Veterans, do you agree that "civilian control of our military is at the core of our democratic system"?

I appreciate that this is an academic point, but besides the Commander in Chief at the head of your chain of command did anyone spend one day in the service agreeing with this sentiment? I think this is the most disturbing statement from a book smart President.
Additional Details
I agree. I have said as much recently to other questions. That's not what I am asking. I am also not soliciting the muted opinions of current service members. Officers are the lowest-level politicians. I want answers from REAL vets. The back bone of the greatest military in the history of mankind. I don't think one Marine ever manned a post with reverance to a civilian authority outside of his or her chain of command. I think President. Obama's comments show a lack of touch with military culture.

Good stuff

The politicization of the military is the problem. Instead of Generals and Admirals who have spent their life preparing for the position to lead, we have a bunch of community organizes who have never gotten a calloused hand in their life determining how to fight a war. Then the men and women who know how to do the job must suffer with the horrible decisions of these career politicians that cost lives.

No, it's a very accurate statement. Civilian control of the military is one of the major things that keeps it in check and maintains the military's basic accountability to the American people. If you've ever wondered why the US has gone more than 200 years without a violent transfer of power or a military coup, this is the reason. The military is, by its very nature, undemocratic, and history around the world shows the danger of allowing it to assume too much control.

redleg

There is a reason this country, with the most powerful military in the world, has never been under a military dictatorship. It is because we believe firmly, almost religiously, in subservience to the dully elected civilian leadership of the nation and the Constitution. It can be no other way.

He made his bed, knew the rules, and now must live with the consequences

Source(s):
Me, an Army Officer

TedEx

It is essential! If a general had the backing of the military, he could decide " I want to be president!" And who would stop him?
Of course, a general with 35 years service can always resign from the military and run for president.

Jayem

The President was completely accurate in his statement. The military's subservient status to civilian leadership is the corner stone of our democracy. In the same grain the Uniformed Code of Military Justice does not permit a serviemember of any rank to air his misgivings of leadership or to speak publicly against them.

I believe that to allow such, would erode good order and discipline. If I can not count on my leaders to obey the orders they are given, how can I expect those under me to follow my orders? There must be a pecking order in the military, and by having civilian leadership it ensures that we remain in touch with those that we serve.

40mm Killer

Yes.

Pete T

It certainly don't hurt things any.

Mark F

You might want to re-read the Constitution then. The President is the Commander-in-Chief and by definition a civilian as well.

indy

yes but I also believe that our President should be required to have military service in his resume

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