Leadership: The Perils of Professionalism

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez thinks he has a military mutiny on his hands, and has acted accordingly. Many of the senior officers of the armed forces (colonels and generals) have been told to stay home until the government can figure out who's trustworthy enough to return to command. The source of this discontent has been building, especially as Chavez has tried to 'reform' the armed forces with the adoption of 'Bolivarian' doctrine tactics. These 'radical and revolutionary' concepts are vague, and seem more concerned with ensuring the troops are loyal to Chavez. Many officers are trying to maintain professional standards, rather than jump through hoops to prove their loyalty. Naturally, active military officers are reluctant to speak out. But retired ones began so two years ago, and that made Chavez nervous."