(CNN)Ever since George Washington, America's first military hero, retired twice to Mount Vernon -- willingly giving up first command and then power -- civilian control of the military has been a cherished US tradition. And by making an elected President commander in chief -- and giving Congress the power not just to declare war but to appropriate the resources for it -- the Constitution has reinforced that critically important precedent.
But is that precedent being threatened by President-elect Donald Trump? And does Trump's proclivity for considering and appointing retired generals for top national security jobs risk leading to military control over civilian government?
Of course, generals are typically conditioned to respect hierarchy and to follow orders. That is why it would probably be a good idea for Trump to have the kind of general in key positions who are independent-minded, and who will stand up to him if they feel it is necessary -- men and women who will speak truth no matter what the consequences. Mattis appears to be someone in that mold. Trump presumably is drawing heavily on the military -- not just because he seems to like strong leaders, but because, at a time when Americans are questioning their institutions, the military remains one of the few that enjoys widespread credibility and respect. In this regard -- and perhaps despite some of Trump's broad campaign criticism of US generals involved in drawing up plans against ISIS -- generals have the authority and legitimacy to serve as a counterbalance to imprudent action. If Trump is likely to listen to anyone outside of his family, it could be the military. Finally, fears that US foreign policy will be militarized should be tempered by the reality of recent American history. Today, in Iraq and Afghanistan, America is still involved in the two longest and yet arguably least productive wars in its history. This has underscored for lawmakers and members of the public that militarily intervention, particularly the large-scale deployment of ground forces, no longer seems like a solution to the tricky issues confronting the United States.
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