A Timely Lesson from the Korean War
A Timely Lesson from the Korean War
by Lee Lacy
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The recent removal of General Stanley McChrystal by President Barack Obama as NATO Commander in Afghanistan sheds some light on the complex relationship of the civilian government with the military in U.S. society. The issue reminds us of a similar disagreement during the Korean War between President Harry S. Truman and General Douglas MacArthur. The essay explores the background of this complex relationship, makes comparisons between the two incidents and puts forth lessons learned. An analysis of the two incidents affirms the Constitutional provision of the primacy of civilian elected leaders over military authority. Drawing on archived material from the Truman Presidential Library, historical accounts of the Truman-MacArthur affair and current events, the essay continues the important dialogue of how civil authority and the military establishment interact. Although, first-hand accounts of the Obama-McChrystal affair will not likely be written until the President leaves office, this project serves a reference to study the doctrine of civilian control of the military, for
future generations.
Download the Full Article: A Timely Lesson from the Korean War
Lee Lacy is an Instructor for the Advanced Operations Course at the U.S. Command & General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kans. Additionally, he is a Lt. Col. in the U.S. Army Reserve, currently in command of Detachment 3, 2100 Military Intelligence Group.
