COMMENTARY>>Not only our President, our Commander in Chief

By Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Qualls
19th Mission Support Group Superintendent

Now that the Presidential election is over, the dust has settled and the American people have spoken and soon we will have a new President. Regardless of your personal feelings concerning the outcome of this recent election, as military members we have a duty to the President that eclipses our civilian counterparts.

Why, you ask?

Assuming we took advantage of our right, responsibility and privilege to vote, we cast our ballot. We exercised our choice and our voice was heard. We did this as good and responsible Americans, but more importantly; we did this as private citizens.
As military members, officially we are to remain politically neutral. Partisan politics will not or at least should not effect or determine our willingness or ability to perform our mission.

In our Oath of Enlistment we swore to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States and obey the orders of the President.” In article II, section two of the Constitution, the President is appointed as our Commander in Chief. As Commander in Chief, the President is the Commander of our nation’s military forces.

This also works in accordance with our Constitution in ensuring civilian control of our military. In addition, as a result of a formal agreement between the DOD and United States Secret Service, individuals affiliated with the Armed Services have a special obligation to report information to the Secret Service pertaining to the protection of the President of the United States.

Ours is a great nation. We’re great because of our diversity. As loyal Americans and committed military members, we not only owe it to the American people, but again; we took an oath to support and defend the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic.

While we progress with the Global War on Terrorism and numerous other issues facing us as a nation; our oath has never been more important than now.