Quotes about Military Command Structure

Donald Rumsfeld

The Constitution calls for civilian control of the military and I am a civilian.

Jason Kander

The president is in charge of the military so that a single individual - accountable to Americans - is responsible for its successes and failures.

David Ignatius

Gen. David Petraeus, commander of U.S. troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and at Centcom, is probably the most decorated officer of his generation.

John Adams

Your commission constitutes you commander of all the forces … you are vested with full power and authority to act as you shall think for the good and welfare of the service.

George Washington had been appointed by the Continental Congress as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army but was politic about keeping Congress informed and not appear to be usurping authority. He asked Adams for an opinion of whether his authority reached beyond Boston to include the defense of New York City. Adams had been a member of the Congress that appointed Washington. Adams reply has been used as precedent for the broad authority of the President as Commander in Chief by those claiming broad Presidential power since.

Jake Tapper

There's a long tradition in this country of questioning generals.

Nigel Hamilton

My father had risen in the British Army under the revolutionary aegis of General Montgomery, who was mad about training for battle, not muddling into disaster.

Bill Murray

The Army needs leaders the way a foot needs a big toe.

George Washington

No Dependence can be put on the Militia for a continuance in Camp, or Regularity and Discipline during the short time they may stay

Washington was not a fan of the militia. It was however preferred by much of Congress who favored local institutions rather than national ones. Competence gave way to politics then as often it does in modern times. See {613015}, {613016}, {613022}, {613027}, {621987}, {621988}, {613030}, {613033}, & {613056}.

Sam Ervin

The Founding Fathers were not foolish enough to place the command of American troops engaged in combat operations in a Congress of the United States which is now composed of 100 Senators and 435 Representatives.

Donald Trump

I like generals. I think generals are terrific. You know, they go through schools and sort of end up at the top of the pyramid. And it's like a test.

Colin Powell

One thing the military does far better than business is train its own leaders. I can't go to IBM and hire a battalion commander. They don't have any.

Military Command Structure Quotes