The US Army War College Quarterly Parameters - Winter 2023-24 | FROM THE ARCHIVES: Are Retired Flag Officers Overparticipating in the Political Process? | by Zachary E. Griffiths Retired United States general and flag officers participate politically as individuals and in groups. Purportedly, participation damages civil-military relations. This article argues these activities, including but not limited to endorsements of candidates, do little harm to US democratic institutions and to the nonpartisan reputation of the military institution. Keywords: civil-military relations, general officers, promotions, flag officers, political participation