Do you believe that these West Point first classman are violating the UCMJ by making a political statement while in uniform?

They are in direct violation of UCMJ, this is conduct unbecoming to say the very least. These "future leaders" have placed their inability to see through color on full display for the entire world to see and they should be discharged and disqualified from service the same as a white Cadet would be for participating in a Neo-Nazi rally. These kids have disrespected every woman who has fought for their right to wear the uniform. Could you imagine the outrage if those women were blonde haired, blue eyed white girls with their arms and fingers extended at a 45-degree angle? The sex/race card is out of control.

The reality is this photo was a bad idea, and may come back to haunt these cadets if they choose to make the military a career. While I don't think they acted in good judgment it will be hard to bring for disciplinary action under the UCMJ.
Another point of note is I find it funny the amount of people "offended" by this photo. I wonder what reactions these same people had to the events that were the actual catalyst to the BLM group. I am more offended by unarmed citizens being murdered by law enforcement, than a photo of some 22 year olds raising their fists. Maybe my priorities are different.

Laws, rules, and regulations are in place for a reason and we all know it. Violations need to be corrected. The problem today is the USA is so politically correct that our Leaders everywhere are too scared to enforce them for certain people.

While it will be explained away and forgotten fairly soon, Sir it is my belief it was a very stupid thing to do at that Institution given the time and effort put forth to get to their current level. Regardless of the PC movement it shows a lack of critical thinking and understanding 2nd and 3rd order effects. Considering the path our military is taking these days this will not be the exception but the norm very soon.

Think this is a clear yes.

only if a person is white are they wrong.

As I look over these comments- very much mostly white men- I am startled that everyone is so intensely-focused on the fists and the "sourpuss" looks on their faces. Aren't MOST formal military photographs taken in "straight face"? Mine was not (even though I intended to look tough) because the photographer said something funny about PDA right before she snapped the picture. I got a talking to (at high volume so everyone could enjoy it) from the TI about maintaining my military bearing!!

In any regard- I must admit that the photo worried me a little, too. Are those young cadets propping SWORDS upon their necks? Gracious! What kind of safety plan is THAT? I wish they would put those down before they get a shave they'll never forget!!! I'll bet their mothers had a FIT when they saw that.

Yep- no holding swords on your neck. That should be incorporated into the UCMJ if it is not there already. This way all you white men would have something to whine about, and those naughty cadets could loose their handsome swords, and walk those hours you mentioned below!

No.
How is this photograph any different than a sorority or other organization photo?
A hand held high in victory would seem appropriate for those who slogged through four years of West Point, don't you think?

Cadets do dumb stuff, mostly trying to be funny. Some of my classmates (1982) decided it would be funny to dress in KKK outfits one night during the summer training at Camp Buckner. The pictures were later leaked to the press, and a scandal resulted. I give the above cadets the benefit of the doubt.

They should be demoted

Any political statement made in uniform is a UCMJ offense. If they want to put on tee shirts and flip-flops and go promote whatever issue it is that has them up in arms (pun intended). let them do it. But the second they do it in uniform or make reference to being in Armed Forces, thereby giving it appearance that the AFUS is supporting the issue, it's a UCMJ offense.

absolutely. But this is a protected class in the Army...........................

Lt. Col. Christopher Kasker, the public affairs director for West Point, said in a statement that the academy “can confirm that the cadets in this photo are members of the U.S. Military Academy’s Class of 2016. Academy officials are conducting an inquiry into the matter.” RAW StORY 5MAY16

They always warned us about taking any kind of public position or expressing an opinion politically in public. Of course once I got out .....well that's a different story now isn't it? ha ha

It should be investigation to ensure accountability for anyone in violation of UCMJ.
At a minimum I think the pair on the railing should rack up a couple of demerits.

Is having a rebel flag bumper sticker a political statement? How about a Trump sticker on your bumper? Last time I checked the Westpoint uniform is not an authorized active duty uniform. You are all just intolerant.

definitely, this seems as a one way street

This Is The Same Old Shit Different Day. This Is One Of Those Black Power Things. If It Where White Cadets All Of Them Would Have Been Kicked Out Just As I Think These People Should. I Know People Are Still Stupid About Race And Keeping The Thing That Divides Us More Than Religion. The Guy At The Citadel Where All Busted For The White Ghost Christmas Singing. Because Some People Said They Looked Like The KKK. Well I Guess All Kids That Dress As Ghosts For Halloween Are Racist Kiln Members. If The West Point Thing Is Glazed Over As Pride Then Why Is Every Thing That Some One White Does That Might Be Taken The Wrong Way BLOWN UP. ALL OF YOU NEED TO FACE THE FACT'S. Their Are Stupid People Every Where. That Ether Do Something Or Say Something That. Ether Comes Out Or Is Taken Wrong. Then Their Are The Evil Among Us That Say And Does These Thing's That Cause Hate Between People. Then Their Is The Evil That Know's Things Where Not Meant The Way It Sounded. But Do Every Thing They Can To Make It Look The Other Way. Then There Is My Favorites The So Called Minster Or Reverend That Preaches Lie's And Hate. Then The New's That Only Report's Things That Are Bad. Never Telling The Good Thing Or Just The Fact's Not The Spin To Make More So Called New's. Yes I Am Racist A Humane Racist That Hope's For People To Pull Their Head's Out Of There Ass's. God I Back To My Day's At Ft. Benning In Basic Taring Where We Where All O.D. GREEN.

What.... The..... Hell.... AT best this shows questionable judgment. What the hell are they teaching at West Point!?

What it boils down to is authorization. Unless I'm mistaken, if you wish to make any type of statement in uniform, then you may do it ONLY if you have submitted a request and have received permission from the proper authority.

So did they request and receive permission to take a picture in support of BLM? If so, then then they cannot be charged. If not, then they should be held accountable to the UCMJ, period.

And to the example of those marching in gay pride parades in uniform, that should have been punished as well. Another example of where the UCMJ was not applied when it should have been was to those in the reserves who were mobilized and refused to go.

What needs to be done is to promulgate a statement to all military, active and reserve, that we will draw a line at this moment in time. Going forward, ALL infractions of the UCMJ in regards to making political statements will be dealt with in accordance with the UCMJ with NO EXCEPTIONS.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but you are not even supposed to be in uniform except traveling between home and base. And in any utility uniform, you are not even allowed to step out of your transportation unless you are on base or at home. Any change in this rule must be authorized by your CO.

NO EXCEPTIONS!