Almost a year has passed since the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol Building — an event that continues to raise concerns about the potential for violence, chaos and unrest during and after the 2024 presidential election. Three of the people who are sounding the alarm are Paul D. Eaton, Antonio M. Taguba and Steven M. Anderson, all retired U.S. Army generals. In a disturbing op-ed recently published by the Washington Post, they warn that the “aftermath” of 2024’s election could have a “potential for lethal chaos inside our military, which would put all Americans at severe risk.”

“In short, we are chilled to our bones at the thought of a coup succeeding next time,” the retired generals write. “One of our military’s strengths is that it draws from our diverse population; it is a collection of individuals, all with different beliefs and backgrounds. But without constant maintenance, the potential for a military breakdown mirroring societal or political […]