Democracy, Populism, & Domestic Politics, Power & Security, United States The military’s allegiance to the Constitution should comfort Americans

The storming of the U.S. Capitol last week rattled our nation. Many Americans believe the election was free and fair. Others believe it was stolen. Governors across the country have mobilized National Guard units amid fears of civil unrest. Amid such political uncertainty, what will prevent our soldiers from choosing sides, as so many Americans have?

The Joint Chiefs of Staff issued a rare joint statement last Tuesday. Their purpose was to remind service members of their oath to the Constitution. “As Service Members, we must embody the values and ideals of the Nation. We support and defend the Constitution,” the generals wrote. “Any act to disrupt the Constitutional process is not only against our traditions, values, and oath; it is against the law.”

As a U.S. Army drill sergeant, I was once charged with transforming civilians into soldiers. The way loyalty and duty are fused into the nature of military service should comfort Americans. Regardless of political affiliation, service members swear an oath to the Constitution — not to a person, politician or office.

Read more in Tampa Bay Times >>