Has inept civilian command compromised U. S. Military effectiveness? During two wars fought under two administrations, military resources have been drained, a competing private sector army has been created, and forces in the field have suffered from abysmal failures in logistical support.
Inferior production standards and "cost control" measures have produced military equipment that has repeatedly failed. The war profiteers responsible would have faced treason charges during World War II, Korea or even Vietnam. In today's wars companies appear to have "keep out of jail free" cards.
Military armaments and installations that failed to meet specifications have caused the deaths of servicemen, while mercenary units often have the latest and best equipment. But then mercenaries returning home face a different set of challenges -- they do not qualify for veterans' benefits for wounds suffered in war theaters.
From Rumsfeld to Obama, unpleasant input from commanders on the ground has been ignored. Soldiers are given orders to hold their fire until they are SURE they face unfriendly militants and NOT innocent civilians. But in conflicts like those in Iraq and Afghanistan, lines between the two are very BLURRED. American soldiers are dying obeying these orders.
Civilian command of the armed forces is integral to our system. But our bureaucracies have become less effective than our highly trained military. I am NOT suggesting we change the structure of command. But our civilian commanders MUST educate themselves about the military and the conduct of war. If they do not, our military will be irreparably damaged.
Here's what I think...
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