Dartblog

Despite several obvious overtures towards the military, it seems President-elect Barack Obama is not gaining much ground. According to a Military Times survey, 6 out of 10 active duty service members are uncertain or pessimistic about their incoming commander. Perhaps this number is unsurprising as only 1 in 4 service members supported him during the election. He obviously lacks military experience, yet enters office with the burden of several election cycle promises to the American public that could have serious consequences for the military. Such a combination is sure to put some service members on guard. For those who have forgotten, Obama has promised a 16 month timetable for withdrawal from Iraq, in addition to calling for the end of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy regarding gay and lesbian members of the military. Controversial promises that may please his democrat base, but alienate the more conservative soldiers putting their lives in harm’s way for all of us everyday.

As our country is built upon civilian control of the military, the animosity of service members does not present a significant challenge to his authority. It does, however, show one of the major hurdles that Obama must face in his first years in office. Not even the numerous peace offerings from the Obama camp have changed the pessimism and uncertainty towards his leadership. Choosing to retain well respected Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates, currently serving under President George W. Bush, and to bring in a former general as his National Security Advisor are just two of these overtures. He also chose to continue the recent use of the Virginia Military Institute corps of cadets in the inaugural parade. Certainly these gestures of good will towards a sector of our population that one might expect a Democrat president to marginalize are promising. If he continues to demonstrate a respect and desire to understand the military when making foreign policy choices, his popularity, or at least acceptability, amongst members of the military will grow. Any signs of hostility or high handedness towards the military, however, could prove to be a significant handicap in the pursuit of his international goals.