Joseph Maguire, Acting DNI, is the latest example. Republicans love to hire ex-military for top administrative jobs. Maguire demonstrated why. On the one hand he was unequivocal for the Whistle-blower and the way the complaint was made. But on the other he was equally unequivocal in threatening the security of the Whistle-blower and the complaint by reporting it to the White House and DOJ for guidance. Why? Just following orders he said, or in this case, the law. The law said that questions of executive privilege could only be decided by the White House. Generals and admirals follow orders whether they agree or not. Of course there is always the caveat that they can resist an unlawful order but you’d never get to be a general or an admiral by making that judgment. Therein lies the problem and the answer to the question, Why. DNI’s need to use their judgment. Republicans hire ex-military because they understand that these guys won’t, they never have.