The US military said it had lost confidence in Colonel Susannah Meyers' ability to lead.

The commander of the base wrote, “I do not presume to understand current politics, but what I do know is the concerns of the US administration discussed by Vice-President Vance on Friday are not reflective of Pituffik Space Base.” in an email and was thus dismissed. In dismissing her, the Pentagon stated this reason. “Actions [that] undermine the chain of command or to subvert President [Donald] Trump’s agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense.”

  • JamesTBagg@lemmy.world
    51·
    2 days ago

    No, second in command is the Secretary of Defense. But if the Vice President is acting on behalf or under direction of the president it could be seen as a billet. Walking around bases every unit has pictures of their chains of command, all of them include the VP and have for a long time.

    • Dasus@lemmy.world
      41·
      2 days ago

      Makes sense since VP could have to assume role of president instantly if president dies or is removed from office or resigns. But if they are only disabled, then VP becomes acting president. Made me wonder whether acting president or the disabled president will be commander-in-chief then.

      I googled a bit and could’ve figured it out probably. But that’s a pretty niche question.

      I know this will bring in the downvotes but I think LLMs aren’t horrible for use like this.

      I asked it “if the president of the US was disabled then the vice president would become the acting president but not the actual president but would that mean that they would also be the acting Commander in Chief?”

      And got a decent reply with a low chance of any hallucinations, because of the nature of the facts and it showing it’s reasoning.

      Yes, if the Vice President becomes the Acting President due to the President’s disability, they also assume the powers and duties of the Commander in Chief. Here’s why:

      • Presidential Succession and the 25th Amendment:
        • The 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution addresses presidential succession and disability.
        • Section 3 and 4 of the 25th amendment specifically outline the processes for the vice president to become acting president in cases of presidential disability.
        • When the vice president becomes the acting president, they assume “the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.”
      • Commander in Chief is a Presidential Duty:
        • The role of Commander in Chief is a fundamental duty of the President of the United States, as outlined in the Constitution.
        • Therefore, when the vice president becomes acting president, that person gains all of the powers and duties of the president, including the commander in chief role.