He’s a “flight surgeon” which is a normal Medical Doctor which checks out pilots—something like an Internist, not a surgeon who does surgery. He does have a pretty high-status job as an Army MD as he is watching over the pilots which fly the Army Chief of Staff around....
The guy has 18 years, which means he’s 2 away from retirement.
This could/would damage his career as an MD out of the Army (if he loses)...as medical boards would frown on a man with a dishonorable discharge—plus, I believe he would completely forfeit a generous pension.
Whether he’s cuckoo or not, this is a very gutsy move.
I would say he is pledging his life, his fortune, and his sacred honor! Let’s see.... some other statesmen did that before........