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Mark H's avatar

Hi Elise, I am a free subscriber , I read your content to stray outside of MY bias bubble. I am curious, during your interactions with the numerous high ranking military officers, you had to have had side conversations with them. Did they share your concerns that you just wrote about? I'm a veteran also, with three sons who are or have been in the military. They are fired up about the direction our military is headed, including leadership. I was just wondering if any of the officers you interacted with shared any of your stated concerns here. Thanks

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Elise Labott's avatar

Hi Mark - Thanks for writing and for subscribing. I can't share my private conversations with the officers I worked with - they are still serving. And honestly, most of them kept their views on leadership to themselves - which just speaks to their professionalism.

Outside of my interactions with this military cohort, though, it's a mixed bag. Most have

have voiced concerns.Some however, do appreciate the focus as @working man mentioned on the nuts and bolts of war fighting. I will say most retired senior officers are pretty concerned about Hegseth's leadership. Maybe it's because they an older generation and view it differently. How do you feel about it as a Veteran who has served under several Secretaries?

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Christina Romano's avatar

Elise, I was moved by this column for a number of reasons. First, as a veteran, I appreciate your comments about the amazing, dedicated men and women who serve our nation with such commitment and sacrifice. Secondly, I agree about the "siloing" of writers who only want to live in an echo chamber. I am grateful for your unbiased, thinking outside the box take on domestic and foreign affairs. Keep up the good work, you are making a difference.

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Elise Labott's avatar

That really means a lot, Christina. Thank you - I appreciate your kind words, and your service.

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Working Man's avatar

Hegseth is politicizing the military by focusing on lethality, unlike the prior administration focused on identity politics. What a joke!

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Elise Labott's avatar

@working man I am so sorry, I tried to edit one of my comments, and I a accidentally deleted all of our comments after this one 🤦‍♀️, I promise it was not intentional.

Feel free to repost them, but please know, I appreciate you sharing your point of view. Thanks for weighing in

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