Marine Officer Who Questioned Generals over Afghanistan Is Relieved of Duty

Breitbard ^ | 08/27/21 | Breitbard

[Mr Rogers]

I believe he was trying to do what is right and respect him. I also agree the chain of command had to relieve him.

I sometimes found myself telling those under me, “I disagree with X but X is the commander and the military trusts his judgment more than mine - so we’ll do it his way to the best of our ability.” Sometimes the stupidity of X was hard to hide, but folks seemed to understand that if I had made my objection, and been overruled, then I had to obey X just like they had to obey me - even when they thought I was dumb.

This guy knew he was ending his career and made the decision to do so. I respect him. The guy who shut down Bagram, IMHO, had an OBLIGATION to tell the President “If you insist on doing Y, I wish to be relieved of my command. I cannot take responsibility for what will follow.”

There were a couple of times I refused to obey orders in my career. Both times the order was illegal & I told my commander to put it in writing and run it by Legal. Both times my commander backed down. It obviously wasn’t a career-building move but THAT is also part of being a commander - knowing when you need to fall on your sword.

[The Resolute 76]

Amen Brother. I agree with you on all points. There are several GO/FOs who have failed their subordinates and have failed our country. I believe if all the facts ever come to light these GO/FOs could easily be relieved for dereliction of duty. I’ve seen it happen to colleagues of mine for much less. Our sons and daughters presently serving and our entire deserve military leadership much better than what we presently have in place. Sadly, I know some of these men through my professional interactions... all too many have placed their careers over their men. I believe in the coming days we will see a growing call for their resignations and rightfully so. Unfortunately it is not only these GO/FOs that must be held accountable but also their political masters. Brings to mind Rudyard Kipling’s timeless poem “Mesopotamia 1917”... May God give those of us who still live by our oath of office the wisdom and the fortitude to restore integrity within our military leadership, as well as our Republic.