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

Yes, they probably are. I don't think these young ladies should face a career ender for this but they need to learn an enduring lesson about this type of stuff so that they remember it when dealing across ethnic lines as commanders. Every time something like this raised its head when I was AD, "perception" was important, they need to understand that. It is not what you mean, it is how it is perceived. These young ladies will lead Soldiers from all over the US and from different backgrounds, this type of photo can send the wrong message about judgement. One of the articles in defense of this spoke of the history of raising the fist and justification and pride in black history, now I'm not a Southerner but the Stars and Bars are historical and people attack their display constantly. People can't have it both ways, either something is or it isn't, there is no yeah, but; a standard is a standard.

I believe that we are not allowed to make personal political statements while in uniform. We have the right to our personal opinions, but are supposed to be apolitical with respect to our military service. Combining politics and the military almost always makes for a really toxic brew. Throw in the aftermath of recent violent events in several U.S. cities, and this whole issue could get ugly. I think that everyone involved will sooner or later wish they had NOT made this photograph.

For what it is worth, USMA had cleared the group of any wrong doing

If this is as bad as it looks, this is also how gangs are created and brought in. I've seen it once before.

Kick them before they go poisoning people's minds with BLM bull.

“Different teams and groups get together on their own to mimic the high-collar, ultra-serious, photos of 19th century cadets,” she explained of the tradition.
Fulton knows some of the women personally.

If this is the case then simply show us the 19th century photo of Cadets doing the same thing. If they can show that picture that these Cadets are mimicking then I see no issues, although it's still a very sketchy pose to make in this day and age. An old photo of cadets doing what is now the Nazi/White Supremacy salute wouldn't have thrown up flags either back then but after WWII obviously everyone knows it's meaning and knows not to do it.

They are violating the regulations against making a political statement while in uniform. If their political beliefs are so important to them that their oaths, maybe they are in the wrong profession, and should become politicians instead.

I don't see a political statement, unless posing for pictures on a stoop is suddenly being frowned upon now.

COL Sam Russell

All I see is a bunch of young, inexperienced adults giving a "Black Power" salute. Political? No. Racist? Possibly! But... no one would see it that way, or would they accept a group of Caucasian Cadets giving a "Nazi" salute.

In the past this action would not be acceptable, but with the changing times and Donald Trump doing what he does, it's now ok. Amazing!