By: Albert M. Forget

It is very difficult for many to understand the qualifications needed for a successful career in our armed forces and to equate them to experience in the society at large. This is especially true of many Democrats—especially those of us who opposed our involvement in Vietnam—some of whom still look on those who serve as warmongers.

With a Democrat/labor background, I’ve been a Democrat all my life. I also served in the U.S. Navy for 30 years and was privileged to work with or for numerous admirals. All of us, officer and enlisted alike, took an oath to The Constitution and agreed to live by strict rules—among which was a restriction on participating in partisan political activity. Small wonder we leave no political trail unless and until we are no longer precluded from doing so by the strictures of law.

Even in retirement we cannot talk of certain information of which we have knowledge. There have been times when I (as a Democrat) have had to go against mainstream democratic thought and vote my reason rather than my passion because of information of which I had knowledge.

The great majority of members of our armed services perform honorable, frequently praiseworthy, service. Only those who do so consistently and with distinction, no matter what called upon to do to do, come to the direct attention of their superiors. They talk to others who (like them) are charged with finding and developing leadership abilities for the armed forces of tomorrow.

I learned of Wesley Clark in the 1970’s from some of the most senior officers in the Navy. Even then, he showed unusual understanding of geopolitical matters and tremendous leadership potential—leading some to believe he would be promoted ahead of them. They, of course, were right.

Decisions involving promotion to senior positions of leadership, whether officer or enlisted, are not made by military leaders but by civilian authority. Promotions to senior officer grades are considered and must be approved by Congress—with but 2.4% of officers achieving 2-star rank and .6% rising to 3-stars. Wesley Clark wore 4 stars and served with distinction in the most demanding military positions—those requiring both military and diplomatic acumen.

Those who achieve senior positions in the military have proven themselves time and again. They know and understand, far better than most, why every diplomatic effort should be exhausted before considering war. They also know that, if you are to prosecute the peace you must be prepared to prosecute the war—for you must be prepared to support your position if you are to have any possibility of success. Wesley Clark comes from that background. His character and intellect have been refined by patriotic service and devotion to America and her Constitution—including successful prosecution of diplomatic efforts to solve international problems in face to face negotiations with the leaders of other nations.

Whether from the perspective of international and diplomatic experience; service and dedication to our country; providing for the health, “general welfare” educational needs of communities; knowledge of economic matters both here and home and globally; and in leading, directing, and inspiring people his credentials are broader than many (if not all) of those demonstrated by the other candidates.

Political labels could not be attached to the positions he took—positions based on in-depth understanding of the matter, possible solutions, and impacts on the interests of our nation and the world at large.

The true measure of integrity is one’s honesty. It did not startle me at all that, when asked how he had voted in national elections (a question no American has a responsibility to answer) Clark gave an honest answer. That hallmark of a man (honesty) seems to be sorely lacking in some political circles.

Presidents do not do the work—they set the tone! Presidents do not dictate—they inspire! Presidents direct the ways in which programs and policies are carried into effect, put in place the people to do so, and assure the jobs are done they way he or she wants them carried out. A beltway insider cannot necessarily be more qualified than someone else to do THAT job.

Those who derogated war powers to the President must feel an end run was done around them. That they so precipitously jumped on board (republican or democrat) may indicate a short trigger mentality—I hope not! As a nation we must once again learn that military might must be used to support diplomatic efforts—not as a substitute for it.

Wesley Clark learned that lesson early on—at West Point—and understands it far better than the great majority of politicians and political admirals or generals.

Many years ago I came across a quote attributed to General George Washington, "When I put on the military, I did not take off the civilian". He meant that, though restricted from involving himself in matters political while in uniform, the responsibilities of citizenship remained. He understood the need for the Congress to control the armed forces. He understood, from history, how easily a tyrant could use military might against his own people.

So does Wesley Clark.

Along with most career military personnel, he understands far better than those who have never seen the battlefield (including most in the present administration) how important it is that military force be the last possible consideration. He understands, too, that if we are to offer to others around the world the potential our Founding Fathers provided to us, we must be principled and have the strength to support those principles as necessary.

I hope Democrats who champion peace may soon learn Wesley Clark is on their side.



Albert M. Forget is a retired master chief petty officer. He spent over 30 years on active duty in the U. S. Navy; achieved the rate of first class petty officer in less than 4 years; and, from the age of 19, was assigned to the top leadership and supervisory positions in his field. During his career, he was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, two Navy Achievement Medals, seven Good Conduct Medals, the China Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with stars representing 11 campaign periods, the Navy Sea Service Ribbon, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal.