Preserving military non-partisanship crucial for democracy, public trust

The military's longstanding principle of being a non-partisan institution is paramount to upholding democratic norms and civilian control. Using troops as a backdrop for overtly partisan rhetoric and attacks aimed at political opponents sets a deeply concerning precedent. As members of the armed forces swear an oath to the Constitution - not any individual - it is critical that political leaders respect this hallowed boundary. I urge you to make clear that employing service members as part of partisan campaign activities is unacceptable, as it politicizes and undermines the military's apolitical tradition vital to a healthy civil-military relationship. Preserving this separation is essential for good order, discipline and public trust in our armed forces.