Almost 90 Retired Flag Officers Demand Mark Milley, Lloyd Austin Resign After Afghanistan Debacle

Nearly 90 retired U.S. generals and admirals penned an open letter asking Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley to resign from their positions following their "Negligence in performing their duties primarily involving events surrounding the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan." "As principal military advisors to the CINC /President, the SECDEF and CJCS should have recommended against this dangerous withdrawal in the strongest possible terms," the letter states.

"The damage to the reputation of the United States is indescribable. We are now seen, and will be seen for many years, as an unreliable partner in any multinational agreement or operation. Trust in the United States is irreparably damaged." This damaged trust, the retired generals and admirals argue, gives confidence to U.S. enemies who "Are emboldened to move against America due to the weakness displayed in Afghanistan." "China benefits the most followed by Russia, Pakistan, Iran, North Korea and others. Terrorists around the world are emboldened and able to pass freely into our country through our open border with Mexico," the letter states.

The letter also points out how military leadership's focus on "Wokeness" is hurting the viability of U.S. troops and the military as an institution.

"In interviews, congressional testimony, and public statements it has become clear that top leaders in our military are placing mandatory emphasis on PC 'wokeness' related training which is extremely divisive and harmful to unit cohesion, readiness, and war fighting capability," the letter says.

"Our military exists to fight and win our Nation's wars and that must be the sole focus of our top military leaders." "For these reasons we call on the SECDEF Austin and the CJCS General Milley to resign," it concludes.

"A fundamental principle in the military is holding those in charge responsible and accountable for their actions or inactions. There must be accountability at all levels for this tragic and avoidable debacle." Over the last week, multiple GOP lawmakers called on President Joe Biden to resign for "Dereliction of duty that has left Americans dead at the hands of terrorists."

https://thefederalist.com/2021/08/30/almost-90-retired-flag-officers-demand-mark-milley-lloyd-austin-resign-after-afghanistan-debacle/