This January 12, 2021 letter from The Joint Chiefs of Staff was proper and necessary. However, it is still stunning that Americans now live in a country where the military feels the need to release a letter signaling their ongoing support for the civilian government.
MEMORANDUM FOR THE JOINT FORCE
SUBJECT: MESSAGE TO THE JOINT FORCE
The American people have trusted the Armed Forces of the United States to protect them and our Constitution for almost 250 years. As we have done throughout our history, the U.S. military will obey lawful orders from civilian leadership, support civil authorities to protect lives and property, ensure public safety in accordance with the law, and remain fully committed to protecting and defending the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
The violent riot in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021 was a direct assault on the U.S. Congress, the Capitol building, and our Constitutional process. We mourn the deaths of the two Capitol policemen and others connected to these unprecedented events.
We witnessed actions inside the Capitol building that were inconsistent with the rule oflaw. The rights of freedom of speech and assembly do not give anyone the right to resort to violence, sedition and insurrection.
As Service Members, we must embody the values and ideals of the Nation. We support and defend the Constitution. Any act to disrupt the Constitutional process is not only against our traditions, values, and oath; it is against the law.
On January 20, 2021, in accordance with the Constitution, confirmed by the states and the courts, and certified by Congress, President-elect Biden will be inaugurated and will become our 46th Commander in Chief.
To our men and women deployed and at home, safeguarding our country-stay ready, keep your eyes on the horizon, and remain focused on the mission. We honor your continued service in defense of every American.
-Mark A. Milley, General, U.S. Army, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
-John E. Hyten, General, U.S. Air Force, Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff
-James C. McConville, General, U.S. Army, Chief of Staff of the Army
-David H. Berger, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps
-Michael M. Gilday, Admiral, U.S. Navy, Chief of Naval Operations
-Charles Q. Brown, Jr., General, U.S. Air Force, Chief of the Staff of the Air Force
John W. Raymond, General, U.S. Space Force, Chief of Space Operations
Daniel R. Hokanson, General, U.S. Army, Chief of the National Guard Bureau