Why Are America’s Generals So Cautious?

National SecurityWhy Are America’s Generals So Cautious?Deference to civilian power is part of the job but can go too far.By Missy Ryan and Nancy A. YoussefWin McNamee / GettyJuly 10, 2026, 11:45 AM ET ShareSave What is the role of a general in a democracy? Many of today’s military leaders have a very particular answer: Focus on tactics, carry out orders, and otherwise shut up.This is not what America’s top officers have always done. The country’s most senior generals and admirals are expected to provide unvarnished military counsel to the president and swear an oath to defend the Constitution. History is full of examples of officers who also spoke up about the ethics and strategic implications of the president’s choices.

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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Atlantic.