An AUMF For the Troops

Though the military does not need an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) to fight ISIS, if Congress approved one it would show troops the country is behind them, Defense Secretary of Defense Ash Carter told the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday. “We can conduct what we need to do within the law,” Carter said. “But I think it would be helpful, principally because I think you can’t do enough to show the troops that we’re behind them.” Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, had a similar answer in response to a question from Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) about whether an AUMF would help in the fight in Iraq and Syria. “It’s my understanding that we currently have all the authorities that we need to prosecute the campaign against ISIL,” Dunford said. “But I absolutely believe that a clear and unequivocal statement of support for the men and women that are prosecuting the campaign and our allies from their elected officials would be absolutely helpful.”