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How to Navigate Politics without Partisanship

 
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Tips for generals on navigating politics without partisanship to help rebuild economy.

Description: A black and white photo of a row of generals in uniform standing in formation in front of an American flag.

Navigating politics without partisanship can be a difficult task, particularly in the current era of intense polarization. But it is possible. In this article, we'll explore how generals can do so, drawing on the advice of experts, examples from recent history, and a case study from Indiana.

Partisanship has become an increasingly common theme in politics, and generals must be aware of the potential pitfalls of getting involved in it. That's why Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Army Gen. Mark Milley recently called for a "non-partisan approach" to military leadership. They weren't talking about avoiding politics altogether — just urging their troops to stay out of the fray.

The advice of experts is to keep the focus on the mission and to remain apolitical. Retired Army Lt. Gen. David Barno, a former commander in Afghanistan, said that generals should “avoid getting caught in the middle of partisan debates.” He explained that by staying out of politics, they can “prevent [themselves] from being used as a political tool”.

This advice is borne out by recent history. In 2018, the Pentagon released a memo warning against “political activities” in the military. The memo was a response to a series of incidents in which active-duty troops were seen taking part in partisan politics. In one case, an Air Force officer was seen wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat at an event.

The cautionary tale of Indiana provides a useful example of how generals can navigate politics without partisanship. In February, state lawmakers introduced a bill that would open up school boards to partisan control. When the bill was met with opposition from both sides of the aisle, Republican lawmakers amended it to exempt the military from its provisions.

Retired Army Lt. Gen. Frederick Hodges, who served as the head of the Indiana National Guard from 2013-17, explained that the decision to exempt the military was a way to “avoid any hint of partisanship.” He cited the need to remain “apolitical and neutral” as the overriding principle behind the decision.

The lesson here is that generals must remain mindful of the potential pitfalls of partisanship. Even if they are tempted to get involved in political debates, they must remember that their primary focus should be on their mission and that they should avoid being used as a political tool.

At the same time, generals should not be afraid to speak out on issues that are important to them. Retired Army Lt. Gen. Joe K. Kellogg, Jr., a former commander in Iraq and Afghanistan, said that it is important for generals to “give their honest opinion” on issues that are vital to national security. He noted that this can help inform the public debate and provide a much-needed counterweight to partisanship.

Finally, it is important to remember that partisanship is not the only way to make a difference. In his farewell address, retired Army Lt. Gen. John Zehms urged his state to take the “high road” and put “children first” rather than partisanship. He called on all citizens to “stand and unite together” in pursuit of a better future.

Navigating politics without partisanship can be a difficult task, but it is possible. By following the advice of experts, staying focused on their mission, and speaking out on issues that are important to them, generals can do their part to ensure that their service is not used as a political tool.

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partisanshippoliticsgeneralsmissionmilitaryadvicehistoryexampleindianapublic debatecounterweighthigh roadchildren

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