Mullen to Troops: Stay Out of Politics

Mullen to Troops: Stay Out of Politics
May 27, 2008
International Herald Tribune

The highest-ranking U.S. military officer has written an unusual open letter to all those in uniform, warning them to stay out of politics as the country approaches a presidential election in which the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will be a central, and certainly divisive, issue.

"The U.S. military must remain apolitical at all times," wrote Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. "It is and must always be a neutral instrument of the state, no matter which party holds sway."

Mullen's essay appears in the coming issue of Joint Force Quarterly, an official military journal that is distributed widely among the officer corps.

The statement to the armed forces is the first essay for the journal Mullen has written as chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and veteran officers said they could not remember when a similar "all- hands" letter had been issued to remind military personnel to remain outside, if not above, contentious political debate.

The essay can be seen as a reflection of the deep concern among senior officers that the U.S. military, which is paying the highest price in carrying out national security policy, may be drawn into politicking this year.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/mullen-to-troops-stay-out-of-politics.html

seems like they don't want the rank and file to come out against the command's party.

ellen fl

long overdue in the military. For years now, about 16 years, in particular the military has become very political. Few Democratic voices are heard or raised. I know, I'm one. Hard to fight the constant battle and grind. First it was all Clinton's fault, don't ask, don't tell, or who can ever forget Rummy and you go to war with the Army you have....I'm glad the Admiral put out this blanket statement!