The American Legion's Position On The War In Yugoslavia

Resolution No. 44: The American Legion Statement on Yugoslavia

Origin: Resolutions Sub-Committee
Submitted By: Resolutions Sub-Committee

WHEREAS, The President has committed the Armed Forces of the United States, in a joint operation with NATO ("Operation Allied Force"), to engage in hostilities in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia without clearly defining America's vital national interests; and

WHEREAS, Neither the President nor the Congress has defined America's objectives in what has become an open-ended conflict characterized by an ill-defined progressive escalation; and

WHEREAS, It is obvious that an ill-planned and massive commitment of U.S. resources could only lead to troops being killed, wounded or captured without advancing any clear purpose, mission or objective; and

WHEREAS, The American people rightfully support the ending of crimes and abuses by the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and the extending of humanitarian relief to the suffering people of the region; and

WHEREAS, America should not commit resources to the prosecution of hostilities in the absence of clearly defined objectives agreed upon by the U.S. Congress in accordance with Article I Section 8 of the Constitution of the United States; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, By the National Executive Committee of The American Legion in regular meeting assembled in Indianapolis, Indiana, May 5-6, 1999, That The American Legion, which is composed of nearly 3 million veterans of war-time service, voices its grave concerns about the commitment of U.S. Armed Forces to Operation Allied Force, unless the following conditions are fulfilled:

1. That there be a clear statement by the President of why it is in our vital national interests to be engaged in Operation Allied Force;

2. Guidelines be established for the mission, including a clear exit strategy;

3. That there be support of the mission by the U.S. Congress and the American people; and

4. That it be made clear U.S. Forces will be commanded only by U.S. officers whom we acknowledge are superior military leaders; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That, if the aforementioned conditions are not met, The American Legion calls upon the President and the Congress to withdraw American forces immediately from Operation Allied Force; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That The American Legion calls upon the Congress and the international community to ease the suffering of the Kosovar refugees by providing necessary aid and assistance; and, be it finally

RESOLVED, That The American Legion reaffirms its unwavering admiration of, and support for, our American men and women serving in uniform throughout the world, and we reaffirm our efforts to provide sufficient national assets to ensure their well being.