Where I Stand — Mike O’Callaghan: The brass in politics

Saturday, Sept. 30, 2000 | 2:50 a.m.

Mike O'Callaghan is the Las Vegas Sun executive editor.

BEING WORRIED about the readiness of our military forces is nothing new for me. This column expressed concern prior to Desert Storm, and then immediately after that war, when the Bush White House began an almost immediate pullback from military expenditures. This was done with the help of a Democratic majority in Congress, and has been continued with a Republican majority doing the same for the Clinton White House.

Five years ago, and again three years ago, the GOP Congress and Democratic White House didn't meet the equipment needs of our modern military forces. Helicopters, airplanes, tanks and other vital equipment wear out and should be replaced. Two years ago they finally woke up and added necessary dollars, but that amount must again be increased for several years.

The sad story behind the military drawdown has been the flagrant abuse of the money claimed "saved." Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., also wanted additional money saved by the closing of several unneeded military bases. McCain's efforts were blocked by many of his own party leaders. They continued directing funds into pork-barrel projects, which he called a "disservice to the men and women who serve in the military."

Several retired generals and admirals have now taken it upon themselves to enter the 2000 race for the White House. Men with the names of Krulak, McPeak, Fogleman, Johnson and Mundy have picked George W. Bush as their candidate and have gone public with their selection. This has raised the eyebrows of other retired generals and admirals who believe it's not their role to enter partisan politics.

Generals and admirals have been successful with their own brand of politics, which can be tougher than those of either Republicans or Democrats. Moving upward from lieutenant or ensign to general or admiral includes more than a touch of political savvy.

There's not much the Democrats can say about the retirees entering the political fray. It was only eight years ago that candidate Bill Clinton used retired Admiral William J. Crowe, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs, to vouch for his patriotism. Then, as now, there were other retired stars who expressed their opposition to Crowe's partisan political role.

One of our nation's best-recognized retired Marine generals, Bernard E. Trainor, has always refused to enter partisan political wars. Trainor, best known as "Mick," was an infantry leader in Korea who went on to earn three stars. Since retiring, he has become a respected author, professor and national television adviser. He calls 'em as he sees 'em and refuses to hold the hand of either political party.

How does Mick view the past and recent use of retired brass in partisan politics? He told us and other writers:

"I am completely opposed to retired senior officers endorsing a candidate. It is much too easy these days for senior military officers to cross the line into politics, where they do not publicly belong.

"Regardless of personal political persuasion (a private matter finding expression at the polls and in private fora), an officer's preference should remain outside the political arena. I have been asked in the past to lend my name to political positions/campaigns and have steadfastly refused.

"Regardless of personal convictions, a senior officer should realize that by lending his name and title, he or she is being 'used' by a politician, not for the intrinsic value of the officer (for which the politician probably doesn't give a damn), but only for the prestige his status and grade brings to a campaign. If the officer was junior or inconspicuous, he or she would not be courted. To lend one's name and title to a political campaign is a form of prostitution. I do not think it is inappropriate for a retired senior officer to give advice and council to a political candidate as long as it is in private and not exploited by the political worthy."

The retired Marine goes on to say, "None of the above should be construed to prohibit a retired officer of any grade from becoming a political figure and running for an office in his own right. It's the idea of partisan gang-tackling from a position of privilege which is ignoble and dangerous."

Incidentally, if Gore is elected president, he would be only the fourth man to live in the White House who served in the military as an enlisted man. The other three were McKinley, Buchanan and Lincoln.