US Joint Chiefs Publish Unprecedented Memo In Response To Events at US Capitol
In an unprecedented move the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, the heads of the six branches of the US military have issued a joint memorandum to all service people in the wake of the deadly Capitol protests and ahead of the Presidential inauguration on 20th January
Following the unrest which shook the US capital on 6th January, which saw supporters of President Donald Trump break into and occupy the US Capitol and the deaths of five individuals, the Joint Chiefs have taken a firm stance reminding members of all services that they must:
“embody the values and ideals of the Nation. We support and defend the Constitution. Any act to disrupt the Constitutional process is not only against our traditions, values, and oath; it is against the law.”
It was today confirmed that as many as 15,000 National Guard personnel will be on standby during the inauguration next Wednesday. There are strict regulations regarding military involvement in domestic US politics. The regulations are intended to prevent any appearance of bias or partisanship. The Joint Chiefs make it clear that they and the service members under their command must be dedicated to upholding their oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.”
Below is a scan of the Joint Chief’s message to U.S. service members signed by the head of each branch:
USNI have a PDF of the document and below is the entire memorandum transcribed:
MEMORANDUM FOR THE JOINT FORCE
SUBJECT: MESSAGE TO THE JOINT FORCEThe American people have trusted the Armed Forces of the United States to protect them and our Constitution for almost 250 years. As we have done throughout our history, the U.S. military will obey lawful orders from civilian leadership, support civil authorities to protect lives and property, ensure public safety in accordance with the law, and remain fully committed to protecting and defending the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.
The violent riot in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021 was a direct assault on the U.S. Congress, the Capitol building, and our Constitutional process. We mourn the deaths of the two Capitol policemen and others connected to these unprecedented events.
We witnessed actions inside the Capitol building that were inconsistent with the rule of law. The rights of freedom of speech and assembly do not give anyone the right to resort to violence, sedition and insurrection.
As Service Members, we must embody the values and ideals of the Nation. We support and defend the Constitution. Any act to disrupt the Constitutional process is not only against our traditions, values, and oath; it is against the law.
On January 20, 2021, in accordance with the Constitution, confirmed by the states and the courts, and certified by Congress, President-elect Biden will be inaugurated and will become our 46th Commander in Chief.
To our men and women deployed and at home, safeguarding our country-stay ready, keep your eyes on the horizon, and remain focused on the mission. We honor your continued service in defense of every American.
[signed]
Mark A. Milley
General, U.S. Army
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of StaffJohn E. Hyten
General, U.S. Air Force
Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of StaffJames C. McConville
General, U.S. Army
Chief of Staff of the ArmyDavid H. Berger
General, U.S. Marine Corps
Commandant of the Marine CorpsMichael M. Gilday
Admiral, U.S. Navy
Chief of Naval OperationsCharles Q. Brown, Jr.
General, U.S. Air Force
Chief of Staff of the Air ForceJohn W. Raymond
General, U.S. Space Force
Chief of Space OperationsDaniel R. Hokanson
General, U.S. Army
Chief of the National Guard Bureau
Some of the branches have subsequently issued their own separate statements, the US Army’s twitter account shared this statement to service people and their families:
The USMC also shared a memorandum regarding public demonstrations: