Enough people have asked me my opinion on the Amendment to make - TopicsExpress



          

Enough people have asked me my opinion on the Amendment to make The Adjutant General of SC appointed (vs. elected). For the record, from my earliest days serving with the National Guard in 2003, I have advocated the change to an appointed system (like all other states). Back in those days, that was not the party line of many in the Guard, but I believed it was right (and anyone who knows me, I will speak out against the party line if I think its wrong!). First, the military rightly holds an apolitical ethos to remain professional. In uniform, we are professionals serving our client, the people of the state and nation through their elected officials. The commander of the National Guard should be chosen based on merit, and not political abilities. Having learned a great deal about politics over the past few years (particularly at the statewide or national level), someone with access to enough money can virtually buy an election. It is all about name ID, and many of the best professional military leaders are not going to have great name ID. Without standards to meet, someone without any military experience could become the Adjutant General under our current system. Additionally, the system of electing the TAG puts great pressure on junior leaders to politically support the existing TAG. That includes pressure for donations. Another point: Many of those most qualified to run against the TAG will be the TAGs subordinate officers, but that causes a number of problems. The military ethos of loyalty to commander is in competition with might be someones calling to make the organization better. The TAGs subordinates career would be ended running against his boss. It goes against loyalty to the boss. This can cause all kinds of issues within the organization, and a reason no other states elect their TAG. Last point: The amendment involves good qualifications, like selection for Colonel and military education for General officer. This ensures that the person picked is not only qualified, but is recognized as a General officer by the Regular Army. That has been a problem in the past due to the elected system. About the only disagreement I have with the qualifications is in limiting the appointment to those from within the Guard. We have a number of well qualified retired regular Army Generals in South Carolina who would do an excellent job as TAG and should be in consideration. However, that is one of the only problems is can find, and the many positives outweigh that negative. Vote yes on the Amendment.
Posted on: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 20:12:22 +0000

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