Taking a “Pro” Position on Principled Resignation

Abstract

Principled resignation of senior military officers is sometimes justified, especially in wartime. First, except under very narrow circumstances, each of us remains a moral agent. Second, American’s hold those on the battlefield responsible for their decisions and actions, and we must hold senior generals and admirals responsible for strategic decisions and actions taken in capitals. Third, organizations—regardless of type—incur significant risks when senior officials remain silent in the face of serious wrongs. Finally, war risks, damages, changes, and often ends lives of the innocent, of the citizens who fight on behalf of their nation, and of the political community itself, even if the war does not involve an existential threat. Although my colleagues, with companion pieces in this journal, disagree, senior leaders who participate in strategic, war-waging decisions and actions are responsible to speak out, perhaps even to to leave, when the risk involves not just effectiveness but using poorly or wasting life.