In this opinion piece for The Fulcrum, Julie Roland, a former Navy Lieutenant Commander who resigned her commission in 2025, argues that the Trump administration is politicizing the military and demanding unquestioning obedience. She cites the Iran war, weakened veteran services, Pentagon personnel and press-access changes, and Defense Secretary Hegseth’s review of the military justice system, which she says treats legality as an obstacle. She also points to Trump’s attacks on veteran lawmakers who reminded troops to refuse unlawful orders. Roland contends that fear stifles dissent among service members and veterans, and urges both veterans and civilians to defend the military and, by extension, democracy. (Published June 2, 2026)
AUTHOR: Julie Roland, Watchfire Founding Member
