The intellectual resigns

This week, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis tendered his letter of resignation to President Trump effective at the end of February. For nearly two years, this stalwart professional subscribed to the notion of selfless service while heading the largest federal department in time of war. This is on top of 40 years that he wore the uniform while serving in the Marine Corps, supporting and defending our Constitution with combat deployments during the Persian Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq differentiating him from predecessors who have headed this department.  He has walked the walk and talked the talk, and had the respect of the men and women who currently serve in our armed forces.

The National Security Council (NSC) transcends any one person.  It includes the likes of President Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, the secretaries of State, Defense, Homeland Security and more.  That stated, the 800-pound gorilla in the NSC is the one that serves as the head of DOD; this department accounts for over half of the federal discretionary budget and is comprised of over 2.5 million civilian and military personnel.  It goes without saying that the leader of the largest federal organization has a significant amount of influence on foreign policy decisions.

{mosads}There have been rumors of a rift for months and many national news organizations speculated that Trump was going to sack Mattis. But Mattis’ preemptive resignation submission came at a time when Trump announced that the United States was extricating itself from the conflict in Syria and the possibility that America might significantly draw down forces in Afghanistan.

Alliances matter and Mattis underscored this in his letter. The Defense secretary articulated that nations should be able to count on the United States as a steadfast and courageous partner.  We should not risk alienating the likes of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and other coalition members with whom we have partnered in taking on the Islamic State, the Taliban, al-Qaeda, and more traditional nation states like Russia and China. Though President Trump might score points from his constituents at home, the fractious nature of such decisions could have reverberating effects on our nation’s security. 

Actions speak louder than words. Before other nations will consider supporting another, they will look to history to see how reliable that potential partner has been. Regardless of lacking a viable Middle Eastern strategy and implementation of those plans (both are critically important), hasty decisions to withdraw military forces sends a message to real and potential belligerents that we lack the intestinal fortitude, resiliency, and the stamina to deal with strife. We also risk not having others to rely on for aid in the future. 

Respect must be earned; keeping one’s trust is of paramount concern. The United States should be deliberate in the execution of our actions, avoid unilateral decisions, and engage in useful dialog (out of respect) with our military allies before deciding to fold up the tents to go home; Alliances, like NATO, are worthless without mutual trust.

Towards the end of Mattis’ letter, he wrote of the importance, “on treating allies with respect and also being clear-eyed about malign actors and strategic competitors.”  More pointedly he pointed this out in the context of the advancement of international order that could better secure prosperity, security, and the values of this nation. Mattis is spot on.

Whoever backfills Mattis has big shoes to fill. Arguably, Republicans and Democrats alike will be disheartened to see the departure of Secretary Mattis from DOD. Moreover, many of our elected leaders will probably not sleep as well knowing that this 800-pound gorilla will no longer have a hand in future geopolitical decision making.

John Weaver is assistant professor and program coordinator of intelligence analysis at York College of Pennsylvania.