Calls to change Bases named after Confederates. Predictable? What's next?

2015-07-03T10:07:00-04:00

Today's FreePress..... We knew it was coming. Some won't be happy until history is erased, or replaced with a version lacking any resemblance to reality.

Response by SSG Gerhard S. made Jul 3 at 2015 10:09 AM

2015-07-03T10:09:09-04:00

Detroit Free Press editorial today.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Jul 3 at 2015 10:23 AM

2015-07-03T10:23:48-04:00

Here's one way to avoid changing all those names. I'd use this tactic on those pushing for name changes (not saying it's RIGHT or even practical but 99% won't know the difference anyway):

While we (DoD) can understand your perceived outrage over military bases, these facilities are named after significant military leaders many of whom graduated from West Point, VMI, and the Navy Academy and at some point served with distinction and honor in the US military organization (this part is true at least). As for changing the base names, that is not financially feasible. Since changing the name of a facility, in effect, creates a whole new assignment for military personnel, thousands of Permanent Change of Station orders would need to be processed. Moving a service member from Ft. Bragg to Ft. Obama for example entitles that service member and their family members to travel costs, per diem, dislocation allowance, and other monetary compensation. This typically ranges into thousands of dollars per member. Each of these facilities would then have to change all the name plates, placards, and signage leading up to and into the facility. Each state would also be responsible for changing all the highway signs directing traffic to the installation. Every map, atlas, and GPS would immediately become obsolete. It would cost the Department of Defense and local State governments millions of dollars in revenue to change signs, maps, GPS, and other documents to effect these changes. In short, we just can't financially undertake such a radical undertaking.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 3 at 2015 10:31 AM

2015-07-03T10:31:43-04:00

This has been swirling around for a while. SSG Gerhard S.. While there are things I see differently about the flag - we all see it differently - I don't think the military bases should part of this discussion.

The flag, was the confederate battle flag, not the CSA flag, and over the years its meaning has been skewed on many directions. That said, the leaders from the CSA who these bases are named after are a part of those region's and our military's history. Robert E. Lee, for example, is remembered many places. He was the superintendent at West Point before the War, and was sent by the Army to suppress John Brown's Raid at Harpers Ferry. Do we edit that list as well, all the lists, to delete those things that we disagree a with his allegiance?

I did not live in those times, but I know (believe) at that time allegiance to the federal government vs. their home state and families was a hugely difficult issue. We are lucky we stayed united, and that we never had to face such decisions.

That said, regardless of why they went South vs. North, I don't believe hate was a prime motivator, aside from hate for the federal governments increasing attempts to direct the states activities. I am not saying I agree, but I do understand.

Nevertheless, I hope we don't get so stupid in our efforts to be PC, and considering renaming Bragg (he was not so great), Hood, Lee, Jackson, etc. Do we remove these leaders from military history and curriculum as well?

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/timeline/lee-timeline/

WGBH American Experience . Robert E. Lee | PBS

Timeline: The Life of Robert E. Lee

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 1:52 PM

2015-12-08T13:52:58-05:00

I am reminded of a song sung by Janis Joplin.... "So come on, come on
Come on, come on, come on
And cry, cry baby, cry baby, cry baby"

Response by SrA James Cannon made Jan 19 at 2017 1:22 PM

2017-01-19T13:22:42-05:00

More political correctness that is trying to erase the history of this nation.