But as a policy solution, asking senior leaders to prepare to serve civilians without values—or even take up political leadership themselves!!!—does far more to harm the profession the author is reportedly trying to save. 22/22

Fundamentally, the primary flaw comes out at the end. He highlights a central and important question that CMR scholars and snr leaders are grappling with: what do you do when civilian orders violate your constitutional oath? The answer he comes to, though, is that it is the oath that must give. 13/

BONUS #1: We apparently amended the Posse Comitatus Act to include the SPACE FORCE. Deploy the Guardians! I mean, I love USSF, but this absolutely slays me. 19/

2. The court also acknowledges that NG forces have other responsibilities and need to be on call to do other things. This speaks to the Governor’s authority as commander-in-chief of the Guard, and is actually a little bit under-explored in the literature, IMO. 12/

…the court rejects the idea that military forces in civilian environments are always helpful. This is an important affirmation, because the military is supposed to be a tool of last resort. It’s not the right, or the best instrument to reduce violence most of the time. 9/

More important, though, is substance. The court rules that the use of 12406 was inappropriate because the protests in LA don’t come close to a “rebellion” against the government, and are not, in fact, preventing the execution of the laws. 5/

Breyer rules that CA has high likelihood of success on BOTH process and substance. What does that mean?

Process: Section 12406 says that federalization of the NG should come w/ consultation of the Gov. USG didn’t do this, it’s a process foul. 4/

There are criteria for injunctions: 1) likelihood of winning (*most important*), 2) irreparable harm if allowed to continue; 3) balance of equities; and 4) public interest. The last two criteria merge when the gov’t is involved bc gov equity is supposed to == public interest 3/

Printed this out last week for some background reading on my next project and now I’m just sad.

Spent some time cuddling with my poor puppy tonight and it’s so obvious that he misses being the prize child. Being downgraded to roommate is a tough blow.

So proud of USAWC CMRC for hosting its 2nd Annual Conference on Civ-Mil last weekend! 150 participants spent a full day in plenaries on CMR challenges in modern war, followed by a day of research on today’s biggest issues. Thanks to all who made it happen, & see you next year!

Hi friends! No that is not a typo, you do in fact see my name on the ballot for the governing council for ISA’s International Security Studies Section. Help me attend more meetings and make our section better! Also, just go vote. There are some great names on this list.

Morning at the MOMA after a terrific two-day Council on Foreign Relations term member conference. Grateful for this slice of beauty in midtown.

Hey Politico! No, “the troops” are not “rejecting” the admin’s policy. To state so implies the kind of mutiny that is dangerous to civ-mil relations. What you meant to say: “Tuberville holds national security hostage over rarely used policy”

Hey Politico! No, “the troops” are not “rejecting” the admin’s policy. To state so implies the kind of mutiny that is dangerous to civ-mil relations. What you meant to say: “Tuberville holds national security hostage over rarely used policy”

Early morning panel with, but thanks to @dburbach.bsky.social and others for showing up to help try and make sense of an incredibly important topic! I’m looking forward to this research as it develops! @jcaverley.bsky.social

The Civ-Mil Center in the news! Write-up from our May conference for the Army War College Foundation is in print.