Guy M. Snodgrass

Opinion contributor

The polarization of our politics has hurt us all — and the U.S. military is no exception. I witnessed this firsthand while serving as communications director for Secretary of Defense James Mattis, a man I admire and respect. I then experienced it myself while seeking to share my experience with the American public.

A former Navy officer, I was taught early in my career the importance of passing on thoughtful lessons to those who will follow in our footsteps. Jim Mattis — the warrior, strategist and diplomat — has taken a vow of silence out of loyalty to President Donald Trump. But America deserves to know about key moments of decision-making, the urgent threat to our longstanding structure of alliances and partnerships, and how the lack of a cohesive strategy is adversely affecting American security. The president's sudden decision to draw down U.S. troops in Syria, at the expense of our Kurdish allies and planning for the raid in Syria last weekend, is just the latest reason why it is important to tell this story.

So, I began to write.

Threats and pushback

That’s when the red tape started. I expected questions to be raised by the Pentagon, and I was prepared to answer them. I also knew I’d need to submit my manuscript for a security review, a step necessary to preserve our nation’s security lest any classified information be inadvertently published. Despite working with some excellent professionals in the office that reviews books, I didn’t fully prepare myself for the backlash I experienced from other quarters.

First, I was told writing about my experience would be a betrayal of trust. Then came the threats. Department of Defense lawyers emailed, writing that I could “face a range of consequences” if I persisted in publishing my book — and citing a DOD policy document stating methods for reducing an officer’s rank in retirement. It was clear the security review process was not only to protect national security, but also to delay my book and keep the story of what I witnessed from being told.

Through it all, a process that should only take one month stretched into two, then three. Despite admitting that three chapters of my book, "Holding the Line," were unclassified, the Pentagon still directed their removal, deeming them too sensitive for publication. Additional unclassified information was also slated for removal. This, despite the fact I had used the Pentagon’s own publicly released information as references.

Only after I filed a lawsuit was my manuscript cleared for publication.

This experience is one no other former Defense official who chooses to share his story should have to endure. It also raises significant questions regarding transparency, highlighting an organization that selectively applied its own rules and regulations.

Honorable until we dare speak up

This level of treatment demeans my service. Was this my value to the institution I served for more than two decades? To the combat sorties I flew into harm’s way? It seems that military members are all honorable when we close our mouths and hold our tongues. But when we give ourselves a voice, when we dare to speak truth to power — well, then our honor is questioned.

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The very best organizations encourage thoughtful critique and criticism, not only because it makes the organization better, but also because it fosters public trust through transparency. Poll after poll identifies the U.S. military as the most admired institution in our country, and the only institution that holds the respect and trust of the vast majority of the American people. But that trust is fragile. If lost, it could be gone forever.

I had the experience of a lifetime working alongside Secretary Mattis. I served with public servants who labored tirelessly to further U.S. interests around the globe. I witnessed and participated in historic moments. Nevertheless, in the course of choosing to share my experience with the American public, my character and honor have been called into question. I have been called disloyal.

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Honor and character, however, are found in doing the right thing regardless of the consequences, not waiting to act when it is politically convenient to do so. Loyalty is an unyielding fidelity to the truth. As public servants, our loyalty belongs to America, rather to any one person.

As for me, I appreciate the words from an Army colonel who stopped me last week to simply thank me for being willing to tell my story.

Guy M. Snodgrass, chief executive officer of Defense Analytics, is a retired Navy commander who served as director of communications and chief speechwriter for former Defense Secretary James Mattis. His new book, “Holding the Line: Inside Trump’s Pentagon with Secretary Mattis,” is available Tuesday. Follow him on Twitter: @GuySnodgrass