Posted on May 4, 2016
COL Sam Russell
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DOD directive 1344.10 states:

-A member of the Armed Forces on active duty may:
4.1.1.3. Join a partisan or nonpartisan political club and attend its meetings when NOT in uniform, subject to the restrictions of subparagraph 4.1.2.4. (See DoD Instruction 1334.1 (Reference (c).)

From the article "Racism Within West Point"
http://www.inthearenafitness.com/index.php/racism-within-west-point
Edited 9 y ago
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Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
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Well there is obviously some subplot not mentioned here. Photo appears to show all female black cadets showing support of something, but what? See nothing to indicate any organization or club that they may or may not be representing. Raised fist can represent many things, perhaps some sports team just won, and unless there is something against rules leading up to it the photo is meaningless. Photo just seems to be cadets celebrating something, so no not a UCMJ violation.
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CW3 Douglas Branson
CW3 Douglas Branson
9 y
If their sports team just won, why do they not look excited? I can't believe the kid gloves that this kind of crap gets handled with.
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LTC Kevin B.
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Edited 9 y ago
I don't see any actions that violate the DOD Directive quoted in that opinion piece. The writer's opinion is nothing more than that....an opinion.
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CPT Ahmed Faried
CPT Ahmed Faried
9 y
CPT Richard Fematt - African American Studies (corrected)
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A1C Melissa Jackson
A1C Melissa Jackson
9 y
CPT L S
Ahhh- my darling captain!
The joys of learning languages has escaped you. If they have not escaped you, then you surely know that I stupidly put "decline verbs" when I really meant conjugate verbs! I am a dork, and it has been a very long time!

And here I shall demonstrate by conjugating the English verb "run":
I run
She runs
He runs
They run
It runs

Past tense of "run"
I ran
He ran
She ran
They ran
It ran

I could go all day, but I have been up and RUNNING all night!

Latin verb "currere" (to run)
Present tense
curro
curris
currit
currimus
curritis
currunt
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MSG Mechanic 2nd
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9 y
ltc b i dont know were you grew up or how but i can tell you this that fist pump is black panther i grew up in those days, these wms are wrong need to be counselled, they are the future , i f you think black lives matter , then what about green lives matter, if a had one of these future o's leading me well they might not make it back
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MSG Mechanic 2nd
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sgt g be very afraid , because what you dont understand is these same people will be the army future
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CSM Chuck Stafford
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While I believe their intent was to show solidarity for themselves - it takes a team to get through WP -- they showed poor judgment in the execution of the picture - perceptions can sometimes become reality. fairly or not. Give them some hours to walk off and move on.
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CSM Chuck Stafford
CSM Chuck Stafford
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CPT L S - Same invitation on the east coast.
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CSM Chuck Stafford
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CSM Chuck Stafford
CSM Chuck Stafford
9 y
CPT L S -
While there are blue cords for the infantry, I am an intel guy (98C, 35N nowadays) - SIGINTer, so the cord is "oriental" blue. Earned my silver spurs as an old 1SG; it was a fun/not fun experience. But you never quit and you lead from the front. Strykehorse 5-14 CAV now the 2-14 in Hawaii.
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CSM Chuck Stafford
CSM Chuck Stafford
9 y
CPT L S - The Strykers do have infantryman and some wear their baby blue acorns -- That said, I was promoted out of a job, but my boys got their gold spurs and did well in Iraq -- so well that their SIGINT actions are forever memorialized on a trophy/plaque at the NSA. Additionally, the other platoons, UAV and CBRN set trailblazing standards for their actions. Truly a high water mark in a great career -- If you ain't CAV... ;-)
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COL Sam Russell
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Edited 9 y ago
Here is another article on the topic... If you read no other article regarding the photograph in question, read this one. Well written, and very moving for someone--like me--who finds it difficult to put their feet into the shoes of a person of another race and gender.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/mary-tobin/this-is-not-about-a-fist/ [login to see] 340936

COL Jean (John) F. Burleson Capt Tom Brown A1C Melissa Jackson MSG (Join to see) CPT Aaron Kletzing SFC David Pratt LTC Raymond Millen PVT John Williams MSgt Rena Schmidt SSgt Jim Gilmore SPC Thea Davis PO2 Brian Harrington GySgt Steven Robeson PVT Tim Wayne SFC (Join to see) SGT Bryon Sergent
MSG Donald Johnson LTC (Join to see) COL (Join to see) Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen
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CPT John Sheridan
CPT John Sheridan
9 y
COL Sam Russell - Good article. My empathy frequently fails me as well when I lack sufficient commonality. So, I try to move past my knee jerk responses and rely on my reason. I prefer evidence before a conclusion, so I tend to discount untested hypotheses. Something is not true until sufficient and honest effort to prove it false has failed. I see a photo in which a group of West Point cadets who appear to be black women are posing for the camera and making a gesture. Beyond that, I know nothing. I could develop some hypotheses about meaning and intent, but feeling one way or the other about those doesn't make them true. So, a lot of people believe that this photo has meaning and some of them find something nefarious in the presumed meaning. Perhaps this warrants their chain of command looking into it. Beyond that, I'm not sure it matters what all of us who look at this photo think about it.
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SFC MLRS Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist
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Sir that was a great article and touched in it, I think I need to explain what I meant that something should be done. Counseling not negative but, something that a PAO or Senior Offcier might give in unintended consequences. What the picture shows out of context is a group of Cadets creating a exclusionary group " insert group that you want the raised fist to stand for" What they did may have been innocent but a social media post in uniform has to abide by certain standards
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Sgt Edward Padget
Sgt Edward Padget
9 y
That was an insightful observation, I appreciate that she took the time and made the effort to speak about the journey these women have taken based on her own personal experience. When I think back on her words and what the "fist" represents in my eyes she is right. I see it as a negative, that being said I can honestly say I've never seen it used in a positive manner. I'm left wondering do the graduates at Spelman, Hampton, Morehouse or Howard raise a fist with each graduating class instead of tossing their caps in the air? I'm not trying to find fault in the story as I think she did a great job expressing and sharing her thoughts. I am trying very hard to understand this notion of "It's a black thing you wouldn't understand" being an acceptable way to communicate the plight of black women attending West Point.
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SSG(P) Casualty Operations Ncoic
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9 y
Incredible, inspiring story. However... West Point was a choice she made. The Army was a choice she made.

I was born with a congenital birth defect which made my right foot smaller and deformed (I don't have toes like everyone else) and my right leg lacks developed musculature and was shorter at birth. I grew up in a time where there was no PC-ness and I endured years of verbal abuse and ridicule. But I didn't let it get to me. I had surgery to correct my leg length, then waited 17 years for the opportunity to apply for a waiver to enlist. That finally came and I have just passed 9 years in the Army.

My physical deformities do indeed have a lot to do with who I am. However, they do NOT allow me to do what I want when I want how I want. I still have to purchase and wear approved footwear (two pairs at a time) and operate within the regulations. In fact, as a NCO, I have to live, demonstrate, and enforce the standard. I don't get to use my physical abnormalities in order to act outside the regulations nor standard. Have I been through a lot? Yes. Has footwear been a hassle and an expense for me? Yes. Does it give me the right to wear what I want? No, absolutely not. Why? Because I made a conscious decision, a CHOICE to join the Army and live by its rules and regulations. If I didn't want to do that, I wouldn't have joined. It really is that simple.
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MSG Mechanic 2nd
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all lives matter especially in combat
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SSG Roger Ayscue
SSG Roger Ayscue
9 y
I thought the US Military was SUPPOSED to be colorblind....BUT then we do have Race/ethnic/gender quotas for promotions and awards....
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LTC Joseph George
LTC Joseph George
9 y
SSG Roger Ayscue - Since congress is involved in shortsighted policy making directed at a very small percentage of the populace. It started in the 1990's and has been a cancer eating away at society and now the military. Racism knows no bounds and does not adhere to regulations, it is total hatred.
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COL Mo Fenner
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What is the context of the picture? I graduated from USMA in 1982. I have seen a lifetime of groups taking pictures out of context. The most infamous was when we were at summer camp. A bunch of cadets were wearing sheets and playing like ghosts and someone took a picture. The NY Times ran it as KKK at West Point. They never retracted it even when someone pointed out that one of the hands sticking out under a sheet was obviously not white. There is a brotherhood at West Point that that is hard to describe. Any additional ties that bind you to one another such as being a minority bind you more. It is traditional for Seniors to have group pictures taken. Were they all on a sports team together? A clenched fist can be used to signify unity for many things. Those pictures mean these are our friends and we want our picture taken together. I doubt if it was political, but they need to be careful because perception can be truth. Ask the NY Times.
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LTC Management Analyst
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Sir... my Dad was class of '67. We both spoke about it and agreed essentially that perception is reality. The mere fact that some could view it as a Black Panthers salute(prevalent in my Dad's era) is enough to show that this was not a wise idea. Even if this is a BLM salute or an innocuous sign of unity really doesn't matter as the overall perception has run its course and we are all already having heated debate about it.

Did they break any UCMJ articles? That I don't know. I'm not interviewing them, and as you stated, we lack context. That being said, they probably shouldn't have taken the photo in the first place. At the least, they are likely guilty of poor judgment.
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Capt Tom Brown
Capt Tom Brown
9 y
LTC (Join to see) - Some have also pointed out the the swastika started off as a legitimate symbol of something ages ago but was also co-opted by people who turned it into a de facto symbol of hate genocide and worse. Same has happened to the clenched fist of solidarity, mutual support and common purpose. It is a kind of perverted genius to take a perfectly honest and good symbol, dress it in a black glove, and associate it with violence and belligerent protest.
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SGT James Colbert
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i think they need to re take ethics in the military 101 again, because they clearly failed that class
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2LT Army Medical Student
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Sir,
This picture does not convey intention. I think people should be allowed to take a picture and raise their arms in the air wearing a uniform. I am sure if all white males stood there doing that same fist pump it would not be offensive. That is the true test of acceptability today. If a white male can do it and nobody gets offended, then it must not be grounds for investigation. More funding should be directed toward the ideal ratio for demographics in pictures and giving massages to monkeys. ITS THE ONLY WAY.

If it is in fact a statement linked to Black Power from the 60s or the BLM of today, I would question the education they are receiving.
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SGM Andres Turner
SGM Andres Turner
9 y
Sir, your training is coming along quite nicely.
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CPT Ahmed Faried
CPT Ahmed Faried
9 y
SCPO (Join to see) - "It has also been adopted by the BLM movement, which is very vocal about a racist agenda against white America"

Can you source any of this. You can even include a rightwing source if you'd like. Also you should have clicked on the link, the author is clearly biased, you would have agreed with his opinion.
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2LT Army Medical Student
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CPT Ahmed Faried -

Sir,
This is a response to your post here and in the SPC's thread.
Read this link if you have a moment: http://lelav.blogspot.com/2016/05/having-black-unity-and-pride-as-black.html That was not an erroneous connection.

Bottom line, it is not my skin color that sends black people to jail, its their crimes. There is a demand problem for racism in America today. Meaning, there is not enough racism to fit the national narrative of systemic oppression ( at least in my lifetime. ) I acknowledge history is full of racism. White America did not invent it, but white America did end it. There is pride in that for me whose ancestors fought in every war this country engaged in, including the civil war in the iron brigade. To use that history as an excuse represents a lack of personal responsibility and belittles decades of hard work by this country including heroes like Martin Luther King. Please don't forget my history of the story though. It was not a history of my people oppressing yours, it was a history of my people fighting for the betterment of black America and keeping the country together.

The fact is that the problems protested by BLM are cultural problems, and does nothing to solve the reality of the black community's problems. In fact, it propagates the problems and allows race pandering by an entire segment of mainstream politics that promises more free stuff rather than a real solution to drag the culture into mainstream productive society. Obviously these are averages and there are exceptions. That does not negate the problem or the solution. There are plenty of poor, criminal white people as well. They also tend to vote a certain way.

When BLM protests the decay of the black family home, high rates of criminals, high black on white and black on black murder, and low rates of high school drop grads, then I will listen. Why is a black on white murder never a hate crime, even when it happens 10x more than the opposite? For now, they have no more substance behind the movement than the KKK or any other terrorist organization. There is never any talk about Asian privilege. Or why the white and Asian populations have to score 30% better on tests for the same college or advanced schooling. Asians fit the criteria of white male privilege even more so that whites. They make more money, they go to jail less ect... BLM directs its hate at the biggest target.

There is a study that says you have to do four things and you will not be poor in America. It's simple. 1) graduate high school. 2) don't have children before marriage 3) stay married 4) get a job out of high school, even a minimum wage job to start, and keep working at job after job until you retire. If those 4 things happen, you WILL NOT be poor in America. If that happens for 2 generations, the family an be millionaires.

I do not believe in subsidizing denial. Don't tell me I can't comment or understand because of my skin color. That is a racist argument based in your own bubble of hate. It seems that the group doing the protesting doesn't even understand the true cause of their "oppression." But go ahead, keep blaming my skin color like a RACIST, I will continue to work hard every day and succeed because for me that is the only option.
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CPT Pedro Meza
CPT Pedro Meza
9 y
SCPO (Join to see) - Women have done this since recorder time: Ishtar (English pronunciation /ˈɪʃtɑːr/; Transliteration: DIŠTAR; Akkadian:
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SSG Roger Ayscue
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THIS IS WRONG as Two boys....No wait, I am retired and this is a new Army. All kidding aside this is wrong. As Soldiers we are to be above all this crap. Running the risk of being called names (and I really am not afraid of what anyone can type about me.) I would ask the "Black Lives Matter" folks, what part of "Obeying the Law Matters" do the majority of these folks that interacted with the Police not understand. By the way, more black lives are taken by black criminals in a weekend in Chicago or Detroit than have been taken by cops in years put together.

If you want to protest, TAKE OFF YOUR UNIFORM, find a job as a community organizer, and then go protest the Mayor of Chicago to put a stop to Black on Black crime before you crucify a cop that is trying to keep the peace.
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SFC MLRS Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist
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So if they were white cadets doing a German ww2 style salute would it be an extremist gesture? It's a posed picture they knew what they were doing someone needs to take action. I've seen enlisted Soldiers get hemmed up for trying to be funny and throwing gang signs while in uniform. What is the difference here the black lives matter movement has had more than a couple violent acts attributed to it and are a political movement. Further, I support the basic premise of the Black Lives matter movement however being a political movement when in uniform you can not endorse political movements. What kind of SH__storm would we see if these same Cadets showed up at a Trump rally in uniform?
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SFC MLRS Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist
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9 y
LTC Joseph George - Basic premise of black lives matter treat all people equally however like you have mentioned to many people have used it as a pulpit for hatred and racism not equality. When it first popped up I was not against it but when violence and threats to police officers occurred I knew that it had been corrupted. My ponderings have led me to wonder when people will learn that real social change occurs more often with peaceful demonstration than violence... Ghandi, MLK, and even Liberia for that fact. However as I am sure you know change is one thing and revolution another.
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SFC MLRS Automated Tactical Data Systems Specialist
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9 y
CPT Ahmed Faried - Communist party 1922, Black Panther Movement, International Brigades, Hugo Chavez, Anarchist Black Cross, Communist Refoundation Party, Albanian, National Liberation Front, Librarians against DRM, Industrial Workers of the World and there are many others so in all regardless of whether they were showing support of Black Panthers or Librarians Against Digital Rights Mangement it is a political symbol that was adopted from an ancient sign of solidarity. They made a gaffe and just need counseling this should not effect the rest of their career as long as they take it as learning point of unintended consequences of their actions. The third and fourth order effects
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CPT Ahmed Faried
CPT Ahmed Faried
9 y
LTC Joseph George - " The movement is being supported by George Soros who hates the USA"

Sir....
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Maj Rob Drury
Maj Rob Drury
9 y
SFC (Join to see) -

"...but when violence and threats to police officers occurred I knew that it had been corrupted."

BLM was never "corrupted." The peaceful equality was a sham. They were POS thugs from the beginning.
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SFC Management
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1. So exactly what statement are they making?
2. According to the article they are making "behind closed doors statements". What statements are they making? Is it counter productive to good order and discipline?
3. And the big question is. Once they graduate/commission, and move out to units then what? Will there still be behind closed doors statements? And will it effect their duties and responsibilities as Commissioned Officers?

My understanding is that we (currently serving) Military are "supposed" to be as politically neutral while representing our respective branches, and the uniform that we wear. Am I mistaken?
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Sgt Edward Padget
Sgt Edward Padget
9 y
To their statement: They as a group of black women are stating they have persevered, "beat the odds" and are graduating from West Point. It's only black women in the photo because their plight and journey was obviously inclusive to only black women. White women who attend West Point have their own journey as well, but I'm not sure how they express their accomplishment, same for black men and all other minorities.
No idea on the behind closed door statement other than it's construed as a "Black Power" statement. Maybe they mean to say their own personal wherewithal their internal black power and fortitude pushed them through the experience?
After they graduate hopefully they will take their experiences and move on to become great officers in the military. I'm sure they'll always have a soft spot for those who are trying to better themselves and persevering.
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Maj Rob Drury
Maj Rob Drury
9 y
If the "journeys" of all cadets aren't essentially the same, it's a broken system. Welcome to the "Army of One."
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CPT Pedro Meza
CPT Pedro Meza
9 y
Sgt Edward Padget - Ishtar (English pronunciation /ˈɪʃtɑːr/; Transliteration: DIŠTAR; Akkadian:
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SGT Bryon Sergent
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I was called a racist once. Then I cleared it up. I do NOT hate an entire race. There are all kinds of PEOPLE I hate. Many different Races. I also hate broccoli, Most greens, besides mustard. So that makes me Prejudice. But as far a a racist, nope, I hate you, you you, you and especially you! I hate everyone equally!
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MSgt Daniel Harrison
MSgt Daniel Harrison
9 y
I totally agree with you Sgt Sergent. There are Black people I don't like as well as White, Asian, Mexicans, or whoever. And there are a lot of people of all races I love.
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SGT Bryon Sergent
SGT Bryon Sergent
9 y
MSgt Daniel Harrison - Well said Master Sergeant!
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LTC Stephen F.
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That is interesting that my classmate Brenda Sue Fulton has waded into the fray about this picture SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL She was speaking "an alum" not in any leadership capacity.
As far as a claim that this is an old corps photo, the only things old corps about it is the location in front of one of the older buildings and the crossed sabers which are not included in this version of the picture.
The raised fists were something associated with the black power movement of the 1960s and then became more radicalized when the Black panthers adopted that pose. The full dress gray uniform was modified by 1976 when I entered the US Military Academy as part of the class of 1980 which was the first to include women - so uniforms had to be modified.
There has been a lot of discussion about this picture among my classmates with some jokingly indicating it honors Michael Jackson.
USMA cadets like others in military uniform are prohibited from making political statements in the uniform of the US military or attending political events in uniform unless on official duty such as MPs, SPs, etc. Prohibited statements include what we do while in uniform. The Nazi salute is an example of something which brings discredit upon the military if somebody performs it in public.
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SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
9 y
LTC Stephen F. thanks for the broad perspective, in hindsight of the history. Well said and profoundly stated. Thanks for the personal touch and first point of view from the USMA as a Cadet.
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SSgt Jim Gilmore
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I've read the other article from facebook. Indeed well written and with some possibly valid points. I say possibly as I have not had the honor of attending the USMA at West Point or any other service school.

In the end it is only an attempt to justify the actions of others. I don't give a damn what color you are, what God you worship, who you sleep with, how you spend your money or anything else. The only thing(s) that matter are that you adhere to the established honor code as that represents your integrity. Without that, anything else is meaningless. You must perform to your utmost best. I don't care you are not a straight A student (I know I wasn't). As long as you gave it your all is what I look for in a cadet (Leader).

Your job as the new wave of officers is to learn your job, perform your job, be a leader. You are not there to voice your opposition to what you think is wrong (You can fight that through channels like everyone else). As one of America's next generation of leaders, you need to lead, not make excuses for someone else. There is no room for that. Like the old adage, Lead, Follow or get the hell out of the way.

If you wish to tackle anything you perceive as an injustice, do so on your own time and stop detracting from the reason you were allowed the opportunity to attend one of the most prestigious establishments of higher education and military leadership.

You can put lipstick on a pig but it doesn't change the fact it's still a pig. Suck it up cupcake, you can do this.
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CPO Frank Coluccio
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Violation of UCMJ? Don't know about that.
BUT, if it can be proven that it was a planned photo to show support to BLM, or and other political movement/figure, they would be violation of the "Hatch Act."
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LTC Management Analyst
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Edited 9 y ago
I see both sides of the issue. A lot have said this is black female unity. Yeah... I get that. But that defeats the purpose of being at West Point, one of the most prestigious clubs in the United States. You don't need unity there. You need to be part of a team. You've already accomplished something few others have, and many would kill for. Why set yourself apart? Same goes for the military as a whole. So personally, I find this unity argument silly.

The other side is the connection to Black Panthers. They are young and might not even be aware of the militant organization. They might associate that gesture with BLM. I am not up to speed whether they are using that as their gesture or not. Can't comment there.

The question here is of perception. What would the perception be if this were the Latino population at West Point throwing out a West Side symbol.

I think symbolism, gestures, whatever you want to call it, have no place at West Point, nor a need. Same goes for the Army as a whole. You are already part of a small family and group of like-minded individuals. The largest Fraternity in the country.

I suppose they were exactly what they are. Kids being kids. They will grow up soon, and fast.
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SPC Greg K.
SPC Greg K.
9 y
They're NOT kids....they are adults!!! Let stop treating them as such. They are old enough to know better no matter what the intent.
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LTC Management Analyst
LTC (Join to see)
9 y
SPC Greg K. - After re-reading... I will have to agree with you. Having not gone to West point, I read first classman and assumed they were first year. That would have made them around 18, and kids in my book. However, they are fourth years. This means they are all over 21 and should indeed have known better.
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SPC Greg K.
SPC Greg K.
9 y
Cpt. Mathews, even if they were 18 they are adults. In my opinion, "Kids" today need to start being held accountable for their actions as adults. Age 18 is the law. Now, yes, we all do "stupid" things growing up and I did a lot of stupid things while I was in college. I paid my way through school...(We Are...Penn State) However, it is no excuse to violate, ignore and disobey laws and policies, especially, when it comes to such a prestigious institution like West Point, which is the pinnacle of leadership for our Military. These grown "Women" NEED to be held at a higher standard then regular "kids" and an investigation needs to be done. If found that they indeed violated ANY law or policy (federal, state, local or institutional) then they need to held accountable....zero tolerance for racist behavior. If they are not held accountable then that opens the gates. What if a dozen white females were up there claiming "white power"? Sorry, for the rant....I hope fairness is accomplished here, I hate to see our Military men and women tarnished because of the actions of a few.
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LTC Stephen Conway
LTC Stephen Conway
9 y
SPC Greg K. - True.. if women said they were for the preservation of the Confederate Wives or kids of America it would not fly at West Point.
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CAPT Kevin B.
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There's a lot of focus on the UCMJ here. When I was in Beast Barracks back in the day, there were many rules which go far beyond the UCMJ. The one that strikes me is anything that brings the Cadet Corps into disrepute. They take that very seriously. That would be in the eye of the beholder. So I don't know how it spins now vs. Class of '75 in which a number of one way air fares would be issued. The '68 Olympics would be very fresh in their minds. Just missing the gloves. And in honor of CPT Jack Durish I'll add they must be using that new deodorant "Pit Stop".
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CSM Charles Hayden
CSM Charles Hayden
9 y
CAPT Kevin B. Thank you for recalling those 1968 Olympic images. The photo in question is reminiscent of the pose that was so offensive to me!
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CPT Ahmed Faried
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Edited 9 y ago
Sir if they are indeed facing some kind of racism in West Point and I don't discount the possibility, then bringing attention to it is courageous. We are talking about it exactly because they chose to be pictured wearing the West Point uniforms.
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2LT Army Medical Student
2LT (Join to see)
9 y
CPT Ahmed Faried -

1) USMA must have a population that is statistically identical to the larger US population. For instance there were concentrated efforts to increase female candidates while I was there - its up to 25 ish% now I think. They earned their rings, plenty of others would have taken them. Agreed. I also was in the same platoon as one of the girls and know she is awesome. I think you can tell which way I lead on a national policy of affirmative action. That argument in the case of USMA is not sound, same with other places. Nothing is universally applicable.

2)That was a good article. It is hard to tell if someone is just crying racism today or if it actually occurred. That sounds like she went through some stuff. Wish I could have been there to stop that. I would not stand for some of those experiences she had, neither would my classmates. Woah.

Thanks for the post, best one for my thinking so far!
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COL Strategic Plans Chief
COL (Join to see)
9 y
CPT Ahmed Faried, I love this piece written by Ms. Tobin (didn't see her rank). Well put. I don't doubt for a second her statements. It concerns me that she put up with jokes and other BS that shouldn't be there, but the majority of her piece talked about the pressure she put herself under and the feelings that she was alone in a sea of white. I can understand her feelings as, for a short while was one of only 3 white kids in my elementary class in Georgia. There was no racism as far as I would describe since racism requires a power base, but I can identify with the pressure of feeling "outside." That being said, it's entirely internal, but real. That does not help or hurt the case at hand. Those issues, internal or external, do not form matters of mitigation for the violation of UCMJ...which is a matter for an investigation to determine. It's informative, but does not excuse actions prejudicial to good order and discipline. Period.
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CPT Ahmed Faried
CPT Ahmed Faried
9 y
2LT (Join to see) - Remaining silent in the face of an injustice is a tacit endorsement of it. So I'm heartened by your second response.
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CPT Ahmed Faried
CPT Ahmed Faried
9 y
COL (Join to see) - Sir I know the feeling haha. I was one of three black officers in IBOLC. I was the only black Infantry officer in my battalion as a PL and one of three black officers in the entire BN. Concerning the picture it isn't meant to be excusatory or otherwise. It only serves to provide other context, as in, why a group of female cadets in the prestigious school that is the USMA would have cause for complaints.
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SSG Dennis Grossmann
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Aren't they just Beyonce fans? Nothing will come of it, I'm almost willing to bet my truck on that.
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SGT Bryon Sergent
SGT Bryon Sergent
9 y
SSG Dennis Grossmann - LOL glad you said almost!
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SSG Dennis Grossmann
SSG Dennis Grossmann
9 y
Yeah I'd sure miss the anti-Prius 83 Chevy3/4 ton 383, 7 m.p.g. thundertruck.
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SPC Military Police Officer (Mp)
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Yes, especially if they are representing a group that has committed violence within the United States as well as called for the death of Law Enforcement Officer and in some cases White Americans. This is a disgrace.
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CPT Ahmed Faried
CPT Ahmed Faried
9 y
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SSG Roger Ayscue
SSG Roger Ayscue
9 y
Gentlemen, I point out that the individuals that have been killed by the police have by and large been involved in some type of criminal activity and would be alive today had they:
1) NOT been breaking the law
2) Complied with the instruction of Law Enforcement Officers
3) Shut the **** up and do what the cop tells you to do.
Chris Rock did a skit once "How to NOT get your ass beat by the Police" Number One was "OBEY THE LAW"
What part of Obey The Law is too hard to understand?
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SSG Roger Ayscue
SSG Roger Ayscue
9 y
Capt Gregory Prickett - Not saying at all to give them a pass. But the cases that are the most publicized, like Michael Brown they try to show that he was just minding his own business, and the cop shot him for kicks. Sir, as hard as it is, I would have way way more sympathy for the innocent if the media and movements like BLM would admit that not everyone is innocent.
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SSG Roger Ayscue
SSG Roger Ayscue
9 y
Capt Gregory Prickett - As for militarizing the Police, it goes right along with people in the neighborhoods KNOWING full well who the thugs and criminals are but not helping to clean up their own neighborhoods. Thugs and Criminals should be targets of opportunity.
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