News Tip: Complaints from Soldiers Cross the Line When They Disrespect Commanders, Undermine Mission, Professor Says
Some levels of grumbling are to be expected, says political science professor Peter Feaver
Friday, July 18, 2003
DURHAM, N.C. -- Complaints from grunts in the field are common in every war, but when they lead to disrespect for civilian commanders or undermine the mission, that crosses the line into military insubordination, a Duke University political scientist says.
"Soldiers griping about pay, grub, living conditions, and the cozier life of higher-ups is as old as Valley Forge," Duke political science professor Peter D. Feaver said. "At low levels, it is to be expected and is not a problem.
"Soldiers cross a line, however, when they personalize their grievances, especially if they make direct complaints to the public about the national command authorities (such as the president and secretary of defense)."
Feaver is author of "Armed Servants" (Harvard Press 2003), a recent book explaining civilian control of the military and military insubordination.
"The line is blurrier when the behavior is simply whining to the press in an attempt to influence policy, for instance to hurry up a rotation date home," Feaver said. "The proper place for these complaints is within the chain of command. At some point -- and that point is basically at the discretion of the commanding officer -- soldiers cross a line when they carry their 'fight' over the heads of their chain of command directly to the American people."
The complaining is not just a problem for civilian control; it also threatens the mission. For instance, complaining by soldiers raises doubts in the minds of the Iraqi people about American staying power, Feaver said.
"Excessive complaining on TV provides aid and comfort to the enemy, especially when Baathists are also telling the Iraqis that Americans will get tired soon and leave Iraq," he said. "Citizens understand that the right of free speech is never absolute -- we can't cry 'fire' in a crowded theater. Soldiers surrender even more leeway when they take on the uniform."
Feaver can be reached for additional comment in his office at (919) 660-4331 or by cell phone at (919) 949-9671.
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