Does the rank and file support the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and see him as a credible leader?

2021-07-22T17:38:35-04:00

General Milley has the obvious respect of his peers- lik McMasters. He speaks out directly and doesn't dodge, and he is very well-educated with a long and admirable career. How does that square with leading thousands maybe tens or hundreds of thousands of troops that are Trump supporters?

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 22 at 2021 7:10 PM

2021-07-22T19:10:20-04:00

You're Enlisted, don't trust anyone that makes more than you until they prove you should. Just keep your head on a swivel, keep learning, watch out for the dirt bags as some of them have rank, and keep pushing.

As for General Milley, he's got a long career. A lot of us can respect that career, but none of us actually know the man himself. You respect the rank and his accoutrements, but support? The average boot is worried about a lot of different things than what flag officers are worried about regardless of politics.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jul 22 at 2021 9:07 PM

2021-07-22T21:07:24-04:00

PFC John Roscoe General Milley was my CORPS CDR when I was the 1CD G3 SGM and we were building up / training our tactical ops center at NTC. He showed up unexpectedly,,,,had a short meeting with the DIV CDR, ADC, came out and asked me if we could be ready to deploy to Africa in an austere environment in 36 hours?.....Ahh, Yes sir, with some additional equipment and manning.....
OK, provide a list to your boss and be ready I'll let you know.

Yes, he has my respect as a no-nonsense leader that will fully support his subordinates in any task he gives them.

Response by LTC Alfred Calambro made Jul 22 at 2021 9:47 PM

2021-07-22T21:47:27-04:00

After an initial blunder of appearing to support Trump's political photo-op antics, GEN Milley reviewed his actions and realized with shame what he had just done. He believed he had possibly violated his oath to the Constitution and pondered if his resignation was the best and appropriate action to take. Fortunately, for all of us related to the military, and others concerned with the rule of law, he decided to remain in service to the U.S. and honor his oath. With little fanfare, he sincerely apologized for his actions and worked hard to keep the U.S. military insulated from the influence of political manipulation.

I, personally, as a retired Army officer, was completely disgusted and angry when I saw the General strutting with the then-President in what looked to be complete support of the actions that day. I have since changed my mind after the General's apology and watching his actions since that day. Right now I have nothing but respect for the man and his ability to command and lead all the members of the U.S. military, whether they support or oppose whoever happens to be in political control or wants to be. His leadership has kept the military out of the planned and/or spontaneous events going on in Washington.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jul 23 at 2021 9:14 AM

2021-07-23T09:14:50-04:00

The Joint Chiefs have the unlucky job of having to be non political people in a politician's world. They don't always navigate the hurdles well. I think the Chairman is a credible leader but I do think he has made some mistakes while on such a public stage.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jul 23 at 2021 7:39 PM

2021-07-23T19:39:32-04:00

John it's like being POTUS- Nobody has to like you, love you, but as long as they are in the position you will support and respect them or suffer the consequences if caught.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jul 24 at 2021 10:54 AM

2021-07-24T10:54:43-04:00

PFC John Roscoe you are asking active service members to (potentially) criticize the top military officer.

I understand you only were an E3, but even you should no how much of a no-no that is.