Tom Rogan
Gen. Mark Milley has become a politicized figure. An apolitical military being intrinsic to American democracy, Milley should step down as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The immediate cause for Milley to relinquish his post comes from Susan Glasser and Peter Baker's new book, The Divider.
An excerpt from the book published by the New Yorker on Monday strongly suggests that Milley provided extraordinary access to the authors. They recall, for example, a private one-on-one meeting between Milley and then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in which the two officials shared concerns over President Donald Trump's response to being defeated by Joe Biden. We hear of Milley's fear that Trump had approached his "Reichstag" moment, in which he was ready to stage a Nazi-esque coup against democracy. Glasser and Baker also provide a full copy of a resignation letter Milley considered sending to Trump.
It is hard to see how Milley was not the source for at least some of these reports, or that his motive in leaking the information wasn't in some sense political. This is incompatible with his critical role as the nation's senior military officer and the president's most senior military adviser.
This is not to ignore the exceptionally complex circumstances Milley's tenure has seen him face. Nor is it to condemn Milley's public willingness to address controversies. I would argue that Milley was absolutely correct, for example, to issue a statement of regret for joining President Trump's June 2020 St. John's Church escapade. Milley was also right to remind the armed forces shortly before Biden's inauguration that their first duty is to the Constitution. I would also argue that Milley's personal relationship with his People's Liberation Army counterpart has been crucial in mitigating the risk of a potentially catastrophic miscalculation. Regarding allegations in Bob Woodward and Bob Costa's book Peril, I understand that Milley did tell his counterpart that no surprise attack was planned but did not pledge that he would warn in advance of a U.S. attack.
Still, it is Milley's own words that attest to why he should now step down. Baker and Glasser report that Milley "assured" Trump, "All I can guarantee from me is I’m going to give you an honest answer, and I’m not going to talk about it on the front page of the Washington Post."
The first part of Milley's commitment — to offer only his best military advice to the president — very likely remains accurate. But the second part — to avoid speaking with the media — is now unambiguously inaccurate. Since Trump departed office, Milley has repeatedly been referenced in media reporting that suggests his personal discussions with reporters. This is Milley's prerogative, but it is not well-matched to his responsibilities as chairman.
At best, a chairman's media engagement on partisan matters draws the military ship into the unpredictable political maelstrom. At worst, it undermines the military's position as a reliable instrument of democratic governance. Perception is as important as reality here. And the perception of many Republicans and likely some Democrats is that Milley can no longer be trusted as an apolitical figure. Certainly, President Joe Biden has cause to wonder whether a controversial decision he might one day make might later be second-guessed by the chairman in the media.
Milley's tenure will end before the next president enters office. Before then, however, the chairman will repeatedly be called upon to brief senior congressional leaders of both parties and members of the congressional armed service committees. Considering the rapidly rising risk of war with China over Taiwan or a military escalation with Russia over the war in Ukraine, Milley's briefings and their weight with Congress may be of immense importance to the nation. This is not an area with much nationally acceptable margin for doubt or error.
It's time for Milley to retire in the best interests of the nation he has served in uniform for 42 years. Considering his bold, China-focused reforms to the Marine Corps, Biden should nominate Marine Commandant David Berger to replace Milley. Alternatively, Air Force Chief of Staff Charles Brown should get the top job.
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