Disagree that a person wearing a military uniform calling for the impeachment of a President is political. It’s alerting all citizens the current situation caused by a corrupt and inept administration is not normal and dangerous. No it’s not normal to hold up a sign on the steps of Capital, but the actions and motives of this administration is not normal either. Glad he spoke up.
I stand with Maj Jason Watson. What he did took courage & he is honoring the oath he took to protect this country from enemies within. I disagree strongly with Hertling
I believe he should face a court marshal for violating the codes of conduct (UCMJ?…forgive this Canadian for not knowing the terminology), but I also think he was very brave. I admire someone willing to put himself in jeopardy for something he believes in - at least those who do it without violence, as he did. It will cost him his career and possibly incarceration, but that was his choice. Probably not the choice many in his position would make, but it was brave (if stupid…. Sometimes that’s a fine line of distinction)
This is a bad piece and a missed opportunity by The Bulwark. Major Watson will face consequences under the UCMJ for his action. Unfortunately, it will not be a fair and honorable fight, and that is a point the article fails to make sufficiently clear. Watson may face a charge of treason and all the resources of the Air Force and the DOJ will be mobilized against him. He will likely have his taxes audited and he's almost certainly already received death threats. It's a shame that a piece by The Bulwark doesn't point these things out In favor of providing sober commentary on military affairs that reads as if we lived in more normal times.
Most importantly, The Bulwark fails to call out a huge double standard. The administration makes political speeches in front of service members in uniform at every opportunity. It holds fundraising events on the White House grounds and busses in service members to attend. It sends attack helicopters to the homes of its supporters for publicity stunts. And all the while it does these things it is openly attacking ships on the high seas contrary to law and policy.
It's an egregious moral failure to call out one officer's violation of regulations, while completely ignoring much larger pattern of violations occurring across the U.S. military at all levels of the chain of command. Major Watson should face legal proceedings for his action, but every single officer who's known about much more significant violations of regulations and policy and done nothing to stop or even report them should stand in the dock beside him.
As always, Gen. Hertling’s analysis and explanation of a ‘complicated’ military/political topic is spot-on accurate, informative, and compelling. As a retired Air Force officer, I have a good appreciation for what the Oath of Office and the UCMJ require. So, while it is hard not to admire Maj. Watson’s convictions, the Air Force cannot condone his actions that are in clear violation of U.S. military rules and regulations. I wish him the best, but he obviously understood the consequences for his protest.
But the issue of military members participating in political activities while in uniform needs to be examined further, for the restrictions cannot be applied only to those who are demonstrating against the current administration. There have been multiple occasions, well documented, where Trump has held political rallies with uniformed troops in attendance and cheering him on. Once Trump is gone, the military needs to closely examine the circumstances behind these rallies and hold all involved Officers and NCOs accountable for violations similar to Maj. Watson’s.
Extending this approach further, there needs to be a thorough examination of the legal justification for all military actions such as the drug boat attacks, and every Officer and NCO who participated in any way should be held accountable for their actions, good or bad, right or wrong.
I also hope that public hearings are held to examine the circumstances of every Officer that was relieved of duty during this administration, and the involvement and actions of every senior Officer in the chains of command for these individuals. There needs to be accountability for all military leaders that might have been complicit, enabling, and apologizing for the inappropriate, unjustified, or illegal actions of the administration’s civilian political leadership. There must not be any “I was just following orders” excuses used to justify inappropriate military action.
Do I really think any of this will actually happen? No, most likely not, but I hope there are responsible, senior leaders that are at least thinking about such measures.
Yes. The idea that the military is non-partisan now is a sick joke. Trump (via Hegseth) is destroying it in exactly the same way he has already destroyed DHS and ICE, the FBI, the Justice Department, and so many other departments. The military needs to act NOW, while this Trumpification can still be stopped.
I'll add to your list of activities that need to be investigated and curbed the participation of military personnel in partisan spectacles such as that MMA cage fight on the White house lawn. Their presence there, in uniform, was inappropriate! So are flyovers by the Blue Angels at partisan Trump events. It is NOT Trump's military, it is OUR military!
I'm in agreement with Gen. Hertling that it cannot be acceptable for anyone in uniform to outwardly protest against the government (disobeying an illegal order is a different story), no matter which side they are on. I applaud the officer for taking a stand and speaking his mind and now he needs to take the consequences. He knows full well the career ending consequences of his actions, yet bravely spoke his mind nevertheless. It's a paradox of sorts and a brave act of civil disobedience. I wish him the best.
“THE AMERICAN MILITARY has earned extraordinary public trust over nearly two and a half centuries.”
Maybe it has a very high floor compared against other government agencies, but that trust ebbs and flows. My father told me about returning from Vietnam and being either instructed or strongly suggested not to wear his uniform on civilian flights. Being harassed or mistreated by someone who thought they were effectively protesting the war would have been shameful, but it reinforces the concept that that the uniform means something to Americans.
To a civilian like me, seeing an officer put his career (and freedom?) on the line reassures me that there are at least some people left who might stand up against its misuse by the administration. Otherwise I have to think it’s just a matter of time before it’s another corrupted institution.
Is anyone besides me wondering what the military is going to do if Trump orders the US military to occupy Greenland? Are they going to be willing to assault a nation that is a US ally and NATO member, and go to war not just against Denmark, but NATO?
Where do they draw the line? The Navy and Air Force at least are OK with following illegal orders and committing war crimes when going up against an "enemy' that cannot shoot back.
I'm of two minds on this. Maj. Watson did take an oath, to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. The issue with Trump is beyond merely "political", it's not some policy the Major disagreed with, as Trump is an enemy of the Constitution.
That said, there is no way he is so naive to not understand that he would likely have his commission revoked for this act. He chose to do so knowing the consequences, and it's just part of the deal.
This. The military, like many of our other institutions, is failing to deal with the reality: the domestic enemy is inside the (White) House. They'd know how to act if the enemy was leading an open military-style insurrection; they're stuck when it comes to domestic enemies who have infiltrated our governmental institutions and captured them from within. But that is what has happened!
The military owes NO allegiance to Trump. They owe their allegiance to the Constitution which Trump and his supporters are trashing. I hope they can wake up and see this in time, but given what is going on in the eastern Pacific and the Caribbean I am doubtful.
I found it interesting that none of the MSM organizations covered this story. If not for independent media this wouldn't even be known by any Americans. I know Gen. Hertling's pained by what's happening to an institution he served so faithfully. It's the same with former Justice employees who are watching the destruction of our most respected institutions. The Major decided extraordinary steps had to be taken. Before this is over, there will have to be many more sacrifices to protect our democracy.
While I agree with Gen. Hertling in the main, I also want to point out that that confidence in the military continuing to be apolitical has had major blows strike it with the seeming acquiescence of the Navy in blowing up what can only be described as fishing boats since the administration refuses to state why they are being lawfully struck. It's simply a case of "trust me bro!", and many of my friends and some family members have asked me if they can continue to trust the military won't be used to restrict or even abrogate their rights.
The fact that the National Guard was deployed in what seemed like some sort of policing action in cities like DC and LA, further emphasizes to them that the military can no longer be trusted to remain loyal to the Constitution only, since Hegseth has made it more than amply clear that if you're not White, conservative, and loyal to Donald Trump, you will have your career shortened, regardless of your rank.
I retired from the USAF and ANG after 22 years of service. I held the rank of a senior enlisted NCO. And even I am starting to question that loyalty. Especially after Dan Cain accepted the nomination to be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, despite knowing he wasn't qualified for it in the way of not having held a previous commensurate rank, and being called out of retirement. Had he shown that loyalty to the Constitution, and the requirements of the service, he would have refused the position by pointing out he was not qualified to hold the rank or position. Instead, he took the job simply because Trump offered it in the hopes he'd have a compliant C-JCS. And from mere observation, Trump got what he wanted.
"... many of my friends and some family members have asked me if they can continue to trust the military won't be used to restrict or even abrogate their rights."
The honest, if painful, answer to that question is no. (But right now ICE is the much greater threat.)
Unfortunately General, when the political class doesn’t keep its end of this convention, it can’t demand the military comply with its. Using the military to advance unlawful wars and as a weapon against the civil population seems to me to break the relationship. The Major will face a disciplinary process as he knew when he made his protest. But American politicians who fail to behave in accordance with their oath roam free to practice their corruption in plain sight. So much for integrity and duty. Remember the military is both a shield and a sword. When the sword is used to betray the Constitution it is disingenuous to demand the shield be used to protect those who betray the country. Moral force is the foundation of professional military conduct. But when the commander in chief and his enablers use the military for unlawful and immoral purposes the professional military has a duty to say no! My concern is that this Major’s moral stand isn’t echoed by many more military leaders. I also accept that senior leaders have only the weapon of resignation available to them personally. This major has effectively resigned in the most public way. He refuses to go silently into the night, which is the course of action demanded of him by convention. Leaving the field to the crooks. A conundrum indeed. Your essay is correct. But recall the oath to defend the Constitution against domestic enemies. Using professional obligation to distance the professional military from defending it from the country’s domestic enemies disarms the patriots. A Gordian knot which invites the sword. 🗡️
"Remember the military is both a shield and a sword. When the sword is used to betray the Constitution it is disingenuous to demand the shield be used to protect those who betray the country. Moral force is the foundation of professional military conduct. But when the commander in chief and his enablers use the military for unlawful and immoral purposes the professional military has a duty to say no!"
We need to first deal with the question of whether he used "the authority and symbolism of the nation’s military uniform to advocate for a partisan political outcome". There's nothing political about impeaching and removing Criminal Trump from power. This isn't a political question, even if the process of impeachment is political.
Criminal Trump has committed so many high crimes and misdemeanors that not removing him is unethical. Just his war crimes, alone, demand Congress remove him.
The thing that gives Watson's statement (uniform an all) the appearance of partisanship is that the Republican Party has steadfastly refused to pick patriotism over party. They well know they are keeping a criminal in office despite his repeated destruction of parts of our Constitution, our government, our country, and parts of the rest of the world.
So, let's get firmly beyond whether Watson appeared in uniform or not. IMO, he should use any means at his disposal to put the question bluntly to the public. Appearing in uniform shocked the public. I think that's appropriate in this case.
He put the question bluntly to the public. And then the public should turn to members of Congress and ask: "Are you war criminals, too?"
I merely served four years active duty as an enlisted member of the United States Air Force, decades ago. But as I saw the photos yesterday of Maj. Watson and read the headline and caption, I thought uh-oh.
I think this qualifies as a uniquely terrible moment in our country and whole heartedly appreciate his protest and will support him anyway possible.
Disagree that a person wearing a military uniform calling for the impeachment of a President is political. It’s alerting all citizens the current situation caused by a corrupt and inept administration is not normal and dangerous. No it’s not normal to hold up a sign on the steps of Capital, but the actions and motives of this administration is not normal either. Glad he spoke up.
I stand with Maj Jason Watson. What he did took courage & he is honoring the oath he took to protect this country from enemies within. I disagree strongly with Hertling
I believe he should face a court marshal for violating the codes of conduct (UCMJ?…forgive this Canadian for not knowing the terminology), but I also think he was very brave. I admire someone willing to put himself in jeopardy for something he believes in - at least those who do it without violence, as he did. It will cost him his career and possibly incarceration, but that was his choice. Probably not the choice many in his position would make, but it was brave (if stupid…. Sometimes that’s a fine line of distinction)
This is a bad piece and a missed opportunity by The Bulwark. Major Watson will face consequences under the UCMJ for his action. Unfortunately, it will not be a fair and honorable fight, and that is a point the article fails to make sufficiently clear. Watson may face a charge of treason and all the resources of the Air Force and the DOJ will be mobilized against him. He will likely have his taxes audited and he's almost certainly already received death threats. It's a shame that a piece by The Bulwark doesn't point these things out In favor of providing sober commentary on military affairs that reads as if we lived in more normal times.
Most importantly, The Bulwark fails to call out a huge double standard. The administration makes political speeches in front of service members in uniform at every opportunity. It holds fundraising events on the White House grounds and busses in service members to attend. It sends attack helicopters to the homes of its supporters for publicity stunts. And all the while it does these things it is openly attacking ships on the high seas contrary to law and policy.
It's an egregious moral failure to call out one officer's violation of regulations, while completely ignoring much larger pattern of violations occurring across the U.S. military at all levels of the chain of command. Major Watson should face legal proceedings for his action, but every single officer who's known about much more significant violations of regulations and policy and done nothing to stop or even report them should stand in the dock beside him.
As always, Gen. Hertling’s analysis and explanation of a ‘complicated’ military/political topic is spot-on accurate, informative, and compelling. As a retired Air Force officer, I have a good appreciation for what the Oath of Office and the UCMJ require. So, while it is hard not to admire Maj. Watson’s convictions, the Air Force cannot condone his actions that are in clear violation of U.S. military rules and regulations. I wish him the best, but he obviously understood the consequences for his protest.
But the issue of military members participating in political activities while in uniform needs to be examined further, for the restrictions cannot be applied only to those who are demonstrating against the current administration. There have been multiple occasions, well documented, where Trump has held political rallies with uniformed troops in attendance and cheering him on. Once Trump is gone, the military needs to closely examine the circumstances behind these rallies and hold all involved Officers and NCOs accountable for violations similar to Maj. Watson’s.
Extending this approach further, there needs to be a thorough examination of the legal justification for all military actions such as the drug boat attacks, and every Officer and NCO who participated in any way should be held accountable for their actions, good or bad, right or wrong.
I also hope that public hearings are held to examine the circumstances of every Officer that was relieved of duty during this administration, and the involvement and actions of every senior Officer in the chains of command for these individuals. There needs to be accountability for all military leaders that might have been complicit, enabling, and apologizing for the inappropriate, unjustified, or illegal actions of the administration’s civilian political leadership. There must not be any “I was just following orders” excuses used to justify inappropriate military action.
Do I really think any of this will actually happen? No, most likely not, but I hope there are responsible, senior leaders that are at least thinking about such measures.
Yes. The idea that the military is non-partisan now is a sick joke. Trump (via Hegseth) is destroying it in exactly the same way he has already destroyed DHS and ICE, the FBI, the Justice Department, and so many other departments. The military needs to act NOW, while this Trumpification can still be stopped.
I'll add to your list of activities that need to be investigated and curbed the participation of military personnel in partisan spectacles such as that MMA cage fight on the White house lawn. Their presence there, in uniform, was inappropriate! So are flyovers by the Blue Angels at partisan Trump events. It is NOT Trump's military, it is OUR military!
I'm in agreement with Gen. Hertling that it cannot be acceptable for anyone in uniform to outwardly protest against the government (disobeying an illegal order is a different story), no matter which side they are on. I applaud the officer for taking a stand and speaking his mind and now he needs to take the consequences. He knows full well the career ending consequences of his actions, yet bravely spoke his mind nevertheless. It's a paradox of sorts and a brave act of civil disobedience. I wish him the best.
It is a very brave act of civil disobedience, and a wake-up call I hope is heeded. I, too, wish the young officer well.
“THE AMERICAN MILITARY has earned extraordinary public trust over nearly two and a half centuries.”
Maybe it has a very high floor compared against other government agencies, but that trust ebbs and flows. My father told me about returning from Vietnam and being either instructed or strongly suggested not to wear his uniform on civilian flights. Being harassed or mistreated by someone who thought they were effectively protesting the war would have been shameful, but it reinforces the concept that that the uniform means something to Americans.
To a civilian like me, seeing an officer put his career (and freedom?) on the line reassures me that there are at least some people left who might stand up against its misuse by the administration. Otherwise I have to think it’s just a matter of time before it’s another corrupted institution.
Is anyone besides me wondering what the military is going to do if Trump orders the US military to occupy Greenland? Are they going to be willing to assault a nation that is a US ally and NATO member, and go to war not just against Denmark, but NATO?
Where do they draw the line? The Navy and Air Force at least are OK with following illegal orders and committing war crimes when going up against an "enemy' that cannot shoot back.
Color me very, very nervous.
I'm of two minds on this. Maj. Watson did take an oath, to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. The issue with Trump is beyond merely "political", it's not some policy the Major disagreed with, as Trump is an enemy of the Constitution.
That said, there is no way he is so naive to not understand that he would likely have his commission revoked for this act. He chose to do so knowing the consequences, and it's just part of the deal.
This. The military, like many of our other institutions, is failing to deal with the reality: the domestic enemy is inside the (White) House. They'd know how to act if the enemy was leading an open military-style insurrection; they're stuck when it comes to domestic enemies who have infiltrated our governmental institutions and captured them from within. But that is what has happened!
The military owes NO allegiance to Trump. They owe their allegiance to the Constitution which Trump and his supporters are trashing. I hope they can wake up and see this in time, but given what is going on in the eastern Pacific and the Caribbean I am doubtful.
I found it interesting that none of the MSM organizations covered this story. If not for independent media this wouldn't even be known by any Americans. I know Gen. Hertling's pained by what's happening to an institution he served so faithfully. It's the same with former Justice employees who are watching the destruction of our most respected institutions. The Major decided extraordinary steps had to be taken. Before this is over, there will have to be many more sacrifices to protect our democracy.
"I found it interesting that none of the MSM organizations covered this story. "
And that's not an accident!
While I agree with Gen. Hertling in the main, I also want to point out that that confidence in the military continuing to be apolitical has had major blows strike it with the seeming acquiescence of the Navy in blowing up what can only be described as fishing boats since the administration refuses to state why they are being lawfully struck. It's simply a case of "trust me bro!", and many of my friends and some family members have asked me if they can continue to trust the military won't be used to restrict or even abrogate their rights.
The fact that the National Guard was deployed in what seemed like some sort of policing action in cities like DC and LA, further emphasizes to them that the military can no longer be trusted to remain loyal to the Constitution only, since Hegseth has made it more than amply clear that if you're not White, conservative, and loyal to Donald Trump, you will have your career shortened, regardless of your rank.
I retired from the USAF and ANG after 22 years of service. I held the rank of a senior enlisted NCO. And even I am starting to question that loyalty. Especially after Dan Cain accepted the nomination to be Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, despite knowing he wasn't qualified for it in the way of not having held a previous commensurate rank, and being called out of retirement. Had he shown that loyalty to the Constitution, and the requirements of the service, he would have refused the position by pointing out he was not qualified to hold the rank or position. Instead, he took the job simply because Trump offered it in the hopes he'd have a compliant C-JCS. And from mere observation, Trump got what he wanted.
"... many of my friends and some family members have asked me if they can continue to trust the military won't be used to restrict or even abrogate their rights."
The honest, if painful, answer to that question is no. (But right now ICE is the much greater threat.)
Unfortunately General, when the political class doesn’t keep its end of this convention, it can’t demand the military comply with its. Using the military to advance unlawful wars and as a weapon against the civil population seems to me to break the relationship. The Major will face a disciplinary process as he knew when he made his protest. But American politicians who fail to behave in accordance with their oath roam free to practice their corruption in plain sight. So much for integrity and duty. Remember the military is both a shield and a sword. When the sword is used to betray the Constitution it is disingenuous to demand the shield be used to protect those who betray the country. Moral force is the foundation of professional military conduct. But when the commander in chief and his enablers use the military for unlawful and immoral purposes the professional military has a duty to say no! My concern is that this Major’s moral stand isn’t echoed by many more military leaders. I also accept that senior leaders have only the weapon of resignation available to them personally. This major has effectively resigned in the most public way. He refuses to go silently into the night, which is the course of action demanded of him by convention. Leaving the field to the crooks. A conundrum indeed. Your essay is correct. But recall the oath to defend the Constitution against domestic enemies. Using professional obligation to distance the professional military from defending it from the country’s domestic enemies disarms the patriots. A Gordian knot which invites the sword. 🗡️
"Remember the military is both a shield and a sword. When the sword is used to betray the Constitution it is disingenuous to demand the shield be used to protect those who betray the country. Moral force is the foundation of professional military conduct. But when the commander in chief and his enablers use the military for unlawful and immoral purposes the professional military has a duty to say no!"
Well said!
We need to first deal with the question of whether he used "the authority and symbolism of the nation’s military uniform to advocate for a partisan political outcome". There's nothing political about impeaching and removing Criminal Trump from power. This isn't a political question, even if the process of impeachment is political.
Criminal Trump has committed so many high crimes and misdemeanors that not removing him is unethical. Just his war crimes, alone, demand Congress remove him.
The thing that gives Watson's statement (uniform an all) the appearance of partisanship is that the Republican Party has steadfastly refused to pick patriotism over party. They well know they are keeping a criminal in office despite his repeated destruction of parts of our Constitution, our government, our country, and parts of the rest of the world.
So, let's get firmly beyond whether Watson appeared in uniform or not. IMO, he should use any means at his disposal to put the question bluntly to the public. Appearing in uniform shocked the public. I think that's appropriate in this case.
He put the question bluntly to the public. And then the public should turn to members of Congress and ask: "Are you war criminals, too?"
It's quite the dilemma...watching civilian military leadership politicize the uniform yet needing to remain apolitical or silent.
I merely served four years active duty as an enlisted member of the United States Air Force, decades ago. But as I saw the photos yesterday of Maj. Watson and read the headline and caption, I thought uh-oh.