Pentagon spokesperson acknowledges routine military objections to defense secretary's deployment plans
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The Pentagon confirmed that senior commanders regularly file formal non-concurrences with the defense secretary's orders, after a report said they opposed a proposed troop deployment to the Middle East.
The Washington Post reported that senior U.S. military commanders have formally recorded non-concurrences with a Pentagon orders document that outlines a proposed deployment of more than 50,000 troops to the Middle East for operations linked to President Trump's stance toward Iran. Four-star leaders in Europe, Asia and Latin America, as well as the Navy's top admiral, each filed a non-concur, a standard mechanism for expressing disagreement while still being required to follow the final decision.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell responded to the story on social media, calling the coverage “Fake News” and alleging legal violations by the reporters. He later acknowledged that “non-concurs are standard” and that the secretary “sees them constantly,” adding that the department is “in great shape around the world.”
The report also noted concerns among senior officers that the proposed Middle East operation could strain U.S. defense capabilities and affect readiness for other challenges, including China. The Post stood by its reporting.