Pentagon Takes Action Against Retired Navy Officer Turned Senator
The Department of Defense has initiated administrative proceedings that could reduce the military retirement pay of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, following his participation in a video urging members of the armed forces to refuse what he described as illegal orders.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the action Monday, stating that the Pentagon is reviewing Kelly’s retired rank, a step that could lead to a corresponding reduction in retirement benefits.
Video Raised Alarms Within the Defense Department
The action stems from a video featuring Kelly and five other Democratic lawmakers in which they warned of “threats to the Constitution” and repeatedly encouraged members of the military and intelligence community to refuse orders they believed to be unlawful.
The video did not specify which orders were allegedly illegal. Defense officials said the broad and unspecific nature of the message raised concerns about undermining military discipline and the lawful chain of command.
Administrative Punishment Under Federal Law
According to the Defense Department, proceedings have been initiated under federal statute governing retired officer rank determinations. The process could result in Kelly being administratively reduced in retired grade, which would lower his pension.
Hegseth also issued a formal letter of censure, a written reprimand that remains part of Kelly’s official record.
Kelly Pushes Back as Pentagon Weighs Options
Kelly responded publicly, stating that he intends to contest the Pentagon’s action. He characterized the move as an attempt to intimidate him and criticized Hegseth’s leadership.
Defense officials, however, have indicated that internal discussions included a range of possible responses, from administrative penalties to potential prosecution under military law, though no criminal action has been announced.
Concerns Over Civilian Control and Military Neutrality
Lawmakers from both parties have previously raised questions about the legality of certain military operations, including U.S. actions in the Caribbean and the deployment of forces within U.S. cities over objections from state governors.
However, critics of Kelly argue that encouraging service members to independently judge and refuse orders risks eroding civilian control of the military and blurs the line between lawful dissent and insubordination.
Republican Lawmakers Express Caution, Not Support
Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, the Republican chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said last month that punishing Kelly may not be appropriate, though he did not defend the substance of Kelly’s message.
Wicker’s comments focused on jurisdictional concerns rather than endorsement of Kelly’s actions.
Pentagon Sought Guidance Before Acting
In November, Hegseth requested guidance from the Secretary of the Navy regarding possible disciplinary measures against Kelly. The Navy secretary oversees the branch in which Kelly served for more than 20 years.
Defense officials have stated that the review process is ongoing.
Related Coverage
- Idaho News – https://idahonews.co/idaho-news-3/
- National News – https://idahonews.co/national-news/
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