What does he mean by "stand on the side and hold the coats"?

A.He means to say that it is all a big game and none of it is important.

B.He is saying they are observers who won't have any impact on the outcome at this point.

C.He believes that the U.S. military will still have a supporting function in the new war.

D.He wants to imply that he is much more powerful than the military is suggesting.