General Mark Milley, a controversial figure during his tenure as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has retired amidst a term filled with crises. As one of the most well-known people to hold the position in recent years, Milley faced a series of challenges both at home and abroad.
During his time as chairman, Milley had to navigate through major events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, Donald Trump’s refusal to accept his presidential election loss, and nationwide protests against police brutality. These crises demanded constant attention, leaving Milley with little time to focus on his goal of reforming and modernizing the military.
One incident that placed Milley in the political spotlight occurred less than a year into his term. He faced sharp criticism for participating in what was seen as a political show by Trump, who walked with Milley and other officials to pose with a Bible in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church in June 2020. This controversial moment coincided with the police and National Guard troops using force against protesters demonstrating against the killing of George Floyd.
Milley later admitted that his presence in that moment created the perception of military involvement in domestic politics and acknowledged that he should not have been there. He also had to navigate the chaotic end of the Trump administration, as the former president refused to concede the 2020 election.
Throughout his tenure, Milley had contact with China before and after the 2020 election, with calls aimed at maintaining strategic stability. However, Republicans accused him of undermining civilian control of the military, and some even called for his dismissal.
Milley’s retirement has drawn mixed reactions, with many US liberals crediting him for protecting the country from Trump, while conservatives, including Trump himself, view him unfavorably. Milley acknowledged that he had become a lightning rod for the politicization of the military and expressed concern about deliberate attempts to smear military leaders and politicize the armed forces.
Another defining event during Milley’s tenure was the 2021 American withdrawal from Afghanistan, which saw Taliban fighters swiftly overrun Western-trained Afghan troops, leading to a desperate evacuation of US military personnel from Kabul’s airport.
General Mark Milley’s retirement marks the end of a tumultuous term that saw him navigate through numerous crises on both the domestic and international fronts. As the controversy surrounding his actions and decisions continues, the impact of his leadership as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will be a subject of discussion for years to come.
