As a 32 year retiree and knowing very little about the specifics here - I tend to agree with you. There are a lot of people weighing in here who don’t know how all of this works. The POTUS doesn’t get to decide who gets to be a SEAL - nor should he. I wouldn’t want Obama or Hillary deciding that.
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From the article it sounds like Green is more worried about how the UN “feels” about the matter than his CIC. Do you think for a minute that Green consulted with the CIC before taking the action he did?
It doesn’t matter. I worked in the SOF environment for a very long time (until I was physically unable to - which is why I am 100% T&P & retired). There are certain things that happen that compromise your identity and clearances and if that happens - there are just things you can’t do any longer. It’s dangerous to you and your team. IT’s best that others who have first-hand knowledge make that determination - not the POTUS or anyone else.
“The POTUS doesn’t get to decide who gets to be a SEAL...”
Unless he wants to. When Gallagher was a acquitted of the most serious charges, President Trump tweeted out congratulations. (He probably has said complementary things about Gallagher upon other occasions but that is the one I remember.). By doing so, the President is stating his approval of Chief Gallagher, essentially saying that he is a good guy. By the Navy now taking this action, it appears to be disputing the President’s characterization of this serviceman. The issue is not the Navy’s technical authority to do this without violating a direct order. The issue is giving the appearance of defiance of the President. It is unnecessary and if Esper, SECNAV Spencer and CNO Gilday had an ounce of sense between the three of them, they would let Chief Gallagher ride off quietly into retirement instead of prolonging the story by continuing to allow Navy brass to go after him.