By Daniel Furnad
US President Donald Trump’s recent visits to Japan, the UK, Ireland and France, while mostly empty of diplomatic accomplishments, did once again provide talking points for those who support or detract from the military. Among the American leader’s significant gestures was an attempt to cover up the name of a warship named after an American war hero (John McCain); an attempt to belittle those who served in a war that was lost (Vietnam); and a gross and oafish effort to shine the spotlight on himself, when America and its European allies were meant to be honoring heroes of World War II at the D-Day anniversary observance.
While everything that Trump did vis a vis the military was not outright disrespectful, his treatment of veterans of the US Armed Forces as ornaments continues. He seems to see the military as a device that he can use to seem more powerful or more grand. Certainly in the last two weeks, but for most of his Presidency, this has been the case.
What to think of a man who disrespects the memory of a great patriot who suffered six years of torture and abuse in the hands of an enemy combatant? McCain was shot down and severely wounded in 1967 and refused any kind of cooperation with the Vietnamese captors, finally being release in 1973. Because of political differences, Trump has held a bitter grudge with McCain, notwithstanding his 2008 endorsement of the then-Senator in his Presidential campaign versus Barack Obama. Trump has called McCain “incompetent”, a “dummy” and referring the war veteran’s time as a Prisoner of War said, “I like people who weren’t captured.”
Trump has denied trying to cover up the USS John McCain while he was visiting Japan. But it is hard to find anyone else in government, particularly Republicans, who would say a bad word about McCain, let alone disparage his memory.
Trump skipped the Vietnam war at a time when all American males were eligible to be drafted when they turned 18. Many rich or connected young men found a way to avoid the war. Trump was given several deferments due to “bone spurs” in his ankle.
In an interview with Piers Morgan, while he was in London, on his way to the D-Day commemorations, in reaction to questions about his military deferments Trump said, “Well, I was never a fan of that war, I’ll be honest with you. I thought it was a terrible war. I thought it was very far away.” He added, “At that time, nobody had ever heard of the country.”
He later said he would be honored to have served in Vietnam. But the slight about the war reflected his real feelings…the later statement was damage control, and veterans of that conflict couldn’t help but feel disrespected for their service and sacrifice.
For the D-Day commemorations Trump actually read a moving tribute from Franklin D Roosevelt, in trying to seem Presidential and respectful. He added his own words, saying “To the men who sit behind me and to the boys who rest in the field before me,” Mr. Trump said, “your example will never, ever grow old, your legend will never tire, your spirit — brave, unyielding and true — will never die.”
The American President was well-behaved compared to other military service commemorations. Trump avoided a ceremony at an American military cemetery outside Paris for Marines, and other soldiers, killed during World War I just 8 months ago. While aides blamed rain for his absence, other leaders from WWI allies made time for the event.
While he was better during this event marking the 75th anniversary of the invasion that took 10,000 lives, Trump still couldn’t keep his concentration on honoring those who served. Stopped by Fox News before he took the dais to make his speech, he dropped his reverential demeanor and called Robert S. Mueller a “fool” and Nancy Pelosi a “disaster”. So much for keeping the focus on the veterans.
So, this is the man who commands what is thought to be the world’s most powerful military, certainly the most well-funded. He makes nice talk about honoring veterans and holding military parades, while mocking the results in Vietnam, disrespecting a former POW, and making petty comments about his perceived enemies when he was representing his country and military to honor war heroes and war casualties.
How would this play in Nigeria? If someone made an excuse to get out of the Biafra conflict, could they still run for President. If they did attain office, could they command the respect of the Armed Forces? If they jumped on the bandwagon of the Army’s critics, who claim human rights abuses, or exaggerated success against the Boko Haram, could he become Commander-in-Chief?
Recently, the Nigerian Armed Forces have taken some criticism from various corners, from the international media to foreign governments, local commentators to radical Muslim foes. But President Buhari has stood behind them. And the country has benefited from a curtailing of violence in the Northeast, a free and fair election and a general improvement in security and professionalism from the military’s ranks.
Chief of Army Staff General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has overseen a marked improvement in training, equipment and supply chain. This reporter has seen first-hand the enthusiastic morale of both foot soldiers and commanders in visits to Maiduguri. As well I have witnessed the gratitude of the citizens of Borno state as they have gone back to school, back to work, back to Church and back to enjoying some of the pleasant enjoyments of life in Nigeria such as street football matches and music concerts.This is only possible when there is unambiguous support for the Armed Forces.
There are still nearly 2 years, and possibly nearly six years left in the Trump administration. His words and actions have only just begun to affect America’s fighting men and women. It is too early to tell what his legacy will be regarding the American military. One can hope that his buffoonish posing will be disregarded by those in service and outside, and the Armed Forces in the US and based oversees will still get the respect they deserve and the morale that will make them most effective.
In Nigeria there doesn’t appear to be any doubt. The coming years will see continued support for the military, continued resolve to provide peace to the citizens and a sober and respectful treatment to all those who serve, who make sacrifices, who are moving the nation toward a peaceful and secure future.
