US Military Academy Alumni Say Floyd Protests Military Intervention Is 'Militarization of Politics'... Criticism of Defense Secretary and Joint Chiefs Chairman

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Alumni of the United States Military Academy criticized the Department of Defense leadership for actions that violated the spirit of the Constitution during the nationwide protests against racial discrimination in the U.S.

On the 11th (local time), according to the political media outlet The Hill, U.S. Military Academy graduates expressed this view in an online open letter addressed to cadets who entered the academy in 2020, criticizing the response of Defense Secretary Mark Esper and other military leaders.

The graduates pointed out that the oath taken by those who choose to serve in the U.S. military embodies a moral purpose and a desire to fulfill their duties, but "today, these constitutional aspirations remain unfulfilled."

The controversy escalated after protests triggered by the death of George Floyd, a Black man who died due to excessive force by a white police officer on the 25th of last month, when the Trump administration announced it might deploy military units.

Following a press conference where Secretary Esper and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley announced President Trump's tough response policy, criticism arose that their participation in a 'showy commemorative photo session' contributed to the politicization of the military.

Secretary Esper explained that he followed along without realizing it was a commemorative photo session, and Chairman Milley stated he should not have attended, but the controversy within the military does not seem to be subsiding.

The U.S. Military Academy alumni criticized Secretary Esper's blind obedience and the politicization of the military, stating, "It is concerning that alumni in high-ranking positions are failing to uphold their duties, honor, and promises to dedicate themselves to the nation."

They added, "Their actions threaten the belief that the military is not affiliated with any political faction," urging the younger generation to "join in correcting these wrongs."

Meanwhile, former Defense Secretaries James Mattis, Leon Panetta, Chuck Hagel, Ash Carter, and former Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs Mike Mullen and Martin Dempsey have also publicly criticized President Trump's remarks about deploying the military.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.