As a leader in the U.S. military, it is our duty to uphold the law and protect our citizens from any threat, both foreign and domestic. We are trained to execute orders, and if necessary, we are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice for our country. And so, when I read the statement “If I had no concerns and I was confident in the lawful order, I would definitely execute that order,” I couldn’t agree more. As a commander, I have full faith in the lawful orders and will carry them out without hesitation.
Recently, there has been a lot of discussion about the role of the U.S. military in dealing with designated terrorist organizations within our own borders. Some have expressed concern about the legality and ethics of such actions. However, as a military leader, I firmly believe that we have a responsibility to protect our country and its citizens, and we will do so within the bounds of the law.
In a recent interview with The Intercept, General Glen Vanherck, the commander of U.S. Northern Command, made it clear that the military is prepared to take action against designated terrorist organizations if necessary. He stated, “We are trained to go after designated terrorist organizations… and if the mission is to make sure the American people are kept safe, then that’s what we’re going to do.”
This statement may come as a surprise to some, but it should not be seen as an overstep of military authority. In fact, the U.S. military has a long history of supporting law enforcement agencies in fighting against domestic terrorism. After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the military provided support to law enforcement in their efforts to protect our country from further attacks. And as General Vanherck mentioned in the interview, the military’s role would only be activated if local law enforcement is unable to handle the situation.
But beyond legality and responsibility, there is also a moral obligation to protect American citizens from any threat. We have seen the devastating effects of domestic terrorism, from the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 to the recent attack on the U.S. Capitol. As military personnel, we have taken an oath to protect our country and its citizens, and we take that oath seriously. If there is a designated terrorist organization within our borders, it is our duty to take action to neutralize the threat.
Some may argue that this could lead to the militarization of our society, but I believe it is quite the opposite. By allowing the military to support law enforcement in combating domestic terrorism, we are ensuring a more coordinated and efficient response to any threat. The military has the resources and training to handle high-risk situations, and by working together with law enforcement, we can keep our communities safer.
But let me be clear, the military is not looking to take over the role of law enforcement. We recognize that our role is to support and assist, and our actions will always be in accordance with the law and the Constitution. As General Vanherck stated in the interview, “We’re not here to take over law enforcement. We’re here to support them.”
In conclusion, the U.S. military is committed to protecting our country and its citizens, and if necessary, we are willing to take action against domestic terrorist organizations. As military leaders, we have full confidence in the lawful orders given to us, and we will execute them to the best of our abilities. We will do so while upholding our values and following the law, always keeping the safety of the American people as our top priority.
