IS YOUR COMMANDER’S CAREER AT RISK? TRUMP’S "WARRIOR BOARD" MAY DECIDE
Leadership within the U.S. military comes in many different forms but generally speaking, the top officers earn their rank through service, success, and their ability to ultimately guide others through tough situations. Donald Trump is going to be President once again and his “warrior board” idea could affect whether or not current military leaders remain in their positions. His board could have the power to review three- and four-star officers, allowing them to recommend their removal if deemed "unfit."
Trump's Warrior Board: The Plan to Replace Our Current Generals
According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump is planning a “warrior board” that would be created by an Executive Order and review top officers in the military.
Consisting of retired senior Veterans, three- and four-star Generals found to be unfit would be replaced by moving to retire them within 30 days.
This proposal has come under fire due to not only the repercussions it could have for national security but also because the military is staunchly apolitical, focusing on its duty to the Constitution rather than political parties.
Should the Executive Order go through, it would bypass how The Pentagon traditionally promotes generals. Instead, it aligns people in power with right-wing politics rather than simply promoting them for the defense of our nation.
Trump Is Calling for MAGA Generals
Regardless of previous or future Trump executive orders, generals are supposed to uphold constitutional principles above the agenda of any political party. There are laws in place just for this reason.
However, Trump has been very clear about what many are referring to as “MAGA Generals” and the type of leadership he wants in the military.
Trump has reportedly mentioned that he wants generals like Hitler, with the idea that they will do as he wishes and not challenge his decisions.
Throughout his first term, Trump was frustrated with military and other leaders who didn’t simply do what he wanted when he wanted on a whim because of the repercussions, which could be dire.
While campaigning, Trump also mentioned removing generals deemed to be “woke” and getting rid of programs aiming at providing diversity within the military.
If successful, these types of replacements would be at the forefront of Trump’s warrior board agenda.
Criticisms of Trump's Second Term Approach
Because of the nature of his rhetoric and past experiences, there have been many top generals who served during Trump’s first administration speaking out against his second term.
Two notable examples are retired Army Gen. Mark Milley and retired Marine Corps Gen. John Kelly, who both held high-level positions alongside Trump while he was in office.
Critics are warning against having such ideas and methods utilized to replace generals in a way that does not align with American practices.
Trump to Replace Generals With NASCAR Drivers and Coaches?
While campaigning during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Trump talked about replacing generals with the top drivers of NASCAR and football coaches.
"We appreciate talent, I say, 'Let me use these guys to guide our military a little bit.' When you can win so many races, that's okay, you guide. Same thing with coaches, you take some of the greatest football coaches and put them in a room...it's not so different," said the future 47th President of the United States.
While this was great for riling up the crowd and receiving a huge ovation, many have questioned his plan and its practicality. Government officials and leaders have cautioned moving away from the traditional qualifying factors of our military leaders, who have proved themselves through service to our nation. Only time will tell what the future holds for Trump's "warrior board," but it is important to remember that what is best for the American people should be at the forefront, not political gain.
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