RETIRED CAREER OFFICERS AND POLITICAL ACTION

Yesterday I was asked about the propensity of Cold War career military retired officers to take appropriate political action to preserve the benefits hard earned that may now be threatened unless the voices of the (potentially) afflicted are heard.

I do not speak for the the “class” but as an individual.

Perhaps I was too strongly conditioned to comply with the constitutionally explicit expression and direction of civilian control of the military.

Beyond my time in (Vietnam) combat where in many cases micromanaged White House guidance, National Command Authority and various political inputs (orders, rules of engagement and “guidance”) were given to us as (tactical) objectives, my studies at the War College included reading thousands of pages, much seminar time and crafting many “papers” which further shaped my “thinking” on responsibility to accomplish the task directed in accordance with “duly accepted process” of our system of government.

Not much (if any) of our time was spent in learning how to influence legislation nor executive policy directives. continue reading

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Certain aspects of this presidential election have brought to light a serious incongruous situation that should be of concern to all Citizens. It’s the matter of personal Security Clearances required in order to handle Government classified documents and the various levels of these Clearances for the Military and Civil Service Employees vs what is required to seek and hold an elective office in the Executive Branch or Congress.

Before I could even begin and throughout my military career I needed to have the requisite Security Clearance at the appropriate level. As I look back on it today, I was never concerned that the background investigation would be unfavorable. However, had there been even one iota of queasy contacts revealed by a background check, without question, it would have been adios to my military career of Honor, Duty, and Country.

I guess what it amounts to is I’m wondering how Leaders of our Nation could have for so long ignored what we are now finding. It is there are NO Security Clearance requirements for candidates seeking to be the President, Vice President or a member of Congress. Contrast that with what applied to me, and so very many of present and former military and civilian personnel.

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