'Military Leadership Is Just Too Political': GOP Lawmaker Sounds Off On Sec. Austin And Gen. Milley

Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) questioned the US Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Mark Milley, during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on Thursday.
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[@scottdaughtry6740]

I served 20 years, 15 days in the Air Force. If the current leadership was in place in 1986 when I joined, I would have never raised my hand to serve, and I told our two adult sons to not enlist in the military. Enough said.

[@michaelrc1999]

milley calls china to inform them of what we're doing...isn't that a mole.

[@infidel24]

He should have been charged with something that's for sure. I hope that Trump or DeSantis win the election and charge him with treason.

[@travisfisher594]

It’s Treason 🤬

[@sfcd4757]

No, by definition and by actual laws and articles of both the United States of America and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), it was giving comfort and aid to the Enemy.

[@stevenm3823]

@@sfcd4757 wrong....that would be TRAITOR Trump and his fealty to Putin and his loving embrace of Kim Jung Un.

[@travisfisher594]

Yep. Article lll, section 3, clause 1.4👍👊🫡

[@Dean4511]

It would be a little more reassuring if our military leadership's biggest concern wasn't choosing between the pink and purple camo uniforms for our troops. 💅

[@sumduma55]

It's deeper than that. They spent the last few years purging people over political thoughts (Maga, America first and supporters of Trump) and fears over a scanty tested vaccine that too has become a sign of political associations.

[@desertmav8632]

Most Americans today would desperately discourage their teenagers from joining the military anymore, wouldn’t you agree?

[@rogerdorsey7823]

THE EPITOME OF WAISTFUL OVERPRICED EQUIPMENT OF TAX PAYER MONEY...

[@Dean4511]

@@desertmav8632 It used to be parents just had to worry about the woke indoctrination their kids would receive in college. Now they have to worry about them getting it in the military, too.

[@jamesa4958]

A+

[@sfcd4757]

Milley and Austin have violated numerous times, the Army Values. Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity and Personal Courage. They both are dishonorable men through their deeds and may all history books tell of their complete and utter failures. May they never be forgotten for what they have done in this world. And by the way, recruiting is at an all time low so he blatently lied to all.

[@bonchkel0]

he said re-enlistment was at an all time high

[@sfcd4757]

@@bonchkel0 thats a lie....its at an all time low on extensions or re-enlistments

[@tinaleon8101]

Thank you so much for TELLING That Man off👍🏿👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽🇺🇲🦅

[@MrJoeyZaZa]

Where Johnson screwed up is when Austin brought up the leadership of the military. Johnson should have slammed back, "the same leadership that the American people think are too political." As a 21-year Vet, I thought military leadership was too political when I was in. You can tell by the decisions they were making and how they were acting. Quite cowardly if you asked me. But it was all in the safeguarding of one's career. I will always be one that will try to talk someone OUT of joining the military. Especially young white, straight, Christian males. Not when you have someone like Austin and Miley in charge! Opps... am I displaying my white rage there General? LMAO!!!!!

[@Dgtrscn]

The military has totally gone to the dark side

[@Tony-dc1qt]

Not totally, just the leadership

[@Dgtrscn]

@@Tony-dc1qt volunteering to serve under the current leadership is totally willingly joining the Dark Side.

[@Dgtrscn]

@@Tony-dc1qt no different during NOT SEE GERMANY

[@LeonSteelpaw]

@@Tony-dc1qt Did you not notice the force-wide stand-down once biden took office?

[@Tony-dc1qt]

Let me make a sweeping generalization, then. The commenters on youtube videos are all idiots. Have you seen the comments on here? 😑

[@tweakradje]

Power to the people!

[@rosier5428]

I heard the military is going to start giving everyone daily Bud Light rations.

[@doc693]

Have you seen their new "spokesperson" as of today?

[@LeonSteelpaw]

That's too manly and american, that can't be right

[@davidcirovic8620]

@@LeonSteelpaw they´ll only get the cans with that transgender on them.

[@rosier5428]

@@doc693 yes, that’s why I made the comment……complete craziness. History will not judge is well.

[@rosier5428]

@@LeonSteelpaw Not any more.

[@Mr.Blister1960]

Send in the real Cavalry! We need the REAL military!

[@Onix.556]

I know 5 people right now getting out of the Army within 60 days because it’s too political and too woke. All these people wanted to be lifers in the military until recently

[@davidhfranz]

I like how Austin touts his "recruiting experience" as if he wasn't in a walk-in market in 2nd Recruiting Brigade. Those of who were in 3rd Brigade actually had to work to make our mission. I also like how he explicitly ignores the Hyde Amendment which makes it illegal to use federal funding for abortions.

[@johnschuh8616]

The next step is issuing skirts for transpersons.

[@akcandlemaker8786]

@@johnschuh8616 I hope not.

[@eriklarson2066]

How he can go in front of these committees and lie every day is amazing

[@brianhartman7135]

As an army vet listening to Milley talk about white rage was disgusting. Our woke military leadership is a disgrace.

[@alexrowson-brown6568]

You don’t even know what woke mean 😂

[@scottsechrest7045]

He's so shameful he can't even look in the eye and answer the questions terrible for the United States

[@lianemarable]

White Rage Milley🤬

[@roberthudson5348]

When I was in the military, we were always told that to talk about politics. We were to serve our country no matter what party was in charge. I am honestly disgusted at the military p leadership

[@1969cmp]

When ranking officers also embrace a political aspect to their job description, they become Commissars.

[@williammurray1341]

You think? Why is covid tracked but not military suicide?

[@JimboHotWings]

Suicide in the military is tracked...

[@WiseOwl_1408]

They don't care

[@michaelnadel8]

The military is feeling the sting and facing the reality of where their recruits come from. Predominantly Southern and rural places that love this country. Not coming from the suburbs with their pink hair. Not really coming from the cities. So all these policies are implementing for those folks are going to turn people like me and the people that actually do want to fight and serve away.

[@johnschuh8616]

A hard fact they don’t want to look at. But those regions of the country have been the most pro- US miltary for more than a century.

[@maximusmeridius6610]

What happened to the maternity pilot suits?😂😂😂hilarious.

[@patrickgary802]

Thank you for calling them out!!

[@Hemidakota]

Why it has plummeted? Incompetent president and Sec Def/Joint Chief.

[@delta212cpd]

Re-enlistments could only be higher due to more luxurious packages offered up to those up for re-enlistment. In other words ... basic bribery.

[@georgedykes5533]

This is a lie ! Reenlistments are actually down!

[@hettdog]

He needs to be refreshed with MacArthur’s speech to West Point in ‘63. And through all this welter of change and development, your mission remains fixed, determined, inviolable - it is to win our wars. Everything else in your professional career is but corollary to this vital dedication. All other public purposes, all other public projects, all other public needs, great or small, will find others for their accomplishment; but you are the ones who are trained to fight: yours is the profession of arms - the will to win, the sure knowledge that in war there is no substitute for victory; that if you lose, the nation will be destroyed; that the very obsession of your public service must be Duty - Honor - Country. Others will debate the controversial issues, national and international, which divide men’s minds; but serene, calm, aloof, you stand as the nation’s warguardian, as its lifeguard from the raging tides of international conflict, as its gladiator in the arena of battle. For a century and a half you have defended, guarded, and protected its hallowed traditions of liberty and freedom, of right and justice. Let civilian voices argue the merits or demerits of our processes of government; whether our strength is being sapped by deficit financing, indulged in too long, by federal paternalism grown too mighty, by power groups grown too arrogant, by politics grown too corrupt, by crime grown too rampant, by morals grown too low, by taxes grown too high, by extremists grown too violent; whether our personal liberties are as thorough and complete as they should be. These great national problems are not for your professional participation or military solution. Your guidepost stands out like a ten-fold beacon in the night - Duty - Honor - Country.

[@arthurmosel808]

What do you expect when promotion to colonel and all generals required a Senate approval after a list was submitted by the Executive Branch.

[@bfreeman72]

I wish these hearings led to action. It fans outrage but imposed no accountability and solves very little.

[@brianweatherbee8670]

These leaders need to step down.

[@GFox...]

He blatantly lied about meeting recruiting goals!!!!

[@Jordan-vf4up]

Thank you, Forbes

[@TheMrSuge]

Forbes is conservative biased

[@mikeofstedahl8041]

AS A VET , I CANT EVEN IMAGINE BEING IN THE MILITARY NOW...

[@2zxodcfm]

"The most combat credible fighting force on the planet." Says who, sir?

[@kh-si5iq]

Who can forget Secretary of Defense Austin prancing around looking like a 2nd rate Darth Vader inspecting his Stormtroopers with his "double mask/extended face shield thingy" trying to show the people how things were going to be from now on! "Double mask and faceshield, peasants..that's how things are gonna be from now on!!"

[@angeloftheabyss5265]

Are reenlistment rates higher then the last 50 years? Don’t you need initial enlistments to keep the machine fed? What are the initial enlistment rates?

[@wythewilson7393]

The joint chiefs should all be impeached. Political judgment should stay out of military. Leaving military equipment for our enemies during a botched withdrawal is ground for treason ( aiding the enemy). Not only are the military brass guilty, but also the commander in chief. All should be held accountable

[@TheMrSuge]

The Joint Chiefs cannot be impeached

[@RobJones-l2n]

As a Retired Veteran of 20 years, I would do everything in my power to never allow my kids to join any branch of the military.

[@Dr.Cosmar]

"I'll tell you what I am aware of" Like a 3 year old with their hand caught in the cookie jar, they just get mad about it. Someone needs to put austin in a corner before he dose damage in an act of revenge.

[@SAitek1556]

re enlistment rates are a joke

[@patrickadams5487]

That dude is the man! Lol I have to agree with everything he said. What Austin and Milley are missing is. No one is talking about retention. It’s recruiting they are failing on and they have been politicize

[@mollyb3822]

Austin and Milley need to go!! Lock them up!!!

[@guestuser4503]

We have no military at this point.

[@19491Tommy]

Our military should be able to function every day, without worrying about some stupid political requirement placed on them, and their families !

[@wayneasiam65]

Austin and Milley will forever be remembered for one thing above all. Afghanistan, its abandoned bases, embassy and allies.

[@tuerisenikuraciri9912]

Policy based on legal basis cannot guarantee absolute security ….policies based on wisdom bring safety an peace.

[@carlpetersen5983]

the military is gone WOKE

[@imhere7563]

Hold them accountable!

[@peterlitwinczuk5403]

That is one really huge dork.....

[@mriphone1000]

That's also why the fbi has trouble finding people. Things are way too political.

[@MorningStarChrist]

All I heard from this guy is that our soldiers aren't men; they're women. Weaker soldiers.

[@JasonJorden-el7sn]

We don't rely on our military because thanks to the 2nd amendment...we have our own military.. but it's a shame that this is what it has come to. The ones willing to join the military won't do it because they are willing to do what the military asks them to do and are willing to do it without the government telling them what to do. We don't have to take an oath to know what is right and to know when to man up and fight.

[@shaun9156]

Wait what?!?!?! recruitment highest in 50 years?! NO way. Ego and thinking you're doing the "right thing" doesn't make you right.

[@markcook9941]

Dereliction of duty. Impeach. Rip those bars and stripes off of those Traitor's

[@dakotatheplumber1287]

Go woke, get left behind

[@dcpack]

It has been this way for quite a while. Senior officers have always been the best brown-noses when it comes to politicians. More recently that behavior has become the IDEAL in which to promote ones career, especially when democrats are in charge and military readiness is just a buzz word.

[@paulaurquidi2279]

Military must follow the laws of the US citizens.

[@cbalways484]

Austin is beyond arrogant! Bring him up on charges!! A disgrace!

[@gman-gx6gg]

Lloyd Austin and should have just said shut the hell up and let me do my job, Which is defending my country.

[@malo5951]

Politicians are fools. The process is so ridiculous that intelligent people won't get involved.

[@anchorsaweigh9893]

Their recruitment numbers show their incompetence 🫡

[@peggychamberlain9515]

Lloyd and Milley both belong behind bars!!

[@teresaislas5592]

Fire Austin now before it's too late America don't want him! So get rid of him

[@ladyaly864]

When we were little our parents got us each a little dog...They named them one "Logic "and the other "Law"...We were taught to follow the Law and Logic as kids...Gen MIley didn't have smart parents...He can't follow either our puppies...He is his own dog and a rabid one to boot...He is our, "Traitor" the dog...He needs to be Court Marshalled...Along with his cronies...ASAP!...

[@kevinmclemore7883]

He just told you he wasn't following the law AND you missed the DOJ concealed website has guidance on this should review that

[@ernestpaniagua1210]

Secdef is lying about enlistment numbers are high.

[@dez3940]

Can confirm. Got a 89 on asvap was guna join up after high school (this was 2019) then 2020-2021 happened

[@aaahtex902]

**CRIMINALS & TERRORISTS >>>NEVER ANSWER QUESTIONS DIRECTLY

[@rogerdorsey7823]

BARACK HANGING AROUND!

[@mariomejia8109]

TRAITORS TRAITORS TRAITORS

[@getsmart321]

B O O M !

[@matthewjohnson4208]

Can’t forget weak too👌🏻

[@makdaddy8399]

Miley is thinking......you ain't seen nothing yet. Austin don't care what anyone says....He knows he checks a lot of boxes and will never get fired

[@zachdancy5828]

It's funny listening to a General just talking in circles about how happy everyone I'm the Military are, knowing full well that he is lying.

[@eyvonnetherrien9270]

Remove Austin now.

[@harborside10]

we are so screwed

[@MFJoneser]

Human dignity and morale are incredibly difficult to maintain in military organizations while also remaining neutral and non-political. These military leaders are doing their very best. Browbeating and throwing shade is exhausting, saddening, unproductive. Military money use needs attention. The us military does incredibly well all considering..

[@charleneterrell]

To confirm, SES are appointed by the President. SES and above certainly play a political role. In many capacities, they serve as advisors.

[@Voigtlander1972]

Politics clouds military clarity of assessment judgement. That leads to defeat and deaths of the servicemen on the battlefield.

[@geetee3652]

Opinion doesn't mean law

[@jillsnyder6421]

He doesn't care what the American people think of him, nor Milley. Waste of time to mention it over and over and over just hurry up with impeachment proceedings.

[@vvillagran]

He lied at the end. Out Military does not have great recruitment. Far from it. That was an outright lie

[@unvaxedmarine9534]

I served 20 years in the Marines as a proud Latino American. I deployed to Iraq 3 times, Afghanistan 2 times, and Syria 1 time as an infantry man. In my 20 years in the service race was never an issue until the Obama and Biden administration. Our military leadership is more concerned on CRT and inclusion for tranny’s in our military ranks than winning wars. While our enemies are training to kill us we are being trained on proper pronouns. That is why I retired at exactly 20 years. - GySgt (ret.) USMC 0311: 2002-2022

[@markusbroyles1884]

I think they should RE ENACT the DRAFT ... There aught to be an all GAY division in the army ~ Call them the "Band of Thebes" place them in every front line battle everywhere Let them parade in front of the enemy in drag queen costume to sort out the snipers.

[@patrickcoreilly]

F Austin. Fire him. Shame on him.

[@dalemoore435]

Yeah if you smoke don't go to a VA facility for rehab or you will go to prison. The mall cops will make sure of that. My suggestion to the rest of the vets like me, don't...

[@jasonhinds463]

Hope one day these traitors will face the music for the damage they have done to our country!

[@Sobeit2024]

Starting with Bowe Bergdahl in front of a firing squad. Not a million dollar podcast. His father should be facing a firing squad as well .

[@WolfdogsRescue]

Milley & Austin are so corrupt & woke. I’m sure they’re families are Even disappointed in them at this point…

[@robertroetter5317]

Every branch in 2022 missed its recruiting goals, had to lower standards. Don't think a lot of potential war fighters want to tip toe thru the tulips with the woke leadership.

[@Dr.Cosmar]

"This policy is based on sound legal basis" < ok... cool story bro... that's a nothing burger sentence.

[@LrdBxRck]

If they never do anything to him he'll keep on doing it. Why respect anyone that has no power to enforce the rules of law.

[@SpiritofAloha11]

1/5 are women? Since when did Austin become a biologist!??

[@RoscoesRiffs]

Sec. Austin and ALL generals and admirals are political appointees. It's the law.

[@johntaylor7288]

We can never win with this leadership. I'm 100% convinced that's the plan.

[@cmjGemara]

It's a threat to national security

[@delprice3007]

Fire the insubordinate SOB

[@gov4130]

People would trust our military more if the person in charge was competent in how it was run. When was that last time that happened? When YOU are threat globally how to you govern that? Lets rein in all our bases and fix our roads and bridges and schools.

[@BooDamnHoo]

It doesn't matter what Lloyd Tardo says. The LAW says they CANNOT spend funds on abortion. PERIOD. There is no workaround.

[@DJCal_Z]

The Constitution grants Congress the sole power to declare war. The US Congress has declared war on 11 occasions, so basically these Generals boss is the whole congress making decisions for the military and the congress is mix of democrats and republicans. So the General should know that they should be nonpartisan and arguing with the elected Congress representatives is insubordination and should be punishable. Privates say "yes sir" and these generals should remember to say "yes sir" to members of congress.

[@MFG333]

Milley should have been fired 4 years ago when he first displayed insubordination.

[@reesestewart2028]

These generals are an embarrassment to our nation.

[@Ukraine-is-Corrupt]

Why aren’t the lies being told by the US military about the US war with Ukraine, a political issue covered here ?