Should retired generals and admirals be organizing into partisan groups to influence the election?

Charlie Dunlap, J.D.

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Not long ago, retired general officers from opposing ends of the ideological and political spectrum separately contacted me with invitations to join other retired general and flag (admiral) officers (GFOs) who are organizing themselves into partisan groups to influence the outcome of the election by collectively endorsing a candidate of a political party. I declined and I encourage other GFOs to do so as well.

Although each of the groups claim to be nonpartisan, their rhetoric is plainly partisan as both of the GFO collectives attacked their opposite’s preferred candidate. They clearly aim to exploit the respect their military rank affords them with the public in an effort to give gravitas to their political endorsement.

I firmly believe these kinds of partisan activities by retired GFOs, even if well-intended, do a disservice to the armed forces and negatively impact our national security. They suggest that a clique of retired GFOs is scheming to impose their will on America’s body politic.

To be clear, I am not talking about civilians (including former political appointees who describe themselves as national security experts), who organize themselves into partisan political entities to endorse favored candidates.