# So, what happens if top US generals do resign after a US strike on Iran? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [February 27, 2007, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892 "2007-02-27T17:11:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![toadspittle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c0e974/32.png) [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2007, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892/1 "2007-02-27T17:11:16Z")
> **[Latest news & breaking headlines](https://www.thetimes.com/)** > > The latest breaking UK, US, world, business and sport news from The Times and The Sunday Times. Go beyond today's headlines with in-depth analysis and comment. > [@](#): > > SOME of America’s most senior military commanders are prepared to resign if the White House orders a military strike against Iran, according to highly placed defence and intelligence sources. > > … The Sunday Times has learnt that up to five generals and admirals are willing to resign rather than approve what they consider would be a reckless attack. > > “There are four or five generals and admirals we know of who would resign if Bush ordered an attack on Iran,” a source with close ties to British intelligence said. So, what would be the effect of this? Even though protest resignations by active-duty brass–or criticism of any kind, even from retired brass–is pretty much unheard of in the US, I can’t see that 4 or 5 generals resigning would make much of an impact on the public consciousness. The administration and their supporters will of course deride the resignations as unpatriotic acts in a time of war that embolden the enemy etc., but 2 weeks later, it will be all forgotten. (Especially since, you know, there will be all that distraction from us being at war with Iran, which is a fairly compelling news story.) Am I wrong? Could this possibly have any serious effect on policy or the conduct of the ever-expanding war on terror? I guess a point of contention would be whether the generals resign after such a strike (at which point, their resignations will have little overall impact) or before it (i.e., they hear that the order has been given, and they step down before the order is executed … that could certainly spice things up, I suppose). ---
**Author:** ![Oakminster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/77aa72/32.png) [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2007, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892/2 "2007-02-27T17:25:52Z")
Interesting question. I’m not sure an officer can just resign…seems like it would require some type of approval from somewhere…but maybe not. In any event, given the current administration’s history of ignoring critics, I suspect they’d just promote replacements and procede. However, such a strong statement would likely bolster current efforts in congress to stop the insanity. There seems to be some dispute regarding whether the current AUMF would allow an attack on Iran or not. Bush thinks he has a blank check. Several congresscritters seem to think otherwise. I’ve pretty much decided that if we do attack Iran, I’ll become a war protester. I’ve never taken part in any type of organized political protest in my life, but maybe it’s about time I did… ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2007, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892/3 "2007-02-27T17:56:42Z")
I think the main effect of the news story is that I’m willing to renew my offer of a bet to any takers: The US won’t attack Iran in the next year. Discussion of stakes is welcome. ---
**Author:** ![mlees](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ba8739/32.png) [@mlees](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mlees)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2007, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892/4 "2007-02-27T18:11:14Z")
So far, in my uninformed opinion, I think that the current administration is beating the war drums over Iran, in order to improve it’s image in the Iraq war. By that I mean the new reason for staying the course is because we can’t allow the Iranians to meddle in Iraqi internal affairs, and we have to give the Iraqi’s more of a chance to get their act together. (Because how _could_ they, with their neighbor financing and equiping the Shia miltia…) I don’t believe that the US will unilaterally hot dog it this time. ---
**Author:** ![David\_Simmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9de053/32.png) [@David\_Simmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_Simmons)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2007, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892/5 "2007-02-27T19:09:25Z")
[QUOTE=Oakminster] Interesting question. I’m not sure an officer can just resign…seems like it would require some type of approval from somewhere…but maybe not. [/quote] Possibly. However even an application to resign would be a serious blow to the administration. I’m a little skeptical though. The whole training, experience and thought process of generals and admirals are to carry out the assigned mission, not to decide what the mission is. ---
**Author:** ![Enginerd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/bcef8e/32.png) [@Enginerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enginerd)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2007, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892/6 "2007-02-27T19:45:27Z")
But they’re also trained to plan the missions themselves. If the order comes to attack Iran in the same way the Iraq orders came - with tactics and specific forces selected by the civilian command structure - I can certainly imagine some flag officers resigning rather than sending under-supported troops into the field again. I don’t think I’d expect five resignations, but one or two certainly wouldn’t surprise me. ---
**Author:** ![David\_Simmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9de053/32.png) [@David\_Simmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_Simmons)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2007, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892/7 "2007-02-27T20:24:51Z")
[QUOTE=Enginerd] But they’re also trained to plan the missions themselves. If the order comes to attack Iran in the same way the Iraq orders came - with tactics and specific forces selected by the civilian command structure - I can certainly imagine some flag officers resigning rather than sending under-supported troops into the field again. [/QUOTE] Oh sure, but didn’t Franks insist that the IRaq plan and force structure was his? ---
**Author:** ![Polycarp](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/82dd89/32.png) [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2007, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892/8 "2007-02-27T20:30:53Z")
Short term? It would have a small amount of shock value, and the resigning brass would have redeemed their honor, which is important to them. Those who have heretofore supported Bush on a “support our troops” basis might find themselves having second thoughts, further eroding his infamous “base.” But he’ll promote other generals and such to fill their shoes. As I understand it, any military can resign at any time on a matter of principle when they have fulfilled their commitment to the nation and in the absence of the acceptance of orders which they are then honorbound to carry out. (For example, if a Navy commander accepts orders to take his destroyer and patrol the coast of Iran, he’s in it for the duration of that cruise, or at least until a superior officer can name someone to relieve him in command. But at the end of that tour or when relieved by order of his superiors, he’s free to resign his commission.) There is, however, one snag with this in the long run. If there is enough disaffection among senior officers, Mr. Bush could conceivably run short on officers. While he alone is the authority under which 2nd and 1st lieutenants and captains in the Army, Air Force, and Marines, and ensigns, lieutenants junior grade, and lieutenants in the Navy, are granted their commissions, a promotion to major/lieutenant commander or above is under the authority of the President _by and with the advice and consent of the Senate_. (See 10 USC 531.) In addition to Congress’s control on the power of the purse, the Senate also has the theoretical potential to cause him a gap in the mid-range officer ranks. ---
**Author:** ![spifflog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@spifflog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spifflog)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2007, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892/9 "2007-02-27T20:57:49Z")
By my quick math, there are about 900 active duty Flag Officers. So if 5 resign, I don’t think that’s going to hamper the war effort. Historically, the American military has not resigned in protest very much, certainly not as much as is found in other military’s. It would play in the press for a week or so and then die down. I don’t believe for a second that the US military is going to attack Iran. There is not stomach for it in the country at all. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2007, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892/10 "2007-02-27T21:02:57Z")
[QUOTE=spifflog] By my quick math, there are about 900 active duty Flag Officers. So if 5 resign, I don’t think that’s going to hamper the war effort. [/QUOTE] How many of those are in the combat arms? You really can’t promote the general in charge of the Quartermasters to a combat command. ---
**Author:** ![spifflog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@spifflog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spifflog)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2007, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892/11 "2007-02-27T21:03:00Z")
By my quick math, there are about 900 active duty Flag Officers. So if 5 resign, I don’t think that’s going to hamper the war effort. Historically, the American military has not resigned in protest very much, certainly not as much as is found in other military’s. It would play in the press for a week or so and then die down. I don’t believe for a second that the US military is going to attack Iran. There is not stomach for it in the country at all. ---
**Author:** ![spifflog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@spifflog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spifflog)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2007, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892/12 "2007-02-27T21:04:44Z")
_@@#\*%@_#(%&(#@& Double Post!!! Don’t know how many are true warfighter’s, but I’m guessing that the other 895 can fill in for the five that leave, don’t you?? ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2007, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892/13 "2007-02-27T21:07:35Z")
No argument there, but I think the impact of 5 top officers resigning rather than following the President’s orders will have a tremendous impact on the national opinion of the whole mess. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2007, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892/14 "2007-02-27T21:09:08Z")
So how would the stop loss order affect these resignations? ---
**Author:** ![spifflog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@spifflog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spifflog)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2007, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892/15 "2007-02-27T21:25:09Z")
The Navy and Marine Corps aren’t in stop loss at all right now, so it wouldn’t effect those flags. My guess would be that the Army stop loss was sufficiently narrow, so that Flags would have never been included in the first place. It would be interesting to see what the Army would do when they are going to court martial LT Watada. ---
**Author:** ![David\_Simmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9de053/32.png) [@David\_Simmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_Simmons)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2007, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892/16 "2007-02-27T21:36:50Z")
[QUOTE=spifflog] It would be interesting to see what the Army would do when they are going to court martial LT Watada. [/QUOTE] Well, RHIP takes care of that little problem. ---
**Author:** ![spifflog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c5a1d2/32.png) [@spifflog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spifflog)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2007, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892/17 "2007-02-27T21:37:56Z")
[QUOTE=David Simmons] Well, RHIP takes care of that little problem. [/QUOTE] You’re right on that. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2007, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892/18 "2007-02-28T00:18:19Z")
[QUOTE=spifflog] I don’t believe for a second that the US military is going to attack Iran. There is not stomach for it in the country at all. [/QUOTE] Of course there isn’t. [Nevertheless . . .](http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/01/18/world/main667670.shtml) ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2007, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892/19 "2007-02-28T00:19:23Z")
[QUOTE=Polycarp] As I understand it, any military can resign at any time on a matter of principle when they have fulfilled their commitment to the nation and in the absence of the acceptance of orders which they are then honorbound to carry out. [/QUOTE] Not “any military”; only commissioned officers. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2007, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892/20 "2007-02-28T00:20:45Z")
I think there would be a little blip in the news, Bush would replace them with yes men, and that’s it. [QUOTE=spifflog] I don’t believe for a second that the US military is going to attack Iran. There is not stomach for it in the country at all. [/QUOTE] Why does the country’s opinion matter, as long as the military is under Bush’s control ? There are already soldiers in Iraq; all Bush has to do is order them across the border into Iran. Or order missles and bombers in. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892.md?page=2)