Best Defense

Thomas E. Ricks' daily take on national security.

Military dissent: A user’s guide

The recent issue of Military Review contains a good analysis of loyal dissent by Army Maj. Thomas B. Craig. Most articles on the subject just try to argue it is a good thing. Major Craig goes beyond that by analyzing the nature of dissent, and differentiating it from simple complaining. I was especially struck by ...

via Wikimedia
via Wikimedia
via Wikimedia

The recent issue of Military Review contains a good analysis of loyal dissent by Army Maj. Thomas B. Craig. Most articles on the subject just try to argue it is a good thing. Major Craig goes beyond that by analyzing the nature of dissent, and differentiating it from simple complaining.

The recent issue of Military Review contains a good analysis of loyal dissent by Army Maj. Thomas B. Craig. Most articles on the subject just try to argue it is a good thing. Major Craig goes beyond that by analyzing the nature of dissent, and differentiating it from simple complaining.

I was especially struck by his three steps to evaluate dissent:

–"Consider the source," he writes. "Loyal dissenters are generally hard working with a proven track record."

–"Consider their motivation." If there is no personal gain involved, then the person likely is acting for the good of the unit.

–"Finally, consider the dissenting idea itself." Could it help? 

Thomas E. Ricks covered the U.S. military from 1991 to 2008 for the Wall Street Journal and then the Washington Post. He can be reached at ricksblogcomment@gmail.com. Twitter: @tomricks1

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