The Army: A Profession of Arms

[Bill Jakola]

That may be the answer, that may be the best you can do in a democracy. Reminds me of the movie "7 days in May" which is about a Military Coup of America by the Air Force and Army Special Forces over the President signing a peace treaty with Russia. In the end a Marine officer prevents the Coup but he actually believes the Air Force has the right policy and strategy for our defense, but civillian decsion making vetos Miltary expertise

Scene from "7 Days In May"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6YLVOjTcHg

Slap, interesting clip.

This movie gets at what I view as an extreme example of advocacy that clearly enters the realm of treason. However, we should be able to provide advice and inform policy in such a manner to complement and balance political leadership as a team. The profession of arms must stay well clear of even the appearance of treason or, as the president points out in this movie, we create a weak government and invite adversaries to attack us.

Though this is a fictional example of political military tension, General Lemay advocating strongly for the bombing of Cuba during the missile crisis is another real example of the type of advocacy that goes beyond informing or shaping policy. His role as a leader in the profession of arms was not to set policy that is the role of the President. However, I view General Lemay as acting outside the bounds of the profession of arms by attempting to set policy.

My question is how do we, as a profession of arms, establish clear roles and develop our military leaders to operate within those established boundaries?

Dr. Don Snider talks about the profession of arms.

http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_u...&v=dwQEP1CGY7E

Here is the full discussion:
http://www.fpri.org/audio/20071015.m...icsdissent.mp3