When Lippy Generals Challenge Civilian Control
Was Air Force Gen. Minihan’s memo dangerous or just dumb?
GREGORY D. FOSTER | FEBRUARY 9, 2023
COMMENTARY PERSONNEL PENTAGON WHITE HOUSE CHINA
News outlets, major and minor, have been quick to jump on and report the controversial memorandum Gen. Michael Minihan, commander of U.S. Air Mobility Command, issued recently to the troops under his command.
The memo, “February 2023 Orders in Preparation for—The Next Fight,” was unclassified. On top of that, Minihan is a big boy, having served in various senior command and staff positions. So, he knew full well that his words would emerge in the public domain and grab headlines of both approbation and disapprobation. We can safely assume that’s exactly how he wanted it.
Minihan is just the latest flag officer to present national command authorities—the Defense Secretary and the President—with a recurring dilemma: whether and how to assert civilian control over the military when faced with outspoken generals and admirals. Relieve them (and thereby end their career)? Coddle them (and treat them as cutesy, attention-grabbing novelties)? Or ignore them (in the hope that they have created nothing more than a momentary tempest in a teapot)?
https://www.defenseone.com/ideas/2023/02/when-lippy-generals-challenge-civilian-control/382715/
