The Politicalization Of Military Commanders

[EV_Ares]

Since when did American military commanders start inserting themselves into political debates? When did men in uniform -- honored, but never elected -- start giving the American people lectures on politics? Evidently, when the Bush administration told them to, as part of its "surge" against American public opinion.

But officers should be reminded: "Just following orders" is no justification when an order goes against the American historical and Constitutional tradition. And it's also in statute, specifically, the National Security Act of 1947, the preamble of which reads:

"In enacting this legislation, it is the intent of Congress...to provide for... unified direction under civilian control."

And that means you, Major General Benjamin R. Mixon, commander of American forces in northern Iraq. You are a repeat offender. In one such instance, on July 13, Mixon ends his response to a question regarding the much-debated decrease in troop levels by delivering these instructions to Congress as it seeks to craft an Iraq strategy:

(Entire article @ link)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/constance-sere/the-politicization-of-mil_b_61871.html