Why Are America’s Generals So Cautious?
The role of generals in a democracy is to provide unvarnished military counsel to the president and defend the Constitution. However, many of today's military leaders have defined their advisory role extremely narrowly, focusing on tactics and carrying out orders without speaking up about the ethics and strategic implications of the president's choices. This approach has been exemplified by General Dan Caine, who has avoided big-picture questions of geopolitics and the probity of the administration's actions.
- ▪General Dan Caine has come to personify a circumspect approach to advising senior leaders about military operations.
- ▪The secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth, has forced out more than 20 generals and admirals, including some of the most respected career officers in the forces.
- ▪The dismissals have fed a sense among senior commanders that Hegseth prizes fealty and acquiescence over competence and experience.
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National SecurityWhy Are America’s Generals So Cautious?Deference to civilian power is part of the job but can go too far.By Missy Ryan and Nancy A. YoussefWin McNamee / GettyJuly 10, 2026, 11:45 AM ET ShareSave What is the role of a general in a democracy? Many of today’s military leaders have a very particular answer: Focus on tactics, carry out orders, and otherwise shut up.This is not what America’s top officers have always done. The country’s most senior generals and admirals are expected to provide unvarnished military counsel to the president and swear an oath to defend the Constitution. History is full of examples of officers who also spoke up about the ethics and strategic implications of the president’s choices.
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