Why Disrespecting Military Chiefs of Staff Is Unwise and Risky

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) are a vital part of the U.S. military's structure, and their opinions and directives carry significant weight. Despite not holding operational command, they play a critical role in ensuring the readiness and discipline of the armed forces. Disregarding their advice and guidance can lead to severe consequences, both at the individual and organizational level.

The Role of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

The role of the JCS is often misunderstood. They are not operational commanders, but they are responsible for the readiness of their respective services. This includes issuing directives, orders, and policies to maintain a well-disciplined force. They are also responsible for allocating resources and ensuring that the force is properly equipped and ready to meet the needs of unified and specified commands. Even though they do not hold operational command, their statements and recommendations carry the authority of the service secretary and the Commander in Chief.

The Importance of Following Through

Ignoring the advice of a service chief can be extremely perilous. In any organization, those who disregard the guidance of a Chief of Staff often face poor outcomes. This is especially true in the military, where adherence to protocols and hierarchy is paramount. Disobeying a direct order from a senior military officer is a court-martial offense, and practically speaking, ignoring the directives of the JCS can lead to delays, misallocation of resources, and chaos within the military hierarchy.

The Chain of Command: From the Rank-Bearing Officer to the Two-Star General

To illustrate the importance of the chain of command, consider a situation I experienced in Berlin, Germany, back in the early 1980s. I was walking down the street in uniform when I was approached by another uniformed individual. Initially, I assumed he was a captain, but as I got closer, I noticed that the rank insignia looked unusual—stars instead of bars. It was a two-star general, the only one in the U.S. military assigned to the city at that time. Even if I knew he was a two-star general, I would have immediately followed his request. Saying something like, 'Excuse me, I don’t work for you! If you want something from me, you better go through my chain of command,' would have been entirely inappropriate and unprofessional.

The Seniority and Responsibility

The JCS holds a position of authority as the senior person in uniform. This role is not to be underestimated, as they provide top-level advice to both the Secretary of Defense and the President. These individuals often outrank operational commanders and are responsible for setting policy and ensuring that it is carried out. It is unlikely that a JCS would simply be ignored, as their role and authority extend beyond the mere advice they provide. Ignoring their policies could lead to the removal of individuals for insubordination.

At every level of the chain of command, there are those who make policy and those who are responsible for carrying out those policies. This is why the advice and directives of the JCS are crucial. Disregarding their guidance can lead to not only organizational failure but also personal career consequences. The military is a highly structured environment, and following protocol is essential for maintaining discipline and effectiveness.

Conclusion

The Joint Chiefs of Staff are not merely figureheads in the military hierarchy. Their recommendations and policies are critical to the functioning of the armed forces. Disrespecting their wisdom and advice can lead to significant risks and challenges. Understanding and respecting the chain of command is paramount in the military, and it is crucial to follow through with the commands and directives issued by the JCS, no matter how unexpected or inconvenient they may be.