a month ago
- Civil-military relations have been central to America's founding ideals, as highlighted by concerns in the Declaration of Independence about military subordination to civilian power.
- George Washington emphasized civilian control of the military, deferring to the Continental Congress despite its flaws to uphold republican principles.
- Modern parallels exist, with political gridlock and high public trust in the military leading presidents to assign non-traditional roles, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Mission creep risks diverting the military from its primary combat focus and undermining civilian institutions, a danger Washington warned against.