Author Archive
Ideas
'A' for Effort, 'F' for Execution as a General Defends Women in Service
Our leaders have a duty to stand up for those in their charge. But how they say it is just as important as what they say.
Ideas
Congress Should Vote ‘No’ on Austin. It Likely Won’t.
It's hard to vote against a popular general. That's one reason why lawmakers barred the appointment of recently retired officers as defense secretary.
Ideas
Biden Has Many Good Choices at SecDef
I’m rooting for Flournoy, but she’s not the only one who would do well.
Ideas
Fear of a Black General?
The case of one superstar colonel doesn’t prove anything about the Marines. But the larger pattern is worrisome.
Ideas
Who Decides Who Is a ‘Domestic Enemy’?
The short answer: not the Joint Chiefs chairman. The longer answer is more interesting.
Ideas
This is Not a Civil-Military Crisis
Recent statements by uniformed leaders are anodyne expressions about U.S. law. Those by retired four-stars are more problematic.
Ideas
The Pentagon Is Flubbing Its Pitch to Silicon Valley
Appeals to patriotism won’t move America’s tech industry. Other approaches might work better.
Ideas
Why ‘Different Spanks for Different Ranks’ Are Often Justified
It can be frustrating when generals and admirals appear to skate on misconduct charges, but lawmakers should be wary of trying to “fix it.”
Ideas
The Pentagon Is Picking an Unnecessary Fight With Congress
The Defense Department needs to downsize and streamline, but President Obama’s sassy spending request only will make it harder to achieve some good. By James Joyner
Business
The Army’s Misguided Crackdown on Tattoos
The Army’s new policies on tattoos and other physical appearance standards is part of a peacetime crackdown that usually lasts until the next war. By James Joyner
Business
It Isn't the Military's Place to Weigh In on the Syria Debate
Too many servicemembers are violating ethics by making their opinions publically known. By James Joyner
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