LtGen Steven Kwast, commander and President of the US Air Force’s Air University, recently encouraged Airmen to not “be afraid” of being a “Mitchell, Doolittle, or Arnold.” (The article was coincidentally published at nearly the same time Michael “Mikey” Weinstein called for LtGen Kwast’s “aggressive punishment.”) Speaking to the challenges of lower manning and high operations tempo, LtGen Kwast said [emphasis added]:

To meet these challenges, American military leaders and members must become more willing to question the status quo, speak out, and accept that smart risk taking is inseparable from effective leadership in such a dynamic environment.

One of the leaders LtGen Kwast encouraged Airmen to look toward is Billy Mitchell: 

While often controversial, Mitchell was courageous in capturing, sharing and even testing his cutting-edge concepts for air operations. He put himself and his reputation on the line time and again to push the critical innovations…

The interesting thing about Billy Mitchell, of course, is that he was a Brigadier General — until he was demoted for his outspokenness. He was later convicted at court-martial for “bring[ing] discredit upon the military service.” While he was not discharged, Mitchell resigned in protest.

LtGen Kwast is right, of course, that Billy Mitchell is widely recognized as the “father of the US Air Force” for his vision — and for his outspokenness. But the same “courage” of conviction that inspired his outspokenness also got him convicted, and he died in relative obscurity. Only much later did people look back and realize that Billy Mitchell had been right.

To be an ideological nonconformist even in today’s military remains a threat to one’s career. While LtGen Kwast was focusing on innovations in strategy and technology, his admonition would also encourage Airmen to have the strength of character to stand for their convictions.

Do the right thing — because it’s the right thing to do. Just realize that, just as with Billy Mitchell, not everyone may agree with you — even the military institution you serve.

And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
– Mark 13:13

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