The article argues that recent executive overreach and politicization have severely undermined established norms of U.S. civil-military relations. To restore professional standards, the incoming Congress must actively exercise its oversight powers, moving beyond mere criticism to demanding transparency in defense policy and personnel decisions. Key reforms include enforcing meritocratic promotion processes, requiring documented justification for senior officer removals, and preventing the partisan use of the military. These actions are crucial for bolstering public trust and ensuring the military remains a nonpartisan instrument of civilian control.
Report to Congress on U.S. Aircraft Combat Losses in Operation Epic Fury
English Summary
The Congressional report highlights significant, yet unquantified, combat losses sustained by U.S. forces during Operation Epic Fury in the Middle East. Key evidence includes reports of 42 fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft (including drones) damaged or lost, alongside an escalating cost estimate for the operation reaching $29 billion. The lack of a comprehensive Department of Defense assessment, coupled with the high and rising costs, suggests potential strategic overextension and resource strain. Policymakers must address the need for clearer risk assessment and resource allocation to manage future military engagements in the volatile region.
中文摘要
該國會報告指出，美國軍隊在「史詩怒火行動」（Operation Epic Fury）期間於中東地區遭受了重大但尚未量化的戰鬥損失。關鍵證據包括報告指出有 42 架固定翼或旋翼飛機（包含無人機）受損或損失，同時該行動的成本估計不斷攀升，已達到 290 億美元。缺乏國防部全面評估，加上高昂且不斷上升的成本，暗示了潛在的戰略過度延伸和資源壓力。政策制定者必須解決更清晰的風險評估和資源分配需求，以管理未來在該不穩定地區的軍事參與。
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