The Right to Protest & the Courage to Admit Mistakes

by Bill Doughty

CJCS Gen. Milley, Dec. 14, 2019 (Photo by Sgt. Dana Clarke)

In a pre-recorded speech to a group of graduates of the National Defense University today, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley spoke of "dynamic and uncertain times." He outlined global threats and challenges before focusing on an "especially intense and trying time for America" over the past several weeks.

"I am outraged by the senseless and brutal killing of George Floyd. His death amplified the pain, the frustration, and the fear that so many of our fellow Americans live with day in, day out," Milley said. "The protests that have ensued not only speak to his killing, but also to the centuries of injustice toward African Americans. 

Milley recognized the context marches in the streets. “The protests that have ensued not only speak to his killing, but also to the centuries of injustice toward African-Americans. What we are seeing is the long shadow of our original sin in Jamestown 401 years ago, liberated by the Civil War, but not equal in the eyes of the law until 100 years later in 1965."

"We are still struggling with racism and we have much work to do. Racism and discrimination, structural preferences, patterns of mistreatment, [and] unspoken and unconscious bias have no place in America and they have no place in our Armed Forces. We must, we can, and we will do better."

The military has led the nation's efforts toward greater equality and integration throughout American History, especially in the aftermath of wars and during the height of the civil rights movement in the 60s and early 70s. Demands for social justice, good law enforcement and equal rights under the law have been reignited in 2020. This can be a force for unity or division.



Milley called for unity and said, "And we should all be proud that the vast majority of protests have been peaceful. Peaceful protest means that American freedom is working." He recognized the good work of the National Guard, working with governors and local officials, and he reiterated DoD's commitment to diversity and improving representation, especially at the highest ranks.

Milley recommitted to improving diversity through active mentorship, teamwork and leadership. "Equality and opportunity is a matter of readiness. It's the basis of cohesion."

True strength comes from admitting an error. Milley said he was wrong to participate in the June 1 photo-op with President Trump, in which peaceful protesters were assaulted. And he reminded graduates –– and military personnel –– of their oath to support and defend the Constitution.

Then Army Chief of Staff Gen. Milley addresses troops at Joint Base Lewis-McCord, July 23, 2018. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Armstrong)

"Let me conclude with two simple pieces of advice based on 40 years in uniform that you may find useful as many of you will surely go on to become flag officers.

"First, always maintain a keen sense of situational awareness. As senior leaders, everything you do will be closely watched, and I am not immune. As many of you saw the result of the photograph of me at Lafayette Square last week, that sparked a national debate about the role of the military in civil society. I should not have been there. My presence in that moment and in that environment created a perception of the military involved in domestic politics.

"As a commissioned uniformed officer, it was a mistake that I have learned from, and I sincerely hope we all can learn from it."

Milley said, "My second piece of advice is very simple: Embrace the Constitution. Keep it close to your heart. It is our North Star. It is our map to a better future." The U.S. Constitution is in the Canon section of the Navy Professional Reading Program.

Milley told the National Defense University graduates, "All of us in uniform are willing to die for that idea, the idea that is America. And so we must also be willing to live for that idea, for freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom to peacefully assemble. And freedom to vote and freedom to believe as you wish in your religion.

"These are essential freedoms that are the cornerstone of our country. Americans have spilled their blood to protect them in the past and they continue to be worth fighting for. This we will defend."

Chief Petty Officer selectees (sailors who have been selected for promotion to E-7) work together Aug. 29, 2019 during chief heritage weeks aboard USS Constitution, the “oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world." (Photo by Casey Scoular/Released)