In a recent development surrounding the hospitalization of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, it has come to light that the Pentagon did not inform the White House about Austin's scheduled elective procedure at Walter Reed Medical Center on December 22nd. This undisclosed procedure led to complications for Austin, resulting in his subsequent return to Walter Reed on January 1st and subsequent admission to the ICU on January 2nd. Surprisingly, it was only on January 4th, three days later, that Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks and President Biden were informed of the grave details surrounding Austin's condition. The delay in communication has been attributed, in part, to Austin's chief of staff also falling ill.
Mark Esper, former defense secretary during the Trump administration, expressed his concerns over this incident. He pointed out that, under normal circumstances, it would be the responsibility of the defense secretary's chief of staff to convey such important information to the White House and others in the chain of command. However, in this case, it seems that she was unable to fulfill this duty. Esper questioned who else within Austin's inner circle was capable of making these crucial notifications. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear protocol for communication and the need to uphold civilian control over the military.
Esper also commented on his concerns regarding former President Trump's potential impact on democracy if he were to be reelected in 2024. Esper highlighted the possibility of Trump appointing loyalists who may not respect the bounds of legality and appropriateness within government departments, including the Pentagon. He expressed confidence in the military's commitment to following legal and ethical orders but raised concerns about inappropriate orders that could strain the military's commitment and the need for strong civilian leadership to intervene in such situations.
Esper, a staunch advocate for the importance of civilian leadership in the military, emphasized the need for civilian officials, including the defense secretary, to stand up against inappropriate orders and find better solutions to address concerns. He recognized the challenge faced by the military, which is trained to follow orders, and stressed that it falls on the civilian leadership to defend the uniformed military against illegal, immoral, and inappropriate directives.
In conclusion, the recent controversy surrounding Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's hospitalization has revealed significant gaps in communication within the Pentagon. Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper has raised important concerns about the need for clear protocols and strong civilian leadership to ensure the proper functioning of the military and to safeguard democracy.
