Militarization of the Trump Administration
It became common practice that Cabinet agencies of the federal government were managed by civilians and the National Security Act of 1947 that created the Defense Department also made it a requirement that only civilians could lead the Department. Service agencies were also required to be led by civilians.
Gradually, however, the appointment of former Generals and Admirals came into prominence. Here is a list.
Ronald Reagan: Gen. Al Haig, Secretary of State
Gen. Colin Powell, National Security Council
Bush 41 Gen. Brent Scowcroft, National Security Advisor
Bush 43: Gen. Colin Powell, Secretary of State
Barack Obama: Gen. Eric Shinseki, Veterans Affairs
The damn burst with the election of President Donald Trump who did not serve in the U.S. military, but has demonstrated a loyalty to, and fondness for, former General and Flag Officers. Some point to President Trump’s education at New York Military Academy where his parents sent him when they felt he needed to acquire discipline.
Donald Trump: Gen. James N. Mattis, Secretary of Defense
Gen. Michael T. Flynn, first National Security Advisor
Gen. H.R. McMaster, second National Security Advisor
Gen. John F. Kelly, Homeland Security and Chief of Staff
Brig. General, Mitchell Zais, Deputy Secretary of Education
Rear Admiral Eric C. Jones, Military Advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security
Adm. Harry Harris, Ambassador to South Korea
With former Generals at Defense, Homeland Security, the National Security Council, the Department of Education, and now the Department of State, not to mention appointment of a retired Navy Seal at the Interior Department, President Trump has abandoned the principle of civilian control.