“Falling on One’s Sword”

• Published date: 01 July 2018
• Date: 01 July 2018
• DOI: 10.1177/0095327X17735627
• Author: Des Mueller
• Subject Matter: Disputatio Sine Fine

Disputatio Sine Fine

“Falling on One’s

Sword”: A Response

to the Principle

Resignation Forum

Des Mueller

1

Abstract

Several distinguished scholars have contributed previously to this debate and I have

been privileged to consider their arguments. In doing so, I have been mindful that the

realities of life frequently pierce the armor of high-minded principles. An important

caveat on my views is that the debate is about senior officer resignation in the U.S.

armed forces. A distant observer might therefore miss some of the important

nuances at play, but it is difficult not to conclude that the U.S. armed forces exercise

significant political influence in their own right and collectively through the Joint

Chiefs of Staff. They are certainly major cogs in the formidably complex machinery of

both government and politics.

Keywords

civil–military relationships, disagreement with government policy, manifestly

unlawful directions, derogation of command responsibility

The distinction between politics and strategy diminishes as the point of view is raised.

At the summit, true politics and strategy are one.

Winston Churchill

1

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Corresponding Author:

Des Mueller, 1/8 Davey Ave, Melbourne, Victoria 3187, Australia.

Email: des.mueller@bigpond.com

Armed Forces & Society

2018, Vol. 44(3) 544-554

ªThe Author(s) 2017

Reprints and permission:

sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav

DOI: 10.1177/0095327X17735627

journals.sagepub.com/home/afs