Plans for the military to participate in the detention and deportation of 9 million immigrants are expected to undermine the morale, reputation, and readiness of our military, as well as the well-being of current service members and future veterans.
Americans have historically rejected attempts to confuse the distinction between military and civilian authority. The Bill of Rights was designed to prevent this. of Posse Committee Act 1878 (literally “power of the state”) prohibits the military from participating in law enforcement without Congressional approval.
As a former Army medical officer and Department of Veterans Affairs psychiatrist with decades of clinical and policy experience, we oppose violations of this core American principle.
We have learned firsthand that ordering military personnel to perform police missions in ambiguous situations without adequate training, guidance, and support poses serious risks to those in custody and to the military personnel themselves.
The rush to set up and operate detention facilities and their necessary logistical and medical support inevitably creates chaos and confusion. Anticipated challenges of the proposed mission include:
– There is an insufficient number of experienced military police brigades to carry out the proposed mission. Infantry, armor, and field artillery units could be allocated to increase manpower, but they lack the necessary training.
– Encampments have restrictive force rules, as demonstrated during foreign peacekeeping operations. Military personnel may be exposed to violence, disruption, and flashpoints, including detainee-on-detainee attacks and attempts by U.S. citizens (individuals or private militias) to intervene as vigilantes.
– Research shows that military personnel assigned to humanitarian missions such as medical assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic had increased levels of burnout, poorer mental health, and increased suicidal ideation. Shown.
– Our military faces global threats, recruitment crisisthis mission will put even more stress on our troops.
– Converting existing military bases to confine detainees would disrupt normal military operations and negatively impact readiness.
We consider migrant camps to be humanitarian operations aimed at strengthening national security. Two decades in Iraq and Afghanistan have shown that effective humanitarian operations require expert planning and execution.
Even correctional officers who have worked effectively in prisons are unprepared for the challenges encountered in large detention centers with a mix of genders, ages, cultures, and English-speaking abilities. Staff may understandably fear for their own safety. This predictably leads to dangerous and unethical behavior.
Abu Ghraib Here's an obvious example. A mix of active duty, reserve, and civilian contractors operated in inadequate facilities with blurred lines of responsibility and authority. Ultimate responsibility for degrading and harmful actions against detainees was placed on frontline military personnel who lacked adequate training, leadership, and support.
Military medical staff, while essential to operating on detainees, may be less skilled in such situations. This was sadly proven when Military psychologist drawn into interrogation operation at Guantanamo. They intended to save lives and ensure national security, but ultimately violated basic clinical principles of not harming those in their care.
Appropriate training and field experience in policing is essential to maintaining the dignity and self-respect of both detainees and detainees. Without adequate preparation, military personnel (including medical personnel) will be exposed to serious and unnecessary risks.
Our all-volunteer military members are sworn to risk their lives to protect our people and our values. They are an ethical profession driven by high standards of service to others. Ordering the detention of millions of men, women, and children in temporary facilities exposes them to ethical and moral challenges that may violate fundamental beliefs and standards.
People who feel they have committed, failed to prevent, or simply witnessed atrocities are at risk for intense and lasting shame and guilt.
These moral injuries often lead to social isolation, family breakdown, unemployment, and homelessness. It can also complicate post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, drug use, traumatic brain injury, and suicidality. As medical professionals and members of the public, we have a duty to anticipate and stop this downward spiral.
Other government agencies will need to reveal personnel details to attract the necessary workforce. There is a problem with requiring staff to operate outside of their primary profession, organizational structure, or agency culture. Enhancers deployed in haste will be further challenged by the complexities associated with restraining adults, children, seniors, and entire families.
Medical assistance may be contracted out to private companies that complement the Bureau of Prisons, but these contractors have been widely criticized for failing to maintain basic standards of care. The proposed camp would require a higher level of care to meet a wide range of existing medical needs and prevent infectious disease outbreaks.
The military's medical system is already stretched to its limits. Reassigning personnel to detention centers would significantly reduce regular military medical operations and reduce readiness.
The veterans health care system is suffering from a budget crisis that threatens its ability to support troops at war and communities during disasters. It would be unwise (and unethical) to impose duties that undermine VA's mission.
States cannot ensure security or maintain combat power by violating the principles that define military-civilian relations. This social contract is the basis of our democracy and is embedded in our laws and culture. In addition to this, we learned a painful lesson about “using the forces you have to fight wars.” There is no need to repeat this mistake.
Dr. Stephen N. Xenakis, U.S. Army Brigadier General (Ret.), is a psychiatrist and member of the Board of Directors of the Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law. Dr. Harold S. Kudler is a former Department of Veterans Affairs psychiatrist who served as Chief Consultant for Mental Health at the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs/Department of Defense Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. co-led the development of
