Air Force Academy

Why Is My Alma Mater USAFA Allowing Professors Who Undermine The Commander-In-Chief?

20 May 2026

By L. Todd Wood, USAFA ’86

Dr. Ryan Burke is a Professor of Military & Strategic Studies (MSS) at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA). He teaches classes on international security studies, military power projection, military affairs, and defense policy, per the Academy website. He has a long academic resume and has combat experience.

Dr. Burke wrote what is in my opinion a seditious op-ed at Real Clear Defense. You can read it here: “Enough With the ‘Department of War’ Nonsense“.

To quote his oped, “When ostensibly serious people refer to the Department of Defense as the “Department of War,” we are no longer being precise. We are being theatrical. Worse, we are being unserious.

“Let’s be clear up front. Despite what an Executive Order directs, the United States does not have a Department of War, at least not legally. It hasn’t since 1947. What it has – by law – is a Department of Defense. Calling it anything else is not bold. It’s cosplay.”

“We are more than six months into this new naming convention, and it hasn’t gotten any easier to absorb.

“The rebrand-by-vibes crowd likes “Department of War” because it sounds tougher.

“…calling it the Department of War doesn’t make us sound strong. It makes us sound juvenile. Anecdotally, many Defense Department employees think the whole ‘War’ thing is foolish,” (Is Dr. Burke speaking with other DoW employees and conspiring against the United States Commander-in-Chief?).

“…the Executive Order does not formally require leaders to use Department of War in their vernacular. Those who do so choose to ‘accommodate’ an unofficial term because someone almost certainly told them ‘if you don’t say Department of War, you’re out.’”

If that is not directly subverting the command of the President, I don’t know what is.

I cannot think of more snarky, disrespectful, unprofessional comments directed towards POTUS, especially in a time of global war.

Bear in mind this man is teaching young cadets to be officers in the United States Air Force, a force at the direction of the Commander-in-Chief, the duly-elected President of the United States.

Dr. Burke is undermining the commander-in-chief in a time of war. Allowing this person to instruct cadets is another example of how USAFA has lost its way training officers for future combat and directing others in combat. The op-ed undermines unit cohesion and good order and discipline.

The op-ed comes on the heels of an open seditious display on the terrazzo of my alma mater.

My, how far USAFA has fallen from its heritage and mission.

Dr. Burke should be fired immediately.

Interestingly enough, Dr. Burke removed the name of USAFA from his bio printed at Real Clear Defense.

If any cadets or recent graduates reading this article have sat through one of Dr. Burke’s classes, and have information on additional subversive comments, please contact us at contact@cdm.press.

We have contacted Dr Burke via email for response and will print when received.

Dr. Burke is also welcome to come on one of our video productions to explain his position. We will be cordial.

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L Todd Wood, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, flew special operations helicopters supporting SEAL Team 6, Delta Force and others. After leaving the military, he pursued his other passion, finance, spending 18 years on Wall Street trading emerging market debt and was a national security columnist for The Washington Times. He is also founder/publisher of CDM. For more information about L. Todd Wood, visit LToddWood.com.

First published in Armed Forces Press

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