Nonpartisan National Defense

Why it’s so Important

Nonpartisan national defense is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring the military serves the entire nation, not just a political faction. According to Gallup, the U.S. military is the most trusted institution, highlighting the importance of its nonpartisan ethos for democratic stability and public confidence.

The U.S. military’s nonpartisan commitment is fundamental, reflecting the Founding Fathers’ intentions to prevent a dominating or threatening military force. This commitment ensures the military operates under civilian control, upholds the Constitution, and remains impartial to political affiliations.

The role of the U.S. military as a protector of democracy is underpinned by its disciplined practice of nonpartisanship. This principle, enshrined in every officer’s oath, is crucial for countering threats to the republic and ensuring service members can exercise their political rights personally while remaining nonpartisan professionally.

Across history, the significance of nonpartisan national defense is well documented. A stark recent example to consider — the case of Myanmar. The Tatmadaw, Myanmar’s military, launched a coup in February 2021, overturning the election results to retain power following the electoral loss of its aligned political party. This action led to lethal crackdowns and severe political unrest, resulting in at least 50,000 deaths, including over 8,000 civilians, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project. The Tatmadaw’s actions illustrate the dire consequences of a military entangled in partisan politics, underscoring the necessity of maintaining a nonpartisan defense to protect democratic integrity and national stability.

— Veterans for Responsible Leadership