This book offers a critical examination of the U.S. military's insular culture through the eyes of a West Point law professor. Tim Bakken argues that the deep-seated veneration for the military is a detrimental aspect of America's identity, leading to a dangerous isolation from civil society. His twenty years at West Point reveal that this unquestioning loyalty fosters chronic deceit and prioritizes allegiance over essential values. The grim results are evident: failures in every conflict since World War II, countless lives lost, and immense financial waste. Bakken contends that the culture at West Point significantly influences America's decisions to engage in wars and how they are conducted. He highlights issues such as manipulated admissions data, widespread cheating, sexual assault, outdated curricula, and inadequate teaching, all contributing to an environment where officers prioritize their privileges over national interests. Dissenters face severe repercussions. By analyzing major U.S. conflicts, from Korea to recent Middle Eastern engagements, Bakken illustrates how this military culture perpetuates repeated failures. This compelling work sheds light on a critical aspect of American pride and, through Bakken's courageous whistleblowing, seeks to explain the reasons behind America's military losses.
