Donald Trump's transition team explores a controversial plan that could reshape the highest ranks of America's military command.
According to The Wall Street Journal, a draft executive order under consideration would establish a "warrior board" of retired military personnel with the authority to evaluate and potentially remove three- and four-star officers deemed unfit for leadership.
The proposed board would represent a significant departure from traditional military promotion systems. This initiative aligns with Trump's campaign promises to remove what he refers to as "woke generals" and those involved in the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal.
The draft order outlines specific criteria for officer evaluation, focusing on leadership capability, strategic readiness, and commitment to military excellence.
The board would comprise retired generals and noncommissioned officers who would submit their recommendations directly to the president.
Officers identified for removal would face retirement within 30 days at their current rank. The proposal draws inspiration from General George C. Marshall's 1940 "plucking board," which reviewed senior military officers to make room for promising junior officers.
Former Pentagon officials express concerns about potential politicization of the military. Eric Carpenter, a professor of military law at FIU College of Law, shared his perspective:
This looks like an administration getting ready to purge anyone who will not be a yes man. If you are looking to fire officers who might say no because of the law or their ethics, you set up a system with completely arbitrary standards, so you can fire anyone you want.
Trump's relationship with military leadership has been complex throughout his presidency. Initially appointing several generals to key positions, including Jim Mattis as Defense Secretary and John Kelly as Chief of Staff, these relationships eventually deteriorated.
Presidential authority over military officers has historical precedent. Previous presidents have exercised this power, such as President Harry Truman's dismissal of General Douglas MacArthur and President Obama's removal of General Stanley McChrystal.
The implementation of this executive order would depend on Trump's future Defense Secretary, though top candidates, including Senator Tom Cotton and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, have either withdrawn or been assigned elsewhere. The transition team also aims to reduce the size of the joint staff.
The Trump transition team's draft executive order proposes establishing a "warrior board" to review and potentially remove high-ranking military officers.
This initiative would grant unprecedented power to an external board of retired military personnel to evaluate current three- and four-star officers.
If implemented, the order would enable swift removal of officers deemed unsuitable, particularly targeting those involved in the Afghanistan withdrawal and those perceived as promoting diversity initiatives. The proposal awaits Trump's review and potential signature, with its execution dependent on the appointment of a new Defense Secretary and the establishment of specific evaluation criteria for military leadership.
