Opinion - No, the troops aren’t mentally weak. They just have terrible leadership.

The author revisits the military mantra "mission first" and argues leaders must also protect troop welfare because neglect hurts mission success.
Reports say sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln endured extended deployments, poor conditions and low morale during the Iran conflict.
The piece criticizes political and Pentagon leaders for using troops as props and mishandling leadership, contributing to a damaging "forever war."