Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a memo to the force that the US military is engaged in a “calm, orderly and professional” transition to the administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

Austin added that the military is prepared to carry out the policy choices of the next commander-in-chief and “obey all lawful orders” in the civilian chain of command.

“The US military will continue to distance itself from the political arena; to stand guard over our republic with principles and professionalism; and stand with valued allies and partners who deepen our security,” Austin said in the memo.

Trump was elected president on Tuesday, securing a second term after leaving the White House four years ago. The Republican Party has already won the Senate, and if it gains enough seats in the House, the party will gain full control of the executive and legislative branches of government.

During his campaign, President-elect Trump repeatedly suggested using the military, including active duty and the National Guard, for domestic issues. Asked if the Pentagon was preparing for the possibility that it could be deployed for domestic purposes, Sabrina Singh, the Pentagon’s deputy press secretary, said the department “takes these things seriously, but I’m not going to speculate.”

“The secretary has pushed a strong note that I think captures the feeling of where he is. I think it is important to remember that the military is apolitical,” Singh said. “We will ensure there is a peaceful and calm transition and set up the incoming team for the success they need to carry out the department’s mission.”

“This (note) is not unprecedented. You have seen that the Secretary has sent memos to the force. That was the message he clearly wanted to communicate to an apolitical military, and one that will continue to serve the next commander-in-chief and other administrations down the road. I think you’ve seen in the past that there have been transitions that haven’t been seamless, that haven’t been as peaceful. We are committed to ensuring a peaceful transition – that’s the commitment this administration has made, not just the secretary, but the president, the vice president and other cabinet secretaries.”

The Posse Comitatus Act, which was signed into law in 1878, prohibits troops from participating in civilian law enforcement. The Insurrection Act of 1807, however, allows the president to deploy the military in certain circumstances, including civil disturbance, insurrection or rebellion.

Regarding transition efforts, Singh said the Pentagon is currently coordinating with the White House and General Services Administration before he could begin working with Trump’s transition team.

Former Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie has been tapped to lead the Defense Department’s transition efforts for the Trump administration. Wilkie led the department from July 2018 to January 2021. During Wilkie’s time as VA secretary, a VA inspector general determined that Wilkie mishandled a high-profile sexual assault allegation at a VA hospital.

Linda McMahon and Howard Lutnick, co-chairs of Trump’s transition team, said in a statement Wednesday that “President Trump will select personnel to serve our nation under his leadership and implement policies that make American life affordable, safe and safe. “

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