Editor’s note: This op-ed was authored by a Department of Defense civilian employee who requested anonymity due to concerns about potential retaliation for expressing dissenting opinions from the Trump administration. Military Times granted anonymity for the author to express their views freely.

U.S. service members make considerable personal and professional sacrifices to maintain America’s advantage over its adversaries. Yet many have a blind spot for how the recent U.S. strikes against alleged drug-carrying boats may be setting a precedent that gives a “lawfare” advantage to those very adversaries.

As a Defense Department employee, I have seen this firsthand in colleagues. These actions not only create legal controversy that stands out from those of the war on terror era but also set

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