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

Well it appears that the "Fist in the Air" symbolism itself has a different meaning when displayed by different races. Due to the fact that they were able to obtain several pictures of white cadets at various events displaying the same symbol and referring to it as "celebratory" , these cadets were able to use the same defense, regardless of what their intent may have been. Convenience or lucky? Next thing you know people in uniform who are caught displaying the Nazi salute will say they were just waving goodbye and someone just timed the picture right.

Looks like the PC police win again and the cadets saved their butts by lying about it...since the tweet comments they made apparently do not count. Of course the Army wanting to increase minority attendance at the academy couldn't have influenced their decision at all...

This picture is clearly prejudicial to good order and discipline.

I think it more of a Civil Rights matter. They know the crap they'll go thru as women and minorities.

I sincerely hope that this display was just a poor judgement by group of young spirited educated young women proud of both their heritage and their accomplishments. I do not want to be judged by a few of the things I did as a 21 year old SSG. If however, a proper investigation reveals that their action was a social / political statement, their poor judgement brings with it a different reaction which may not be so strong to prohibit their graduation and commissioning but should have consequences none the less.

The potential that I see in these warriors, they should be honed, trained and taught to fight and take no prisoners then armed well then set free on ISIS. I wish I was their instructor, you guys can keep the pomp and ceremony West Pointers I would gladly serve with these future leaders.

we all do stupid things when we're young and old, but this really, these young ladies and future officers need to be sat down and counselled, i found this offensive not because i'm white but because i served 31 years, i know my american history, and i know that slavery was wrong, and i also know that times have changed, for this to come up in a most prestigious millitary acememy is wrong but i understand the learning curve, dont punish but counsel grow these future leaders to make the correct changes i earned everthing i got from the millitary so should they

I have no idea what they were trying to represent by raising their fists. I can ASSUME but, we all know how that breaks down. The problem I have with it is how it can be "perceived". Does it look like a "political statement"? To me it does but, how would I know? If you've ever heard that "perception is reality" then, you know what I mean. In my opinion, it was not a smart thing to do. If I was in charge, I would interview each of them individually to find out. If it turns out it was just to signify "victory" over a hard fought four years in WestPoint then, good for them. Carry on and do great things. However, if it was meant to signify "black power" or support of the "Black Lives Matter" movement, I would expel them all just as fast as I would a group of white Cadets giving the Nazi salute.

I would say no. They are acting like kids.

Even if they can explain their way away from the Black Lives Matter Movement, their gestures could seem demeaning. Anything can be taken out of context, and this is why, while in uniform, you have to be very carful how you act and what you do.

I could care less if they are a bunch of racists morons as long as they do not make their decisions on their personal feelings and bigoted views. Once, they opened that door any 1/2 asses NCO, SNCO, Staff NCO would be able to expose them for who they were.

Hopefully, this is just some stupid lack of good judgment.

Not sure. If I ever meet one of these hard charging American Soldiers I'll ask her.

I'm really confused by this to be honest. I don't understand how these women can do this and not have any repercussions. That being said I'm a middle aged white guy so my black history probably isn't up to snuff. The whole "raised fist" thing reminds me of the Olympics when the black athletes stood on the podiums to accept their medals and then raised their fists. I'm not clear on exactly what that means? Does it mean "Black Power"? If so what does that mean? It's laughable if you think about it. These women are in a military institution but yet proclaiming black power? How does that work? lol Did Black Power get them there? Did Black Power play any part in their military careers up to this point? Clearly I'm at a disadvantage because I simply don't get it. I've withheld researching much into this because in this day and age of information it's way to easy to fall into a pit of misinformation rather than the correct understanding. Maybe their will be some enlightenment from this thread? I'm anxious to see what others think. Just shooting from the hip I'd say these young women are about to find out just how much power they don't have. I think they are ostracizing themselves, and at a military institution I can't think of a dumber plan of action? What is the latest in the outcome of all of this and these students? I did make one small observation of the picture. I went and looked up images for "Black Power" and 99.9% of the images that showed a raised fist and arm stretched out completely. There's only like 3-4 of these students actually following through here, so I'm inclined to think that body language speaks volumes and 80% of these ladies have no idea why or what they are doing. That half hearted attempt they are giving is just that and it'll probably amount to just that....a half hearted attempt at something but they are not really sure what exactly.

Gents settle down! I'm a Northerner from the Land of Lincoln, however, I'm sure the group of Southerners in your organization will be fine posing like this with the Confederate flag which will cause no discourse or comments because they are demonstrating pride in their diversity and heritage.

I think lots of people are forgetting that these are cadets, not active duty military members.

I am very disappointed that we have taken to social media to judge or defend these Cadets. Is there the appearance that something is wrong - yes, that is why we need to let the Officers and NCOs charged with investigating this do their job. When we don't follow procedure, we undermine the very principles that our civil and military justice systems are founded on and can taint the outcome. Our voices add to the prejudicial conflict that arises while at the same time we demand good order and discipline.

We all have opinions on these actions and none of them are necessarily wrong - but we can't become the mob. I understand that the Academy has a fair and impartial process and in the spirit of transparency we would hope they share these findings with the public and especially the military community to provide accountability and maintain good discipline and morale for our Profession of Arms.

Personally I have my beliefs, but I am not the Official who is responsible for reviewing their conduct and or passing judgment. I will say that with Graduation on 21 May, a mere 11 days away, that the process to properly review what these Cadets have done might take longer, especially if lawyers get involved and witnesses are called. I would ask that we wait and see and support the decision that the Superintendent makes based upon his staff's review. After all, at this point, we are merely staff Officers and staff NCOs in this realm and can only offer opinions - not pass judgment.

Yes I do, but I do not think that their careers should come to an end. Perhaps remedial training of the role of the military in politics.

Several things, with the fist rotated it is not a victory move but black power/black lives matter salute. A thumbs up would of been more in order. Next in todays world it is just as wrong for all white to assemble for photo. Next in gender harmony it is wrong for all men to gather excluding others. Yes it is great that 16 I believe out of 18 made it all the way but in todays world respect is given to harmony of the gender and race. What ever they say it is perceived as a in your face kind of thing regretfully. And no I do not think they need to be disciplined but made aware of a broader gathering of there accomplishment to include others.

No they are not making a political statement! I have noticed where the fist is held up at numerous events hosted and held by WP. Why is it a problem this time? Plus, this is not a Political Statement but rather a statement of triumph, strength and endurance for all of their hard work

Making a mountain out of a mole hill....ijs

Are you guys serious? It's not hard to see its for the BLM or BP movements, you can try to cast doubt all day but if you're honest with yourselves, you know what and why they took this picture for.

If you want to be an activist, do it all day, but in uniform? On a military academy, in front of the barracks?

There is a reason the Military needs to stay impartial with political movements and Social Justice Warrior campaign. If for some reason you don't understand this reason, many here have highlighted the regulations detailing the reasons. Imagine if the military supported political or the like, movements... Just think about that for a second.