Fearing Deployment

Bracing for our son to be shipped overseas.

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Atlanta, GA

March 19, 2026

A couple years ago, my son joined the Air National Guard. I tried to dissuade him, but he wants to be a commercial airline pilot and was convinced the military was the best way to achieve his goal.

My concerns were obvious. Every military parent shares them, especially with the U.S. government making countless enemies around the world.

We’re now witnessing what I warned him about. The Trump Administration launched an unconstitutional war it can’t win, against an enemy that posed no threat to the United States. Rather than confess error and cut losses, the perpetrators seem determined to subject us to catastrophic consequences of the sunk cost fallacy.

The government has admitted that more than a dozen Americans have died in this unnecessary disaster. But the real count is likely higher, and “our” rulers don’t seem to care.

If they did, they never would’ve begun this idiotic expedition in a region where US troops have no business being. I’ve objected to every US military intervention I can remember. But none have hit as close to home as this atrocity.

My son is bracing to be sent overseas. His unit has been told they should expect to be shipped somewhere. He knows neither the location nor timing, but can be ordered out at a moment’s notice. I pray he’s not sent anywhere. But if he goes, it’s to someplace beyond range of incoming missiles.

Alexander is based in Montgomery, Alabama. A unit from his sister base in Birmingham is already in Iraq. One of them was among six airmen killed there last week. Like my son, Major Alex Klinner was an Auburn University alum. He piloted a KC-135, and leaves a wife and three small children to mourn his death.

Natural Fortress

Iran isn’t a country that invites invasion. It’s a natural fortress, shielded on every side by daunting mountains with narrow passes. That’s why no presidents have been dumb enough to attempt an occupation, which is what would be needed to oust the regime.

The Zagros mountains rise 12,000 feet above the 1,000 mile western border. To the north, the Caspian Sea and Alborz range protect Tehran. Flood-prone badlands, vast salt flats, and scorching deserts stand sentry to the east. Along the Persian Gulf, rugged foothills guard against any invasion from the south.

Understanding these obstacles, the US tried to overwhelm its prey with air power. Like earlier Middle East mishaps, it isn’t working.

After the US and Israel attacked energy infrastructure, Iran retaliated. Israel took out Iran’s (and Qatar’s) largest gas field at South Pars. Iran promises to respond by hitting facilities around the gulf. This destruction jeopardizes not only oil and gas flows, but global food supplies. Widespread famine is a real risk.

For Iran, this war is existential. They have to fight. Especially after twice being attacked during negotiations, they have no incentive to stop till the threat is removed. US diplomacy is no longer viable, with Iran or anyone else. This seems to be what Israel wants.

An Illegal Order

But it’s not what most Americans want. Not that they were asked. Congress wasn’t even consulted, yet has no interest holding the president accountable for usurping its power. That body has become almost entirely ornamental, like the Roman Senate under the Empire.

Unfortunately, as escalation mounts, my son’s deployment seems more likely by the day. Yesterday he was advised to ensure his will is in order and that we have power of attorney for him should he suffer a disabling injury overseas.

Ideally, he won’t go. If ordered to, a case can be made that he should refuse. No war has been declared, which means this military action is illegal.

The Constitution designates the president as Commander-in-Chief only after Congress declares war, so the president has no authority to unilaterally deploy troops.

Article II, Section 2:

“The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States”

When my son enlisted, he pledged to defend the Constitution. He shouldn’t have to risk his life because the politicians he serves decided to violate the same oath.

JD