Tracking Politicization of the Military
The U.S. military has a longstanding history of non-partisanship that is central to our military might. Our merit-based system — which relies on skill over political loyalty for advancement — ensures our military is led by the most qualified officers. Keeping the military out of the partisan political fray is a key component of a healthy democracy, allowing the armed forces to focus on matters of national security — upholding the nations’s interest and safeguarding its own people.
The Chamberlain Network is tracking rumored and confirmed government actions — including legislation, appointments, executive orders, and domestic deployment of the military — that threaten to politicize our military and/or disrupt our military readiness. Veterans must feel empowered to speak out in support of the longstanding political independence of the military in their own communities and with their elected officials.
Have something you think should be included?
Fill out this form with as much information as you can. A member of The Chamberlain Network will follow up by email if necessary.
Spotlight Issue:
Using the Military for Mass Deportations
The deployment of U.S. military troops to the southern border under President Trump’s executive orders is a profound misuse of the armed forces, one that threatens to undermine their core mission, strain readiness, and erode public trust in the institution. The military exists to defend the nation against genuine external threats, not to act as a tool for domestic political agendas or immigration enforcement. Veterans, service members, and their families understand this distinction deeply—and we reject actions that blur these lines and jeopardize the apolitical integrity of the armed forces.
-
The impact on military readiness cannot be overstated. Deploying thousands of troops to perform surveillance, logistical support, and operational roles at the border drains resources and personnel needed for real national security threats. These deployments come at a time when the military is already stretched thin, facing recruitment and retention challenges, overextended commitments abroad, and a force that is recovering from the largest domestic mobilization in recent history during the COVID-19 pandemic. Every day spent on a mission that falls outside the military’s core function weakens its preparedness to respond to emerging threats around the world.
-
This policy sends a chilling message to the very people who make up the military and their families. Many service members come from immigrant backgrounds, and some have loved ones who could be directly impacted by these immigration crackdowns. Using the military to enforce policies that disproportionately harm immigrant communities alienates service members, risks morale, and fractures the cohesion that is vital to a strong and effective fighting force. Veterans know better than anyone that trust and unity are essential for the military to succeed—and these deployments erode both.
-
Public trust in the military as an institution is also at stake. According to recent surveys, trust in the armed forces has already declined in recent years, and actions like this risk further politicizing the military in the eyes of the American public. Once the military is viewed as a partisan instrument, the damage to its credibility and effectiveness is not easily undone. The U.S. armed forces have long been a unifying institution, but turning them into enforcers of divisive immigration policies undermines their role as defenders of democracy.
-
1/29/25: Expanding Migrant Operations Center at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to Full Capacity
1/20/25: Guaranteeing the States Protection Against Invasion
1/20/25: Securing Our Borders
1/20/2025: Clarifying The Military’s Role in Protecting The Territorial Integrity of the United States
1/20/2025: Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border of the United States
Take Action.
The Chamberlain Network is also compiling opportunities from our organization and like-minded groups for veterans and allies to engage on these issues. Check back regularly for updates, or sign up for our newsletter below to get action alerts in real time.
-
Call and/or e-mail your Senators and share your concerns about extreme Cabinet nominees — let them know rubber-stamping dangerous nominees isn’t just bad policy, it’s bad politics. Their constituents are watching, and you expect your elected leaders to take a stand.
-
Sign the Call for Leadership in Protecting American Values, led by The Chamberlain Network, Secure Families Initiative, and Veterans for All Voters
Get Involved.
Want to join our growing network of veterans and volunteers dedicated to protecting democracy? Sign up below to join our network and receive regular updates about our work and how you take action.
