Posted on May 4, 2016
Do you believe that these West Point first classman are violating the UCMJ by making a political statement while in uniform?
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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
-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
Posted in these groups: 
United States Military Academy (USMA West Point)
Black Lives Matter
PoliticsUSCC
UCMJ
United States Military Academy (USMA West Point) Black Lives Matter PoliticsUSCC UCMJ
Edited 8 y ago
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 238
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For my two cents worth I am going to focus on what I know. I know that an investigation is being launched to determine if anything wrong happened as a result of the picture. I know that if you never fully knew the DoD directive, it should be fully known now. I know that there are 16 ladies who know exactly why they posed for a picture with their fists raised and I'm sure that they have been instructed to only talk to certain people. I know that this is probably not the last time that I will see this picture. It will probably be integrated into various types of Army training. I know that here in a month or longer, that we will all move on to another news story and however anyone felt about this will be forgotten. I know that however you feel or think about this picture it manifests into your reality, meaning if you think their gesture supports the BLM movement, it becomes your interpretation just like if someone sees this as a way to show pride in their race or gender. It's important for everyone to remember that as individuals we interpret things in our own way so your opinion is not greater than anyone else's. I know that some people still only view the military as black and white instead of viewing their branches as one team. I know when I look at my coworkers I dont see their skin color or ethnicity, I see a group of teammates who are good at what they do. I know now that a picture is literally worth a thousand words because I have read about 1,000 different views on RallyPoint and the Army Times page on Facebook. Let's focus on things that we actually know instead of dividing ourselves about what we think we know.
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Great responses and discourse all. The issue hit the Army Times this morning.
http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/2016/05/04/army-investigating-if-these-west-point-cadets-making-political-statement-uniform/83950452/#_=_
CPT Ahmed Faried , SN Greg Wright , COL Charles Williams , Capt Tom Brown , Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen , 2LT (Join to see) , SFC Victor Serrano , MSgt Daniel Harrison , SFC Jim Ruether , SGT Bryon Sergent , SGT James Colbert , CPT (Join to see) , SFC David Pratt , CAPT Kevin B. SSgt Jim Gilmore , SFC (Join to see) , CPT (Anonymous) , LTC (Join to see) , MAJ Carl Ballinger , MSgt Daniel Harrison
MTF
http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/2016/05/04/army-investigating-if-these-west-point-cadets-making-political-statement-uniform/83950452/#_=_
CPT Ahmed Faried , SN Greg Wright , COL Charles Williams , Capt Tom Brown , Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen , 2LT (Join to see) , SFC Victor Serrano , MSgt Daniel Harrison , SFC Jim Ruether , SGT Bryon Sergent , SGT James Colbert , CPT (Join to see) , SFC David Pratt , CAPT Kevin B. SSgt Jim Gilmore , SFC (Join to see) , CPT (Anonymous) , LTC (Join to see) , MAJ Carl Ballinger , MSgt Daniel Harrison
MTF
Army investigates: Are these West Point cadets making a political statement in uniform?
West Point is investigating a photo that shows 16 black female cadets in uniform displaying raised fists outside a U.S. Military Academy barracks.
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CPT (Join to see)
CPT L S - Once again you are failing to see the issue here. You are seeing their sex, gender, and ethnicity. It has nothing to do with that. It isn't an EO thing. Your perspective is clouded by a false defense.
This is about a group of soldiers making a political statement in uniform. The uniform shouldn't be used to endorse any political actions or groups. You can promote heritage in uniform as we do already in the military. This is linked to the most recent events with Blacklivesmatter and the black panthers. This would be the same as having a Republican sign.
Also, your logic that you can claim to have pride in any area you want is flawed. The next time have your soldiers you should gather all the white males and take a picture with a sign that said "White Pride." If pride is pride you would be fine. But that is also inappropriate.
You need to view it from others perspectives instead of trying to champion some cause that shouldn't factor into how we perform our duties.
This is about a group of soldiers making a political statement in uniform. The uniform shouldn't be used to endorse any political actions or groups. You can promote heritage in uniform as we do already in the military. This is linked to the most recent events with Blacklivesmatter and the black panthers. This would be the same as having a Republican sign.
Also, your logic that you can claim to have pride in any area you want is flawed. The next time have your soldiers you should gather all the white males and take a picture with a sign that said "White Pride." If pride is pride you would be fine. But that is also inappropriate.
You need to view it from others perspectives instead of trying to champion some cause that shouldn't factor into how we perform our duties.
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LTC (Join to see)
This is not 1932-1936 and Hitler's 1936 Olmpics is not 4 years away!. I am sure some of you saw this earlier https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/west-point-names-barracks-for-black-graduate-who-was-shunned
West Point names barracks for black graduate who was shunned | RallyPoint
From: Air Force Times WEST POINT, N.Y. — Benjamin O. Davis Jr. entered West Point in 1932 as its only black cadet and spent the next four years shunned. He roomed alone, and no one befriended him. The future Tuskegee Airman and trailblazing Air Force general later said he was "an invisible man." Now, more than a decade after his death, the academy that allowed Davis to be ostracized is honoring him. A new cadet barracks being constructed among...
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LTC (Join to see)
CPT (Join to see) - Listen to what Chris Rock says. there is some rascism by other than blacks but nothing from 1996 has changed and Chris Rock proves it. It is sadly black vs black..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRwK_XVfm0I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRwK_XVfm0I
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Marlene Hessler
The perception of impropriety is the issue. West Point Grads aka OFFICERS are trained to be LEADERS. They are FAILING THE FIRST TEST OF LEADERSHIP by getting sidelined from their ob. THE JOB, THE ONLY JOB OF THE MILITARY, IS TO FIGHT AND WIN WARS. Something we have not done for some time. WIN. Sidelining the focus does nothing to change that. In fact, it endangers the troops that will be assigned to anyone that cannot or focus totally on the job they are chosen to do. It's not a personality contest. It's not a social situation. And, signing up signs away the right to an individual opinion.
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A bunch of black cadets showing support for a racial hate group, making a black lives matter fist. I would imagine this same question would not have been asked if it was a bunch of white men with blonde hair and blue eyes throwing out the nazi salute. You bet your ass their conduct is prejudice to good order and discipline. Looks like some young ladies need toe all some hours to get their head screwed on straight or find a new profession.
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Suspended Profile
CPT Ahmed Faried - I was a police officer up until 2015 before going back to school to get my MBA and dealt with the black lives matter movement on numerous occasions, which is the biggest sham of a movement. Its individuals looking for an excuse to commit violence, lies, and chaos in society. I have also had police officers I know attacked by members of the black lives matter movement. As a black male I am disgusted with the organization and the hate they continue to spew as they provide nothing to society expect trying to make excuses for their bad behavior. These radical tactics that this organization represents are not appropriate in the military. If these cadets are found to have made a political statement they should not be allowed to commission and should be forced to pay back their tuition in full. There is no excuse for their actions as the BLM movement is a hateful organization that hurts the African American community.
These women are clearly incapable of leading if they cannot keep their political beliefs to themselves while in uniform. Discharge them, collect their money, and allow them to graduate from a lesser school.
These women are clearly incapable of leading if they cannot keep their political beliefs to themselves while in uniform. Discharge them, collect their money, and allow them to graduate from a lesser school.
SFC David Pratt
CPT Ahmed Faried - Hate groups are exactly that: hate groups. It's hard to inspire subordinates when there is physical evidence of your support for a hate group.
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COL Sam Russell The photo is obviously tail-twisting, deliberately dubious, and open to interpretation " make of it what you will" sort of thing, but there is nothing to clearly attach it to a political subject or banned activity. As Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen states there is obviously a unspoken subplot or message here about something. To answer your original question, although they may have meant to fool me, the pose immediately reminds me of 'black power' symbolism, "Black Lives Matter' symbolism, defiance of the establishment, defiance of the man, defiance of any authority, and in-your-face at the same time. All but one cadet has assumed a sour-puss, belligerent irked look. One cadet didn't get the word and is caught smiling. No one knows if that was the intent, as there is no message attached to the photo, no statement, and nothing from any confirmed source, only anonymous communications on Yik Yak at the Military Academy. (as reported by 'In the Arena' blog.)
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COL Sam Russell
Capt Tom Brown Here is one West Point Alumnae's response to the photo (not the article).
http://lelav.blogspot.com/2016/05/having-black-unity-and-pride-as-black.html
http://lelav.blogspot.com/2016/05/having-black-unity-and-pride-as-black.html
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2LT (Join to see)
Sweet. Mother. I don't even know where to start. There's my white privilege giving people the benefit of the doubt. Now If only the pesky band aids could be darker to make people feel accepted by society.
1)My favorite line is that they are above rebuke by anyone who does not believe in what they are doing, effectively dismissing all criticism. Must be nice to live in that subsidized bubble of ignorance. I guess I am not allowed to interpret the pumped fist sign of "resistance in the face of violence." That's a good thing because "WHAT VIOLENCE?" would be my first question. The violence perpetuated by BLM about not receiving enough free things from the government? Or are you talking about the violence perpetuated by BLM based in proven false accusations of white police based in racism.
2) I am sorry USMA is the most difficult thing you did with you life. I truly hope that there is a wider breadth of experience awaiting you.
3) The fact that HBCUs exist is racism against other groups.
4) A swastika was originally a sign of favor in ancient communities. It's not socially acceptable to be flashing that around so the justification for the black panther fist doesn't fly either.
5) When I was at USMA, Protestors gutted and set on fire one of my classmates family's business.
6) It is not "being too black" to have a autobiography of a prior senator in your barracks room. I can think of 19.3 trillion other reasons why that is a bad choice though.
Here's some stats.
-15% of the population commits 70% of the crime
-1/3 black men go to prison for committing a crime
-AA Women are 300% more likely to commit a crime that a white woman
-Black married couples have a poverty rate in the single digits which is comparable to whites.
-the single motherhood rate in the black community has climbed to 72 percent in the last 40 years. Is America more Racist now than during the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement?
http://www.nationalreview.com/article/417899/it-isnt-legacy-slavery-caused-social-breakdown-ghetto-communities-thomas-sowell
I am going to get off here before the FBI shows up at my door. If my parking pass gets revoked I will update haha (I think that's funny, sorry)
1)My favorite line is that they are above rebuke by anyone who does not believe in what they are doing, effectively dismissing all criticism. Must be nice to live in that subsidized bubble of ignorance. I guess I am not allowed to interpret the pumped fist sign of "resistance in the face of violence." That's a good thing because "WHAT VIOLENCE?" would be my first question. The violence perpetuated by BLM about not receiving enough free things from the government? Or are you talking about the violence perpetuated by BLM based in proven false accusations of white police based in racism.
2) I am sorry USMA is the most difficult thing you did with you life. I truly hope that there is a wider breadth of experience awaiting you.
3) The fact that HBCUs exist is racism against other groups.
4) A swastika was originally a sign of favor in ancient communities. It's not socially acceptable to be flashing that around so the justification for the black panther fist doesn't fly either.
5) When I was at USMA, Protestors gutted and set on fire one of my classmates family's business.
6) It is not "being too black" to have a autobiography of a prior senator in your barracks room. I can think of 19.3 trillion other reasons why that is a bad choice though.
Here's some stats.
-15% of the population commits 70% of the crime
-1/3 black men go to prison for committing a crime
-AA Women are 300% more likely to commit a crime that a white woman
-Black married couples have a poverty rate in the single digits which is comparable to whites.
-the single motherhood rate in the black community has climbed to 72 percent in the last 40 years. Is America more Racist now than during the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement?
http://www.nationalreview.com/article/417899/it-isnt-legacy-slavery-caused-social-breakdown-ghetto-communities-thomas-sowell
I am going to get off here before the FBI shows up at my door. If my parking pass gets revoked I will update haha (I think that's funny, sorry)
The Inconvenient Truth about Ghetto Communities’ Social Breakdown
Among the many painful ironies in the current racial turmoil is that communities scattered across the country were disrupted by riots and looting because of the demonstrable lie that Michael Brown was shot in the back by a white policeman in Missouri — but there was not nearly as much turmoil created by the demonstrable fact that a fleeing black man was shot dead by a white policeman in South Carolina.#ad#Totally ignored was the fact that a...
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TSgt Barron Lathers
I sorry but it's over and they had determine that it was not some form of statement. I have seen a lot of statements in my time to include the KKK burning a cross in front of a friends house and that's a statement which is offensive, but being a African American I learned to rise above the situation because I am a better person than the statement. It's time you let it go and find a real battle to fight.
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Personally, I don't think they are making a political statement as much as they are simply showing unity to themselves and the corp.
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Nope I see this as no more Political than holding up a copy of Captain Margie Turner's book on the Success of African Americans in the U.S. Military. I love it!
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A1C Melissa Jackson
O. M. G.
I am SICK to death of hearing white males howl about being butt-hurt and offended when I do the same thing I am being "over sensitive"
Whine all you want fellas, but it (hopefully) will not change a single thing.
I am not even black, but my arm is creeping up now trying to give a fist salute. It is making it difficult to TYPE!!!!! SOMEBODY HELP ME SO I DONT BECOME RACIST AGAINST WHITE PEOPLE!!!!
I am SICK to death of hearing white males howl about being butt-hurt and offended when I do the same thing I am being "over sensitive"
Whine all you want fellas, but it (hopefully) will not change a single thing.
I am not even black, but my arm is creeping up now trying to give a fist salute. It is making it difficult to TYPE!!!!! SOMEBODY HELP ME SO I DONT BECOME RACIST AGAINST WHITE PEOPLE!!!!
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SFC Victor Serrano
I find it offensive because it's not the place, the time nor the right uniform to express political beliefs.
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
SFC Victor Serrano - At least you voice it correctly as an Opinion and as such I duly note it but to me raised in the community I was, I don't find it offensive and I like it.
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LTC (Join to see)
The Niggers Bible - Chris Rock Black People VS. Niggers
http://theniggersbible.com/shop.html Comedy King Chris Rock Breaking down the Stereotypes
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I really don't see anything wrong with this. What many fail to realize is that the whole BLM movement doesn't become racist until someone comes and labels it that way. True it starts off with the word "Black," it doesn't just symbolize that. Its calling for an end to all violent of people period. It just happens that it was started by some people of color, then funded by a wealthy non-white indivdual, which caused it to gain the momentum that it did.
This is offensive to folks for what reason? Not to mention if it doesn't affect you personally or isn't directed towards you why let it bother you? This is one of the main reasons we have the issues that we do in our great nation
This is offensive to folks for what reason? Not to mention if it doesn't affect you personally or isn't directed towards you why let it bother you? This is one of the main reasons we have the issues that we do in our great nation
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Great photo!! These women did absolutely nothing wrong in my own personal opinion. People tend to automatically assume something is bad before they take the take to research the orgin of where it derived from. This fist has been used in America during dozens of movements representing unity, solidarity and supporting one another. I have good faith in the officials appointed over them, if what they did was so horrid and absolutely unexcusable than I'm sure they wouldn't have allowed these young women to graduate and Commission. I support the "Women's Rights Movement" (where they used this same hand gesture) and I whole heartedly support this. Congratulations to the graduating class of West Point cadets, and I have good faith that these beautiful young women will make outstanding Commissioned Officers.
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No. This is a photo that has been taken year after year. It is a tradition at West Point for the black females of the firstie class to take this picture before graduation. People are over reacting and taking things out of context
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The real question here is, is this a political statement they are making? Or is it the color of there skin that makes us jump to the conclussion because of the Black Lives movement? I've seen plenty of West Point photos of cadets clinching there fist but this one is the one making all the headlines. We have thousands of people who have voiced good and bad opinions. We have some serious issues going on in America and the world. Don't get me wrong, everyones opinion matters and I hope the thousands of people who made comments on this post votes.
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