As a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel with 32 years of service—including combat missions over Iraq and Afghanistan, command at the squadron and wing levels, and surviving the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon—I have spent my career upholding the principles of good order, discipline, and unwavering loyalty to the Constitution and the chain of command. In retirement, as a former candidate for the United States Senate and chairman of GatorPAC, I have continued that commitment through conservative political advocacy and support for America First principles. Today, I wholeheartedly support Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s decision to initiate administrative action against retired Navy Captain Mark E. Kelly, the senior U.S. Senator from Arizona.

Secretary Hegseth announced on January 5, 2026, that the Department of War is launching retirement grade determination proceedings under 10 U.S.C. § 1370(f) against Captain Kelly. This could result in a reduction of his retired rank and corresponding retired pay. Additionally, a formal Letter of Censure has been issued, detailing Kelly’s reckless misconduct and placing it permanently in his military personnel file. These steps are measured, lawful, and long overdue.

Captain Kelly, along with five other members of Congress, released a video six weeks ago that urged service members to refuse orders they deem unlawful. While framed as a reminder of existing military law, the timing and context—amid a new administration focused on restoring lethality and ending years of politicized distractions—made it a clear attempt to sow doubt and division within the ranks. Hegseth correctly identified this as seditious conduct, violating Articles 133 (conduct unbecoming an officer) and 134 (general article) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).

Many civilians might ask: Why hold a retired officer accountable? The answer is simple. Retired officers receiving pay remain subject to the UCMJ. We do not get to cash pension checks while undermining the very institution that earned them for us. Captain Kelly knows this better than most. With 25 years of Navy service, 39 combat missions, and four spaceflights, he has an exemplary record of sacrifice. But that record does not grant immunity from accountability when political ambition overrides professional responsibility.

In my experience, military discipline is the bedrock of our effectiveness. The chain of command exists for a reason: it ensures unified action in the face of chaos. Encouraging troops—even implicitly—to question lawful orders based on partisan interpretations erodes that foundation. Kelly’s statements from June through December 2025 characterized ongoing military operations as potentially illegal, counseling refusal of duty. This isn’t principled whistleblowing; it’s a partisan stunt that risks morale and readiness at a time when America faces aggressive adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran.

Secretary Hegseth, a combat veteran himself with deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay—where he earned two Bronze Star Medals and the Combat Infantryman Badge—understands this intimately. His actions send a vital message: The era of woke experimentation and political interference in the military is over. Under the previous administration, we saw forced diversity trainings, gender ideology debates, and recruitment shortfalls that weakened our forces. President Trump’s restoration of the “Department of War” moniker—evoking the decisive mindset that won World Wars—and Hegseth’s leadership signal a return to warfighting focus.

Critics, including Senator Kelly himself, cry “authoritarianism” and claim this chills free speech. Nonsense. The First Amendment protects robust debate, but it does not shield retired officers from UCMJ consequences for conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline. Kelly’s Senate seat does not exempt him; if anything, his position amplifies the damage. As a sitting lawmaker using his military credentials to politicize obedience, he sets a dangerous precedent. What message does it send to young enlisted troops if a retired captain-turned-senator publicly urges selective obedience?

This is not retribution; it’s restoration. Hegseth has given Kelly due process: notice of the charges and 30 days to respond, with the full process concluding in 45 days. Further violations could trigger stronger measures, including recall to active duty. That’s accountability, not intimidation.

Broader implications demand attention. For too long, some retired flag officers have traded their stars for media gigs, endorsing candidates or criticizing commanders in ways that blur lines between service and politics. DoD directives prohibit using titles in partisan endorsements that imply official backing, yet enforcement has been lax. Hegseth’s action against Kelly draws a firm line: Your service earns respect, but it doesn’t entitle you to undermine the active force for political gain.

As someone who enlisted as an EOD technician, rose through the ranks, commanded B-1 bombers, and led nuclear operations, I know the cost of indiscipline. Lives depend on trust in the chain. When retired leaders like Kelly inject partisan poison, they betray the oath we all took.

I commend Secretary Hegseth for his courage. This is leadership—purging rot to rebuild strength. The American people elected President Trump to drain swamps, including in the Pentagon. Actions like this honor our veterans, deter future misconduct, and ensure our military remains the greatest fighting force in history.

Captain Kelly has 30 days to respond. I hope he reflects on his service and chooses unity over division. But if not, justice must prevail. Our troops deserve no less.

America’s military must be apolitical, lethal, and united. Secretary Hegseth is making that happen. Full support from this retired Colonel.