Revitalizing Trust in the Military | Hoover Institution, RAI

The Center for Revitalizing American Institutions (RAI) hosted its “State of American Institutions” conference on Thursday, November 30, and Friday, December 1.
In this panel, participants discuss strengthening the American public’s trust in the US military. Despite the military enjoying greater trust compared to other institutions, its current level of 60 percent, as reported by a recent Gallup poll, still represents a recent decline. Participants suggest that rebuilding trust requires addressing the deficit of civics and history education. Further, citizens must understand that one of the pillars of US government is civilian control of the military. Participants also maintain that a component of restoring trust is preserving the warrior ethos and maintaining high standards of excellence among military personnel. The populace, participants maintain, should understand that the military is intended to protect and defend the country, and its mission should not be sidetracked by political agendas.
For more information, visit www.hoover.org/events/state-a...
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
The Honorable Joni Ernst, United States Senator for Iowa
Peter Feaver, Professor of Political Science, Duke University
General Jim Mattis, Davies Family Distinguished Fellow, Hoover Institution; and former Secretary of Defense
Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, Fouad and Michelle Ajami Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution; and former National Security Advisor
Moderator: Stephen Kotkin, Kleinheinz Senior Fellow, Hoover Institution; and Senior Fellow, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies, Stanford University
ABOUT THE CENTER FOR REVITALIZING AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS (RAI):
In an objective, non-partisan spirit, the Center for Revitalizing American Institutions (RAI) draws on the Hoover Institution’s scholarship, government experience, and convening power to study the reasons behind the crisis in trust facing American institutions, analyze how they are operating in practice, and consider policy recommendations to rebuild trust and increase their effectiveness.
Learn more: www.hoover.org/research-teams...

[@Redleg151]

We have far more Flag Officers now than the peak of WWII, many do Ivy League Fellowships, are outwardly political, and are overly concerned with themselves. Retired Flag Officers have violated Article 88 of the UCMJ speaking against particular civilian leaders. The Chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Trump by his own admission, violated the UCMJ and civilian laws with now accountability. HR"s point on who's not joining is on point. What he didn't mention was the messaging that is causing that 10% to not join.

[@stephenlight647]

We should definitely increase more diversity training and lesbian poetry recitals. This will surely increase recruitment. Secondarily, we should stop sending the non-elite’s kids to die in adventures concocted by various graduates of Harvard and Georgetown. Next time they have a vital interest to defend, I will not take it seriously until I see the sons and daughters of foreign policy leaders and Senators on the front line. The middle and working classes are starting to catch on.

[@kreek22]

They always find an out for their offspring: Hunter Biden was discharged almost as soon as he was commissioned due to drug problems. These people aren't leaders anymore: they're parasites.

[@Elianainvt]

And they call me sarcastic!

[@Elianainvt]

Oh, I’m sorry! I didn’t realize that you have a disability…

[@gavinmc5285]

is it true that pandas are lesbians?

[@AdamIndikt]

A Lieutenant Colonel in the US Space Force talks about how vital LGBT is because this person is a trans-woman. We saw the head of the joint chiefs of staff Mark Milley say to Congress that the thing that he worries about most is “white rage”. I think these panelists live in a very different world than the one that we see publicly from the US military. This could have been more impactful if they acknowledged the problem exists, rather than saying it doesn’t. There were so many good points made, like Mathis arguing for greater civics education, but ignoring the elephant in the room doesn’t help.

[@MrRichmattson]

If the public doesn’t trust the civilian leadership, that will cause lack of recruitment.

[@--Dani]

Great panel and even better moderator👍🏻

[@hj-bc8sb]

WHAT WAS SO GOOD ABOUT IT????

[@ShamanNoodles]

American citizens LOVE our military service members. ❤ Thank you all for your service!

[@hj-bc8sb]

WHAT DOES THAT MEAN???? IF YOU CARE ABOUT THEM SO MUCH WHY ARE SO MANY VETERANS HOMELESS AND WHY IS THE VA. SYSTEM SUCH GARBAGE ??? FUCK THE U.S. MILITARY GO AND RECRUIT THE RAINBOW MAFIA...

[@karagi101]

Did you miss the part that the military’s approval rating stands at only 60%?

[@casualbrowser407]

I'm a young, white man of military age. I'm fit, outdoorsy and know how to shoot. I'm proud of my family, heritage and culture. US Army stands for none of that.

[@alison6321]

Super

[@karagi101]

What’s it stand for?

[@gavinmc5285]

if a man cannot fish and hunt he wants to kill those that deny him those rights

[@MFJoneser]

Those who serve sacrifice a great deal of freedom and comfort. It’s understandable and reasonable to take pride in bearing that personal cost, ranging from isolation from friends and family, to more profound costs like lasting physical and emotional trauma, or worse. Being exceptional does not necessitate socially identifying as exceptional. What a tremendous panel this was. Thank you

[@Elianainvt]

Qu’es quelle avec McMaster’s socks?

[@marymccauley2637]

Thank you for bringing this group together, I enjoyed hearing their thoughts and the audience questions.

[@snewsom2997]

After 20 years in Iraq, Afghanistan, and a Dozen countries people don't even know about, to do things that are not actually keeping Americans safe, is it any surprise there is not a lot of recruits. Since at least the 80's large numbers of teachers of children hold a very dim view of the military and the people who chose it, they have been teaching the children for 40 years, that impacts the number of volunteers as well. Finally we are an obese decadent society and that impacts the number of volunteers the most. We are not a healthy country, body, mind or soul.

[@gavinmc5285]

Civilian 🇮🇶🇦🇫 fusion controls

[@asahisagoiboi3517]

Its not those people. Its the veterans such as myself and active duty on social media telling the truth. Being treated like a dog with extreme level of disrespect. I never took the military seriously because a real tough guy will not tell you everyday stories of his toughness. Also the self preservation culture is an absolute joke. These lifers only care about themselves. When lifers get out they can't understand why nobody kisses their asses anymore and get depressed. Military carrer individuals are the leftovers not the best of the best. The best people get out after one enlistment or get kicked out because they know that there are better jobs out there. Today's generation have access to information better than my generation the Milenials and Gen x. The military are poverty pimps they recruit desperate people with little moral fortitude or ethics. There is zero honor being a lifer and I personally was embarrassed to wear my uniform in public. Only losers tried to pick up women in their uniforms or they would marry Thai or Filipino women because American women know how much of a bun they are.

[@darwel007]

Yep, and you were putting a positive spin on things!

[@michaeljacobs4546]

When I was in the Army in the Gulf War period, it was already in decline, I shudder to think what state the military is in now. No wonder young people are less likely now to volunteer for that service as I did.

[@fernandorosario4037]

What a great conversation and an incredible panel. Thank you!

[@johnabbott6598]

My father volunteered for the Army just days after Pearl Harbor and 3 uncles were World War 2 vets. My brother and I both served and always considered the military a great experience most all should share. With the woke approach of today and disrespect of generations that served at the Confederate honoring posts and all southerners who served I would under no circumstances join now. Let the woke leaders find there new choice of soldiers and see how it works. Too much political b.s . and politicians that dont give a crap calling the shots. Idiots

[@darbyheavey406]

Read the SIGAR report and convince me that our officer corps is honorable. The entire Afghan Campaign was a rerun of Vietnam. Most senior leaders refused to participate with the Inspector General.

[@kevinjenner9502]

The “Afghanistan Papers”. 20 years of public lies / 20 years of private truths

[@gavinmc5285]

vietnam was about the heroin trade?

[@michaelyeiser1565]

The President calls the ball. Even racial preference cases like Obama can understand arithmetic and basic geometry--casualties and geographic control. The crime of continuing there indefinitely was a political crime first.

[@that_heretic]

McMaster's and Senator Ernst's comments here, ironically, perfectly highlight the actual problem with institutional trust. We have very poor leaders. These two are simply two examples of many. Most Americans probably can't fully articulate this reality, and hence they cling onto stupid terms like "woke", but the real problem is that they see propagandists like Tucker Carlson as more trustworthy than people like McMaster. Justifiably so based on this conversation.

[@salex5412]

Re: Civilian Control of the Military: An early example would be Washington on Long Island. Jefferson while a minister in Paris in a letter in 1786 described how Washington in 1776 obeyed Congress's orders even though he knew those orders were bad strategy. Jefferson wrote -- "I will make a general observation here on the events of Long Island, New York &c. at this time. The maxim laid down by Congress to their generals was that not a foot of territory was to be ceded to their enemies where there was a possibility of defending it. In consequence of these views, and against his own judgment, Genl. Washington was obliged to fortify & attempt to defend the city of New York. But that could not be defended without occupying the heights on Long Island which commanded the city of New York. He was therefore obliged to establish a strong detachment in Long island to defend those heights. The moment that detachment was routed, which he had much expected, his first object was to withdraw them, & his second to evacuate New York-he did this therefore immediately, and without waiting any movement of the enemy. "

[@joanibarr3284]

Just great, thank you Joani Barr

[@Redleg151]

Feaver is far too forgiving of the terminology "confusion". DEI has replace merit in many areas in particular senior level promotions. Nobody is willing to do the study the numerical increase far beyond statistical explanation. It won't be undertaken.

[@thomashussman3790]

The Separation of Powers Doctrine is at its strongest when an Honor System is adhered to by the participants. It must remain voluntary to succeed.

[@DawsonsWar]

"I am now going to my grave with that lapse in moral courage on my back." General Harold K. Johnson lamenting his actions during the Vietnam War. In the forty years since his death the leaders of our military seem to have inoculated themselves from such feelings. Wokeness, DEI, civilian control are all secondary issues. The foundation of trust in any organization is not built on the self-satisfying clever excuses and blame shifting we heard from this panel. It is built on a pattern of success.

[@farzana6676]

Yes. How is success achieved. By not handicapping our military. WW2 is the template.

[@jirivosyka6469]

Cheap shot. Wokeness, DEI, civilian control are all NOT secondary issues.

[@michaelyeiser1565]

The politicians will not permit the military to achieve success. They have denied that outcome since Korea. The American ruling class wishes to purchase and bribe their way to global domination. Fighting for it in earnest seems to them too risky.

[@GS540]

I see Kotkin. I click.

[@OmikronCZ]

30 minutes insofar and theres nothing but just patting each other backs. I getting chills out of this. I came here for Kotkin but this looks just like a travesty show. Very sad.

[@gavinmc5285]

the travis truman show: talking to who.

[@antonp4338]

Same here, super disappointed

[@michaelyeiser1565]

It never improved--just a mindless defense of the status quo.

[@ffleischer]

To call this panel excellent would be an understatement. Every current politician should be forced to watch and take notes.

[@dosesandmimoses]

I respectfully disagree with your assertion.

[@gavinmc5285]

civilian overseers

[@michaelyeiser1565]

Lazy status quo owners defend the status quo--and lie.

[@bronco5644]

When signs at the gate at Fort Sam Houston celebrate “Pride” month in June when only a few years ago, admitted homosexuality would result in administrative discharge, and when the government renames all the installations such as Forts Hood, Bragg, Benning, and Lee because they were named after Confederate Generals - as a 30 year retiree, I would say that the military is ”woke”.

[@karagi101]

So homosexual citizens can’t love their country and serve in its military? That’s tge main problem with the current military?

[@darwel007]

A woke joke?

[@PaulOSullivan-iy6kt]

Sure it's "woke" but you realise that these types of values result in w highly effective organisation right? When every single member of the military feels welcomed and not shunned upon this means every single person (asset) will be performing at their best. This is one of the reasons why the West is so rich and successful and a in the military , a clear advantage over other militaries who are still stuck in their old ways.

[@michaeladams2575]

Ben, thanks for bringing on Trent. Neither he or you are click bait guys. Much respect to you both. Peace.

[@bettyhaines2570]

Thank you for this video 😊❤🙏💝

[@JM-if1mo]

How about demonstrating financial responsibility? I heard on that stage, four people do a lot of philosophical pandering. I get it....we want the mentality of a powerful fight force. Talk the talk and walk the walk. We all want to share in the "tough guy" talk. How about being accountable with the largest military budget in the world. How about when two sitting presidents tell you to get out of Afghanistan, you actually make an effort to end that war. Even the time extentsion that Biden gave the military, didn't prevent the military from making it a joke. How about introducing real competition at some level of the military spending. I'm also sure that if Stephen felt a little more feisty, he would have asked, why can't the military pass a damn spending audit. A little more Accountability and Transparency would be huge in revitalizing trust.

[@that_heretic]

The elephant in the room is civilian contractors, and their role in propping up average wages and employment numbers. Eisenhower had it right on the military industrial complex.

[@smlince]

Hold it - Kotkin! Kotkin! It isn't coming up when I use KZbin search for name like I do daily but putting this in because we've got KOTKIN HERE!!

[@rmnair90]

Terrific panel! Terrific moderator! 👏👏👏👏👏 PS: attention-grabbing socks on Gen. McMaster 😊

[@mastermusician]

The opinions shared by this panel are the reason why the military is losing respect - complete deflection onto issues that are, at best, incidental to the real problems. The military deserves our support and respect, but I’ve never seen so much shifting of blame from military “advocates” who are supposed to support an accountable and strong military. I wish kotkin hadn’t been moderating so that he could get involved in the conversation.

[@tnndll4294]

Get longer pants General. BTW, I watch your show reguarlly. But yeah, get longer pants sir.

[@brucevilla]

Thanks for Uploading.

[@gavinmc5285]

drawdown that

[@bumpkinskill]

To Matis: Tuberville was reacting to politicization in the military, when the military injected itself into the political abortion wars.

[@gavinmc5285]

the generation of humans that sold their realities in books, not phones.

[@scottwermuth9201]

HR's comment about private contractors who "washed out"...is part of the reason there's low trust in the military. Being shunned or maligned by public military figures who can't see past their careerist mentality. The same kind of careerist mentality that is incredibly alienating to someone who wants to serve a few honorable years then move on to new things with their lives that they can't do in the military (something simple, like having a marriage that doesn't fall apart during their next deployment). Disrespect is a poison, and if your ambassadors were poisoned by disrespectful leadership (at any level of the organization) they will not advocate for their family, friends, and acquaintances to join your organization. I am not prior service.

[@gavinmc5285]

isn't the modern U.S. PMC the direct product of the Vietnam 'washout'?

[@kreek22]

good old Y-tube is shadowing away any remarks with an "unfavorable" sentiment. Did I mention: Yay, all five are geniuses, ultra-patriotic, severely truthful? Cheer louder, please!

[@synfiguring]

Oh, this should be fun!! I do know that our United States army has the best fingernail polish of the whole world. So I do have a tiny bit of pride in them.

[@gavinmc5285]

nail bars and psychic outlets - how is secretary rice still 'secretary'?

[@KW-hk2jd]

From an average American’s perspective, I would like to say that any slip in my opinion of the military is because I have the feeling that the leadership wasn’t willing to be honest with congress, etc. about how futile our activities were in Iraq and Afghanistan. It seems like they were Yes Men willing to spend billions of dollars of taxpayer money just to keep up the charade and get a nicer retirement package in the end. I would also add that the military is not good at wielding soft power. Figure out how to tell that warrior ethos story in a way that’s not some lame B movie. And the US government overall has to improve communication with the people. Hell we get more communication from the Russian government than our own and that is devastatingly true unfortunately.

[@MicahlaBeyer]

Pretty lame answers

[@gavinmc5285]

'lame'? - in what sense?

[@averygraning2629]

Military not woke? Memorials being removed from Arlington, a military unable to confront pirates interfering and hijacking shipping??? woke as hell

[@gavinmc5285]

woe casahel 🚾🇲🇦

[@michaelyeiser1565]

All of them are paid to defend the status quo.

[@michaeljoenks4633]

The military needs to instill discipline in its ranks. The President needs to stop using the military as props in political rallies.

[@glennmitchell9107]

So, the solution to debunking the slur of DEI and ESG (wokism) in the military and the military academies is to deny, deny, deny? How does that build trust?

[@gavinmc5285]

the DEISH base

[@kingcrazymani4133]

Greetings from Quincy, Massachusetts!! 12:50. Gen. Mattis makes a good point about CinC role. 13:30. It is true that the US military is sworn to defend the Constitution, and that this includes not following illegal orders. 16:10. Good. Gen. Mattis makes the point about illegal orders. 32:00. Sen. Ernst gets a “ditto.” 37:00. Prof. Feaver left out the Crazyman from this discussion. Revisions needed to book some day? 57:30. Prof.Kotkin has several interesting points to make. It’s as if there is a big piece missing from the discussion of the points he makes. I’ll look in the mirror and ask the Crazyman if he knows what the missing point is. I’ll bet he does. Crazyman’s undergraduate education at the University of Rochester, Class of 1981, prepared him to examine intervening variables and missing arguments. Especially Political Science 201.

[@gavinmc5285]

must have been a civil war thing

[@Elianainvt]

Won’t someone say something about McMaster’s socks? Are those bows on them? I’d really like to know WHAT he’s wearing!

[@michaeljacobs4546]

@ 50: I am very proud that I got a Congressional nomination from Manhattan representative Ted Weiss, I framed that letter, but sadly I did not get into West point and instead i did Army ROTC.

[@jellybiscuit]

Sorry General, a military that pays for gender transition IS woke.

[@gavinmc5285]

war on terror. what was that about?

[@getevennow]

Sound quality tarnishes the brilliance of white man

[@gavinmc5285]

do you need soap powder for that algorithm?

[@glennmitchell9107]

A large part of the distrust the public (and politicians) have of the military is the number of recently retired or otherwise discharged senior officers who become lobbyists for foreign governments, become lobbyists or board members for defense related or other industries working for the government, or who become contractors, who are little more than thinly disguised operatives for extra-Constitutional operations directed against U.S. citizens. There are also too many ex-military involving themselves in party politics. The American military ethic of civilian control needs to be extended to ex-servicemen. Senior military leaders receive generous pensions. They don't need to immediately seek further government employment. They don't need to become lobbyists, certainly not lobbyists for defense related industries.

[@kreek22]

You're mostly correct, but not on this point: "Senior military leaders receive generous pensions." Their pensions are not at all generous compared the money made by the top 1% of other professions. Almost all of them claim to be legally disabled at retirement in order to increase their pensions to a more reasonable level. Their pensions ought to be reformed to eliminate the temptation to corruption that you discussed.

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

How did any of these officers make flag rank? It will take 30 years to restore the military to the readiness when these men took their commission.

[@Elianainvt]

“Either”? Or what? And what’s the deal with the socks?

[@williedigital]

The same brass that would have not allowed Ernst to serve if they had their way and she's carrying the water now.

[@Elianainvt]

What is with the socks on the guy who’s 2nd from te right?

[@natyong]

Well regulated contractors are necessary. Poorly regulated contractors aren't needed.

[@gavinmc5285]

go figure

[@cusematt23]

Stephen Kotkin you are truly one of my favorite people in the world

[@gavinmc5285]

he's clearly measured, i'll give him that

[@ctpierce181]

no audio o o

[@braveHoratius]

How about this? Stop advocating for war. Do generals and admirals ever see a conflict they don't like?

[@gavinmc5285]

why would they be fighting a war they didn't believe in?

[@halcalaquende9952]

half an hour in and i am super disappointed, was expecting interesting insights form experts, esp with Kotkin there, but instead they just say woke woke woke, directly after saying the military should not be involved in politics. The senator is the worst so far when it comes to pure bullshit political rhetoric with 0 analytical value. Paraphrasing: 'As a veteran that lead supply units in Iraq i can't imagine having to command electric trucks and having to drive into Iraq and looking for ev charging stations' as if when you were in iraq the us forces were reliant on iraqi civilian infrastructre for refueling. Did you have to look on the roadside for Iraqi gas stations??? I saw the video and was really looking forward for another great insightful talk with Kotkin and a panel of experts and now i want my time back.

[@kreek22]

You really need you brain back, not your time.

[@bretrudeseal4314]

I'm sorry, but I can't stomach what I am hearing. Support and trust in the military is at a low level and going lower because the uniformed military will not stand up for those under their command when to do so puts them in conflict with the people who control their pensions and promotions. They knew the policies in Afghanistan and Iraq were failing but they would not tell the truth to Congress when they should have. On top of that, the politicians in Washington would not also admit what was clear as day. A Secretary of Defense who is more concerned about abortions than he is about good order and discipline and training is not a Defense Secretary, but a political hack. You are not going to get approval of the military to improve if we are losing wars and we appear to have feckless political hacks.

[@tadeuszczernia5422]

More trans-weirdos in admiral uniforms will definitely boost military standing among ordinary people.

[@andyvogel9817]

The general should have talked about the fact that most people that join the US Army do it because they couldn't find a job!

[@gavinmc5285]

jail or jump-off, jail or jump-off

[@michaelyeiser1565]

That sounds like your egregious snobbery more than a fact. Probably you ought to be deported--you know where.

[@sonnyfinch1625]

@22:37 H.R. McMaster says wokeness is hurting the military

[@willboudreau1187]

To the man in the purple tie who is worried about "triggering" soldiers? What a perverse use of that word. ASK ANY military man what "triggering" is and he'll give you the straight up truth.

[@user-on2eb6pi5h]

Seems like nothing could possibly go wrong.

[@Elianainvt]

Eeyup; Nuthin…

[@gavinmc5285]

nothing ain't something

[@paulelder6702]

Maddis mistakes the matter. The issue isn’t civilian control, it’s political control.

[@shingnosis]

It was all the cops' fault. You don't put guys like that into a room together.

[@bobroonie134]

The usual suspects!

[@JohnR22926]

After the six trillion wasted on “forever” wars, you’ve got a tough sell convincing a lot of voters that more money should be spent on the military. And regarding the woke thing, where’s the DoD leadership on taking a firm stand against it? Their silence is deafening.

[@gavinmc5285]

6 x 6 = more than 34T (aka >34T). we started at around 6T...

[@andyvogel9817]

The retired general could have if the wanted to share the truth that most young men and women that volunteer to serve in any branch of our armed services come from poverty,

[@farzana6676]

Not necessarily. There are ton of middle class multi generational military families. Who's parents and their parents and their parents were all part of military. However the military is a great career opportunity to use to get out of poverty, out of the hood etc.

[@that_heretic]

The myth of the military (especially the enlisted) being full of America's best and brightest, instead of their most desperate, has been one going on my entire life.

[@michaelyeiser1565]

More snobbery and nonsense from the resident ignoramus.

[@kabaduck]

I was in military, it is woke

[@millamulisha]

Mattis is 100% correct.

[@gavinmc5285]

what about?

[@michaelyeiser1565]

He is mistaken to think civilian control of the military is sufficient protection against the misuse of the military.

[@evanvarns4785]

General Mattis - please, please, PLEASE run for President!

[@hj-bc8sb]

FOR WHAT???? SO WE CAN GO INTO 5 MORE FOREVER WARS.... FUCK THAT...

[@gavinmc5285]

the poisoned chalice of white heat

[@michaelyeiser1565]

He would lose and he knows it.

[@jimsummers487]

I’m #1

[@Elianainvt]

No, me first! But please, someone tell me, WHAT is McMaster wearing on his ankles???

[@gavinmc5285]

#2

[@maricel4083]

Kaya nga hinahamon ko kayong lahat na subukang mag swimming sa karagatan hanggang makarating kayo sa gitna nito saka kayo sisisid hanggang maka kuya kayo nang trilion if sea horse then may be maintindihan ninyo na the owner and rule of the world is the founder federation bayad na lahat lahat para lang maiwasan ang war na katulad nang nakaraan. Masakit yan sa akin kasi nag hihirap kami dahil dito

[@dominicrooney5638]

The Hoover Institution helped me to trust the USA 👍

[@gavinmc5285]

i prefer vacuum cleaners

[@user-qy3yt5fr3g]

I expect better of the Hoover institution. First, you can't be blaming wokeness for the drop in military recruitment. The reality is that people don't join the military if there are better options for them in the civilian world. Second, you can't be playing blame the politicians for losing wars. We spent twenty years in Afghanistan and nearly a trillion dollars in resources there. The politicians gave you twenty years and 1 trillion dollars to win that war. There should be more introspection from the military leadership.

[@desertfrog]

“The biggest threat to the military is people calling it woke, but it’s not woke, and if it was that would be a problem.” I honestly thought I was listening to Ron DeSantis campaign. No wonder we are in trouble if this is the level of analysis that passes for at Hoover.

[@tomdesrosier8126]

Good presentation. I resonated with most. I found the Congresswomen Ernst uniformed about wokeness in the military, however. She needs to dig deeper and not just call her daughter. Its not just about pronouns, please look at what you're doing to white males.

[@michaelyeiser1565]

There is a paradox here: the more hard Left military leadership becomes, the less effective the military will be at spreading hard Left ideology abroad. The Leftists aren't quite thinking this thing through.

[@lettucesalad3560]

Joni Ernst needs to learn how to communicate effectively and not just ramble.

[@that_heretic]

Unironically this highlights the real problem. She's not a competent leader. But she's been one in our military, and is now a US Senator, probably for the rest of her life. No wonder people have this vague sense that American institutions aren't trustworthy when these are your leaders. The country needs more Mattis', and a population that recognizes their value.

[@pbar12]

Would it benefit the Kremlin to have members of the Hoover Institute that will do their bidding (Agents of the Kremlin)? Yes, of course. Does this mean that the Kremlin has members of the Hoover Institute who do their bidding (Agents of the Kremlin)? Yes, of course. Who's in charge of outing the agents of the Kremlin that are masked as members of the Hoover Institute?

[@michaelyeiser1565]

Who will unmask the agents of the devil that are masked as members of the Democratic Party?

[@dks13827]

Stop the quota system, or I won't join.

[@gavinmc5285]

pieces of eight quotation

[@darwel007]

Jokers, misfits, and warmongers.

[@polyglot8]

Is McMaster wearing socks?

[@Elianainvt]

THANK YOU!!! WHAT is with those socks? Spats? Some sort of military paraphernalia?Or just seriously bizarre!

[@gavinmc5285]

socks + shoes = a modern slavery system

[@tb8865]

You can't say that the US Military isn't "Woke," only the civilian leadership is, if the military is ultimately subject to that civilian leadership. If the civilian leadership is politicized the military subject to it will be politicized accordingly. Also: US Army bases have had their names changed according to political mandates, they are currently removing the Civil War Reconciliation memorial from Arlington National Cemetery--what do these actions communicate, if not the repudiation of the white Southern men who since the beginning of this country's existence have served as the backbone of the US Army? The Woke, anti-white policies our government has pursued are alienating the people who have historically served with the highest patriotism in the US military, the very people who would sign up to fight and die for their country because it's the honorable thing to do. Unfortunately, the culture that fosters such patriotism has been under attack for decades and the people written off as the villains of history (white men, southerners especially) are simply dropping out and refusing to fight for a country that gives them nothing genuinely meaningful to fight for. The recruitment crisis is only going to get worse, and the military is increasingly going to rely on financial incentives/citizenship guarantees to bribe young men to serve this country, effectively as mercenaries.

[@Elianainvt]

Backbone of the US Army? Have you read about our Civil War?

[@gavinmc5285]

what percentage of the 333m across the USA are classified as black or latino? what percentage of the incarcerated are classified as black or latino? what percentage of the armed services are classified as black or latino? 10% down on whites? see drugs.

[@markrichards2460]

1st

[@gavinmc5285]

first under 1st

[@swordsheldhigh7934]

If you dont like politization , then dont throw that stupid insignificant word around.

[@janetcox4873]

Lololololololol

[@larry573]

weapons of mass dementia....irans fukd....moula who ?

[@andreaswinsnes6944]

You need more LGBT in the military to rebuild lost trust.

[@kreek22]

Their true dream is to have white guys fight for an America that becomes 100% gay and black.

[@gavinmc5285]

lost hearts club