On Military Personnel Voting
I recently read a thought provoking article authored by an Army officer arguing that he and other military officers should choose to not exercise their right to vote. You can read it here. His position relies on the belief that politics and the resulting personal, partisan choices could undermine military judgment and lead to a divide between military personnel and their civilian leaders. For the following reasons, I strenuously object:
- Not sure I agree that if he exercises a "personal, partisan choice" of voting for a Presidential candidate, he then automatically "commit[s him]self to a candidate, party and set of beliefs and policies." Similarly, just because he doesn't vote, I'm sure he still possesses beliefs and loyalties. and hopefully is committed to them.
- The author didn't fully explain why voting "could undermine [ ] military judgment." Would be curious to hear his reasoning.
- Not sure why "I'm a military officer; I don't vote" would address his concerns any better than "I'm a military officer; I vote but don't discuss it within the unit or in a public forum."
- Some would argue that military officers are already too tactically and operationally focused, and don't fully grasp the strategic nature of our work. Choosing not to vote - and arguably be less informed on issues outside our specific scope of employment - it seems to me, would only amplify the deficiency.
- Why should such a position only apply to military officers? Why not other departments and agencies?
- Many persuasively argue that an unhealthy military-civilian divide currently exists in America; the author's position would seem to only exacerbate such a divide.
- Does the author object to military officers voting for governors, mayors, senators, congressmen, state legislators, etc? If not, what if the Senator or Congressman's election impacts military policy?
- Especially with the current size and scope of government, voting involves much more than military policies. Should military officers simply disengage from these other issues?
Again, the author doesn't doubt that all military officers have the right to vote. He just claims we should not exercise it. I, for one, couldn't disagree more. What are your thoughts?
