Top Ranking Military Officer Warns Soldiers About Politics

The New York Times reports that the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen has written an open letter to all active military personnel warning them not to engage in politics as the U.S. approaches a presidential election in which wars in Iraq and Afghanistan play a key role.

“The U.S. military must remain apolitical at all times and in all ways,” wrote Mullen. “It is and must always be a neutral instrument of the state, no matter which party holds sway.”

Mullen's essay appears in a coming issue of a military journal widely circulated among officers.

Retired military have every right to take part in the political process, but those still in uniform are prohibited to partake in partisan politics.

“As the nation prepares to elect a new president,” Adm. Mullen wrote, “we would all do well to remember the promises we made: to obey civilian authority, to support and defend the Constitution and to do our duty at all times.”

“Keeping our politics private is a good first step,” he added. “The only things we should be wearing on our sleeves are our military insignia.”

-Dippold

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