. The Pentagon, DHS, State, CIA, FBI, Justice, etc. have a bunch of incredible people who have been stifled for years. That's why morale is in the tank with a number of the good folk who depart and leave the ideologues behind who tend to be "yes men/women" who won't buck up to the boss. So the question becomes what do you fear more, the now or a possible loose cannon? All this tells me is the quitters should quit now because they already told me they're not good enough either way. The best people move the Country forward regardless. I want them in those jobs.
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COL (Join to see)
Amen, sir. The bottom line for me is that I serve the constitution and the ideals that make this country amazing...not a man. I swear an oath to defend the constitution, not to the president. The military will persevere...we have existed through every presidency. Good and bad. No different now or tomorrow.
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Lt Col (Join to see)
One wonders, though...if the political leadership becomes toxic enough that the best and brightest feel they are no longer wanted, that their counsel is no longer heard or sought after, and that they have lost all control, who is left behind?
I'm not saying these rants were appropriate. Probably not. But to say the military has no place in politics is not correct either. We don't get to decide when to go to war, or when to stop the war. But we have a duty to present real, clear, and credible evidence regarding the results of a chosen course of action. This is, like it or not, a political action. It sways voters when a General says "this fight will cost us a lot of blood and treasure", or "this fight isn't worth fighting", or "we absolutely must fight this fight".
I'm not saying these rants were appropriate. Probably not. But to say the military has no place in politics is not correct either. We don't get to decide when to go to war, or when to stop the war. But we have a duty to present real, clear, and credible evidence regarding the results of a chosen course of action. This is, like it or not, a political action. It sways voters when a General says "this fight will cost us a lot of blood and treasure", or "this fight isn't worth fighting", or "we absolutely must fight this fight".
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COL (Join to see)
Lt Col (Join to see), I'd agree as long as that counsel is provided in the proper place and time. MacArthur thought that he had it right and the political machine was beneath him and he needed to make his case clear to the public. The civilian leadership quickly put him in his place. We provide counsel in the chambers of the government where and when appropriate. The civilian leaders make decisions and we execute. I am certain there is a time when everyone needs to put their money where their mouth is and make a political statement. For some people that bar is pretty low.
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Military leaders nee to be pure intentioned and stoic in front of the troops and public.
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COL (Join to see)
Amen. If you make a statement like these ones, you need to come forward and follow through. Making a statement is worthless unless it is acted upon. That's what we do. We take action. It's one of the reasons the civilian population respects the military. We act instead of talking.
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