The withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 will be etched in history as one of the most poorly executed military operations in our nation’s chronicles. This chaotic retreat, marred by flawed planning and ineffective execution, resulted in a profound national embarrassment.
In this calamitous process, senior military officers and civilian leaders at various levels failed in their fundamental duty to ensure mission success, protect the lives of our service members, and safeguard the innocent Afghan allies who stood by our side during two decades of conflict.
Accountability and Leadership Failures
Despite the enormity of this failure, appropriate accountability has yet to be enforced. Rather than facing the consequences of their decisions, many of the senior officers involved have ascended to higher positions, now holding three and four-star ranks, or have retired into lucrative roles within the defense industry. This lack of accountability raises serious questions about leadership ethics and responsibility at the highest levels of military and political command.
The same leaders who oversaw this dismal withdrawal have largely remained silent, failing to address detrimental policies implemented by the Biden administration during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as decisions regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives that adversely influenced morale, recruitment, retention, and overall military readiness.
Now, as they scramble to align themselves with the changing political tides, it is disheartening to witness the senior military ranks adapt like political chameleons, prioritizing their positions over the welfare of the service members they claim to lead.
Honoring the Service Members
Amidst the turmoil and controversies surrounding the withdrawal, it is imperative to remember the service members at the tactical level who executed their duties with extraordinary honor and courage. Despite the shortcomings and misguided policies from four administrations and the Department of Defense’s poor strategic planning, our troops accomplished their missions to the best of their abilities. Their dedication and resilience cannot be overlooked; they deserve recognition for their sacrifices, not the military leadership that failed them.
As a retired general officer, I extend my sincerest apologies for the failures of leadership that have overshadowed the incredible commitment of our service members.
A Message to Afghan Veterans
The withdrawal has also brought dishonor to our nation and left many Afghan veterans feeling disillusioned and betrayed.
To these brave individuals, I say: You served with pride and honor, and the leadership failed you—not your commitment, courage, or bravery. Your service will always be respected and valued.
Acknowledging Our Afghan Allies
We must also turn our attention to the Afghan allies who stood beside us, who served with us, and who sacrificed alongside us. To them, we owe a profound apology for the failure to provide a safe and dignified exit.
As we move forward, our mission must be clear: to continue efforts to secure the safety of every Afghan ally who supported our endeavors. Your bravery and contributions will not be forgotten, and we must collectively work to ensure your security and acknowledge the debts we owe.
Conclusion
The disastrous Afghan withdrawal serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of leadership accountability in our military and government. It is a call to reevaluate how we recognize and support those who genuinely deserve it, ensuring that our commitment to our service members, both current and former, remains unwavering.
As we reflect on these events, let us strive not only to honor the courageous service of our soldiers but also to hold our leaders accountable, demanding the integrity and responsibility necessary for the protection and governance of our nation.
Together, we owe it to every American service member and ally to learn from this experience, advocating for transparent leadership and upholding the values that define our country.
Donald C. Bolduc