Posted on Apr 17, 2018
COL Deputy G2
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I have seen where many veterans have been making degrading remarks about the President of the United States. However, I also have seen threads where actively serving members, verified by RP, are making disparaging remarks.
Is this thought of as a safe space where military justice does not matter?
Is this thought of as a place where military members think they can exercise their first amendment rights?
Edited >1 y ago
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Responses: 254
SGM Jeffrey Hall
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It is improper for active duty or reserve service members to denigrate the Commander in Chief in a public forum. This includes members of all branches of the Uniformed Services.
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Thomas Bryant
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NO
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SPC Jeff Smith
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It's a tough question, and I'd be the first to admit that I don't know the relevant regs, so I will confine my comments to what I believe SHOULD be.
I think active service members are guaranteed the same basic rights as any other American, but I also recognize that we all agreed to put SOME of our rights on hold for our tenure of service. I think expecting service members to be apolitical is unreasonable, especially where those who make a career of it are concerned. At the same time, being wildly critical of the command structure, including the CIC, is inappropriate.
Were I in charge of writing the rules, stating your beliefs would be acceptable so long as 1) statements are kept civil, without outrageous exaggeration and mudslinging, 2) the statements do not compromise operational security, and 3) the statements are clearly posted as private opinion.
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CMSgt James Nolan
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No sir it is not ok. We have a duty (that we all willingly accepted) to serve, and that includes respect for that office regardless of who holds it.
Veterans have had their freedom of speech restored and are able to speak as they wish. I would not expect disrespect to present on this site however.
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Cpl Robert Thomson
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I cannot stomach the various acts & statements our current POTUS has committed. In fact, I believe POTUS has committed at least two counts of treason! One with Russia and now one with China. If I were still active duty USMC & not retired, I would not publicly make these statements. My oath would include certain respect for the CIC. However, upon retirement, my only oath is to our constitution and country. I believe our current POTUS is beholden to foreign interests due to personal business commitments. That is treason and a huge conflict of interest that POTUS, family and friends seem very willing to engage in! Very sad times for our already great USA that has always been great. I cannot believe so many of my brothers still openly support such a man over country?
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Brad Miller
Brad Miller
>1 y
"Treason shall consist of waging war against the United States; or of giving aid and comfort to it's enemies." Very narrowly, very CAREFULLY defined. Unwise? Maybe. Foolish? Maybe. Dangerous? Maybe. Treason? No.
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CPO David Sharp
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The UCMJ, to my knowledge, does not recognize "safe spaces". Remember the Monica Lewinski and then President Clinton issue? Word came through the Command anyone making or participating in jokes would face a Court Martial. When you on Active Duty or in a Reserve Unit, you have no first amendment rights when it comes to the POTUS, aka, Commander In Chief or I believe any sitting member of the House or Senate.
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Cpl Bob Cloninger
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Many troops and veterans spoke out vehemently against President Obama - were they disciplined? Yes, citizens have the right and responsibility speak out when they disagree, but, we are still responsible for following lawful orders.
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SPC Mike Davis
SPC Mike Davis
>1 y
Define a "lawful" order.....
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Brad Miller
Brad Miller
>1 y
Ah yes, that is where things start to get sticky ... what is "lawful".
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SSG Rick Stankiewicz
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No. Definitely not
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CAPT Steve Kelley
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It is absolutely NOT acceptable for active duty members to disparage the POTUS.
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LTC John Griscom
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I was told if you are active duty, you have limited First Amendment. Being vocal in a degrading manner toward POTUS and other leaders in the chain of command can have dire consequences on your career, including possible UCMJ action.
The military is an apolitical career; if you don't like that, suck it up until you shed the uniform.
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SPC Mike Davis
SPC Mike Davis
>1 y
You don't really believe the military is "apolitical,' do you?
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LTC John Griscom
LTC John Griscom
>1 y
SPC Mike Davis - Openly,yes. Best for your career to be so.
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SPC Mike Davis
SPC Mike Davis
>1 y
Sad to read such posts. To know right from wrong but belong to an organization that denys one the right to express such truths. I personally know several officer's forced to separate from the service when they did stand against all odds and speak the truth. They are very brave men and represent a terrible loss to this nation's military. History teaches well the fact no nation (no matter its perceived power) can stand when immorality becomes the law of the land. As the commercial said a few years back: "It's not nice to fool mother nature!" We as a nation and especially it Defence Department seem to have lost sight of what it means to be a leader of nations and of men. Sad...sad indeed.
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