Do you think it is appropriate for retired military leaders to publicly endorse political candidates?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 23:49:21 -0400

Response by PO2 Robert Aitchison made Oct 19 at 2016 11:52 PM

PO2 Robert Aitchison — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 23:52:41 -0400

Yes, certainly more appropriate than when they go to work for defense contractors.

Response by SFC George Smith made Oct 19 at 2016 11:58 PM

SFC George Smith — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 23:58:55 -0400

Flag Officers are usually smart enough to stay out because of the possibility of underhanded retaliation by Loose cannons...
Field Grade Officers can usually get away with expressing personal feelings...

Response by ENS Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2016 12:23 AM

ENS Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 00:23:14 -0400

Our CO spoke about this today. Veterans are well within their right to endorse whomever they choose. However, in my personal opinion, we, as Veterans, should endorse someone without bringing our prior service affiliation into it. For all of those on active duty, you are prohibited from publicly endorsing a candidate when in uniform or where you mention your service affiliation.

Response by MSgt John Taylor made Oct 20 at 2016 12:46 AM

MSgt John Taylor — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 00:46:24 -0400

We are regular citizens who can share our opinions like anyone else. We just can't do it in a uniform.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2016 12:56 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 00:56:19 -0400

I believe it is in poor taste to bring previous military title/position into play when publicly supporting a candidate.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2016 12:58 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 00:58:15 -0400

I look at this the same way I look at all those retired ISG's and SGM's that are working as gate guards, at CIF, or anywhere else they go off into their golden years. I don't care what they did in the past, they are civilians now and that's all that matters. If they want to stand on a platform and say they are a proud retired whatever and that they support X candidate so what? It isn't like you can tell them they can't do it.

Response by SPC Erich Guenther made Oct 20 at 2016 2:52 AM

SPC Erich Guenther — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 02:52:35 -0400

Yes, fine if they are retired and no I don't buy into that lame line that retired officers really are not retired and can be called back to Active Duty until age 65. Lame argument for attempting to suspend someones 1st Amendment rights.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Oct 20 at 2016 3:12 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 03:12:45 -0400

Yes, if they are retired.

Response by SSgt David Tedrow made Oct 20 at 2016 3:43 AM

SSgt David Tedrow — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 03:43:42 -0400

Sure, why not? They are Americans and have a right to endorse or even run as a political candidate once they have retired.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2016 3:46 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 03:46:47 -0400

Sure why not let them support who they want to. Not only that but expressing themselves as former military will gain that person more respect and the candidate more followers.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2016 5:51 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 05:51:29 -0400

Yes, The key word being retired...but you will find that this group is just as divisive as the rest of the country...If the candidates look hard enough they will find someone to support their cause...

Related to this... are the ones that are paid to be Military Consultants on the major news networks...especially when they discuss any Combat Strategy....I believe this puts peoples lives in danger.

Response by SFC Robert Nash made Oct 20 at 2016 7:03 AM

SFC Robert Nash — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 07:03:13 -0400

Response by SGT David T. made Oct 20 at 2016 7:47 AM

SGT David T. — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 07:47:28 -0400

If that is what they choose to do so be it. They are private citizens now and free to endorse or condemn anyone they choose. It is not inappropriate at all.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2016 7:48 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 07:48:33 -0400

A retired person is a private citizen and should be able to endorse whomever he/she wants. However, it should be done as a private citizen and not use his/her military rank.

In the neighboring state there is a retied brigadier general running for congress. I think he crossed the line when he ran an ad in uniform.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2016 7:51 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 07:51:00 -0400

As a sidelight how many retired, veteran, and active duty officers have endorsed someone right here on RP?

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Oct 20 at 2016 9:33 AM

Cpl Justin Goolsby — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 09:33:09 -0400

Honestly I don't think it matters in any way and people put too much stock in an endorsement. All an endorsement is telling people is that you're going to vote for them... Whoop di doo... That's still a whopping 1 vote for X candidate. Besides, they're retired... they're entitled to their own opinions much in the same way celebrities and other talking heads are.

Response by MSgt James Mullis made Oct 20 at 2016 9:52 AM

MSgt James Mullis — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 09:52:33 -0400

Yes!

Response by SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2016 11:35 AM

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 11:35:15 -0400

If they don't fall under UCMJ they can endorse whoever they want

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 20 at 2016 12:42 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Oct 2016 12:42:06 -0400

I think retired means nothing. Instead of endorsing they should perhaps run for office them selves.

Response by LCpl Todd Houston made Oct 21 at 2016 11:25 AM

LCpl Todd Houston — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 11:25:17 -0400

I dont see why not. Even though they are always subject to recall, they are still private citizens. They also have the right to free speech, even if it does cause foot in mouth disease.

Response by PO1 John Meyer, CPC made Oct 22 at 2016 5:26 PM

PO1 John Meyer, CPC — Sat, 22 Oct 2016 17:26:23 -0400

Sure... so long as it's understood that the individual, not the military is endorsing.

Response by PO2 Robert Cuminale made Oct 25 at 2016 7:21 AM

PO2 Robert Cuminale — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 07:21:16 -0400

Why not? As long as they don't wear their uniform while doing it. They are citizens and have every right to speak as they wish.

Response by SMSgt Bob Hall made Oct 25 at 2016 7:22 AM

SMSgt Bob Hall — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 07:22:33 -0400

Stating a prior position lends credibility to the endorsement if the candidate supports military concerns. This carries more weight than a Hollywood actor or a professional athlete with no experience in any venue that the candidate is trying to represent. Similar to a reference on your resume. If you are applying to company X and your reference is from the check-out clerk from the grocery store who cares? But if that check-out clerk is retired from company X and has the background, now the reference (endorsement) means something.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2016 7:29 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 07:29:12 -0400

Ok key word is retired. Yea they can. They are a private citizen again. They can say what he'll they want. They are no long bound by misery law.

Response by Dr. James Wasson made Oct 25 at 2016 7:30 AM

Dr. James Wasson — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 07:30:11 -0400

I believe no one should be denied their first amendment rights whether they are active or retired. You are fighting for preservation of the constitution.

Response by Claudio Alpaca made Oct 25 at 2016 8:03 AM

Claudio Alpaca — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 08:03:21 -0400

On my opinion, also if we may have political orientations and be favorable to one or another of the parts, for the impartiality we must have, our commitment, our oath, that are for ever and subsist also when retired by actif service, we should not endorse political candidates, as that should be like tutelate only a part of the people we life for and serve, the country we fight for. It should done a false image of what our mission and what our dignity. That we must have sympathy for one or another is normal, but we must mantain private it on us , for, I say again, not only we should be deprived of impartiality, obiectivity, but for that should appear like a service to a person, to a politic group and not at service of insitutions. Our figure and that of th Army, here enclosed all his branches, should be severily compromised and our mission influenced negatively. As we instead serve country, his insitution and people, we must avoid to manifest pubblically our thoughts, less more to endorse a candidate. On time we should shift involuntarly, id we should do so, on a service to candidates instead to country, to candidates instead to people and that is not on our commitment, nature, essence.

Response by 1stSgt Troy Seals made Oct 25 at 2016 8:16 AM

1stSgt Troy Seals — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 08:16:34 -0400

Yes, they are retired. I endorse Trump.

Response by SSgt Bruce Wood made Oct 25 at 2016 8:36 AM

SSgt Bruce Wood — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 08:36:24 -0400

I believe what type of job or situation they are in after retirement whether they do or not. One example say they were a journalist or a new broadcaster then I believe they should be in biased as many of the media aren't anymore. Other jobs or positions I don't think it would really matter.

Response by Sgt Frank Sumner made Oct 25 at 2016 8:46 AM

Sgt Frank Sumner — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 08:46:43 -0400

Completely appropriate. First, they enjoy (at least for now) the same first amendment rights that we do... they can speak their minds publicly. Second, they often can bring insights to bear that the average civilian can get no where else. There is value in that.

Response by CH (COL) Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2016 8:48 AM

CH (COL) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 08:48:52 -0400

Absolutely. The public needs their wisdom and insight. During your career? Absolutely NOT! Afterward, you are a citizen with experience, knowledge, and in some cases, wisdom.

Response by LTC George Morgan made Oct 25 at 2016 9:30 AM

LTC George Morgan — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 09:30:54 -0400

No, I most certainly do-not!

Response by MSG Stan Hutchison made Oct 25 at 2016 9:32 AM

MSG Stan Hutchison — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 09:32:53 -0400

As an individual, yes. But leave out the "military title."

Response by SPC Keelan Southerland made Oct 25 at 2016 9:38 AM

SPC Keelan Southerland — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 09:38:22 -0400

In short I do not care, as long as the civilians know and understand the Retired Officer does not speak for anyone (their former branch of service) else. Look at all of the jokers who have come out in support of hrc, nothing bad about them has come out. However, if they are see as a threat or endorse any Republican candidate they are discredited or sent to jail.

Response by LTC Trent Klug made Oct 25 at 2016 10:04 AM

LTC Trent Klug — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 10:04:01 -0400

Absolutely, they can. Their endorsements don't mean squat. No one runs out and votes for a candidate just because some retired military officer says to. Hell, we all know how and why most senior officers get where they are anyway. It ain't all just performance.

Response by Cpl Dr Ronnie Manns made Oct 25 at 2016 10:15 AM

Cpl Dr Ronnie Manns — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 10:15:35 -0400

Appropriate maybe not but their right yes. I think that if you are going to endorse, you must also be willing to have not only your military history exposed but personal as well.

Response by SP5 Bob Rudolph made Oct 25 at 2016 10:18 AM

SP5 Bob Rudolph — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 10:18:04 -0400

As an older veteran I want to know if people endorsing a candidate are ex-military. I also want to know their military rank because I have distinct opinions about the various ranks and it colors the enforcement. Enforcements are one very legitimate factor a citizen uses to select whom they will vote for.

Response by MSG Ray Greenfield made Oct 25 at 2016 10:22 AM

MSG Ray Greenfield — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 10:22:32 -0400

Yes, not only that I think it is our obligation to be active in the political process.

Response by Sgt Jamie Beaulieu made Oct 25 at 2016 10:31 AM

Sgt Jamie Beaulieu — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 10:31:05 -0400

Retired military leaders most certainly should certainly feel free to endorse political candidates. They have more than earned the right to do so and approach this decision from a position that is already so poorly represented. If you can make a reasoned argument why a candidate is more suited to accept the responsibility of elected office, particularly where matters pertinent to military members and their families are concerned, your voice needs to be heard.

Response by PO2 Ben Ferguson made Oct 25 at 2016 11:04 AM

PO2 Ben Ferguson — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 11:04:06 -0400

These men and women have been near the levers of power and understand better than any civilian the stakes in the political landscape. They know full well when recommendations are made to the president and what he decides to do. A case in point; A new general was being interviewed by the congressional committee to be come the next commander in Afghanistan as the draw down was under way. He was asked how many different withdrawal plans they submitted to POTUS, when the number was given he was asked "Was the plan implemented by the president one recommended by the generals. After an uncomfortable silence the general said "No."

Response by PFC Donnie Harold Harris made Oct 25 at 2016 11:14 AM

PFC Donnie Harold Harris — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 11:14:19 -0400

100%

Response by MSG John Hill made Oct 25 at 2016 11:36 AM

MSG John Hill — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 11:36:59 -0400

As with everything, times have changed since I entered active duty in 1981, so I've been called 'old school' on a lot of my opinions and I am sure my opinion on this matter will fall into that category. I am of the opinion that we in the military have the right to an opinion on anything, but do not have the right to voice that opinion in a public forum on matters such as political candidates running for office when using our military affiliation. The GO's who use their military rank in connection with their political views are showing the country and the world how 'unstable' the force is if their opinions are not met with the right candidate getting the job. Some may throw the BS flag, but let's just say that Hillary Clinton were to get into office and see that 'X' amount of GO's and Flag Officers were against her being POTUS; how would that effect her treatment and trust in the military she is CinC of? Visa versa is true and it will send a clear signal to our enemies, both foreign and domestic, just how fragile the relationship is. My two cents plus a few bucks will get you a foo foo coffee at Starbucks, but the electee who wins will be CinC whether we like it or not and your 'opinion' can also be construed as disrespect. Boy I'm happy to be retired...

Response by LTC Matthew Maki made Oct 25 at 2016 11:56 AM

LTC Matthew Maki — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 11:56:42 -0400

Retired military have spent decades defending the Constitutional right of citizens to practice the liberties written therein. Retired military leaders not only have the same rights as others, they also understand by personal experience, the cost to exercise the same freedoms they defended on behalf of the nation.

Response by CMSgt Gary Fichman made Oct 25 at 2016 12:03 PM

CMSgt Gary Fichman — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 12:03:41 -0400

Sure we are still citizens and can endorse who we feel will do the best job.

Response by CW4 Richard A. Dropik made Oct 25 at 2016 12:13 PM

CW4 Richard A. Dropik — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 12:13:13 -0400

Voting for the devil himself will never make anyone appear to be very intelligent when this election is over and done with. One day each of you will have to live with this huge mistake you have bought into. I will say a prayer for all of you to recover from this huge error.

Response by SSgt Boyd Welch made Oct 25 at 2016 12:29 PM

SSgt Boyd Welch — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 12:29:15 -0400

I think that the media plays up the former rank to lead authority to the endorsement. People are entitled to vote for the candidate of their choice. However, if a retired colonel is lending an opinion about a prospective future policy or plan that a presidential candidate is putting forth, then I pay closer attention.

Response by MSgt Dickerson MacLeod made Oct 25 at 2016 12:52 PM

MSgt Dickerson MacLeod — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 12:52:40 -0400

I do not! We are supposed to be apolitical up until the time we cast our ballot. Then we go back to being apolitical.

Response by Sgt Carlos Barrera made Oct 25 at 2016 2:01 PM

Sgt Carlos Barrera — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 14:01:20 -0400

Key word here "retired". Also they are free to endorse whom they please

Response by PO2 Shaun Marolf made Oct 25 at 2016 2:31 PM

PO2 Shaun Marolf — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 14:31:41 -0400

Its their right to do so and any veteran in particular has earned that right.

Response by CPO Zack Lindsey made Oct 25 at 2016 2:41 PM

CPO Zack Lindsey — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 14:41:57 -0400

Well daaa I thought that is one of the things we are fighting for, we are just not allowed to do so in uniform though I may be wrong but being that I'm a CPO I don't believe I'm and if I'm you need to go back and check rule one ( don't get your skivies in a knot just making some humor here cause talking about politics can get nasty and spokey)

Response by SPC Tom Walsh made Oct 25 at 2016 2:42 PM

SPC Tom Walsh — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 14:42:48 -0400

Not if the politician in question has a documented history of anti-military actions.
Otherwise, it's a non-issue. As retirees, they are free citizens, free to support and/or endorse whomever they like.

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made Oct 25 at 2016 3:35 PM

SPC Douglas Bolton — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 15:35:33 -0400

Retiring clears you to endorse who you wish. If you endorse someone who is ready to cut the military even more, I will have trouble respecting anyone like that. Again you can endorse whom ever you want as long as you are retired.

Response by CPO David Sharp made Oct 25 at 2016 3:57 PM

CPO David Sharp — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 15:57:35 -0400

As a Citizen and not using Rank/Enlisted paygrade, all have a right to express an opinion. Once you bring these aspects into the political realm you are representing the Branch of service. It is not only inappropriate but can lead to legal concerns. Observe Gen. Keene as he speaks, he goes only so far as a consultant to the issue but never endorses or engages in rhetoric which is baised.

Response by SFC Dennis D Joy made Oct 25 at 2016 4:07 PM

SFC Dennis D Joy — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 16:07:57 -0400

If one is on active duty, they should refrain from endorsements. However, if they are retired or out of service, they may exercise their rights to campaign, endorse or even run for public off. After all that's what we serve for.

Response by CPT Dennis Stevenson made Oct 25 at 2016 4:40 PM

CPT Dennis Stevenson — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 16:40:34 -0400

Considering the number of generals who have gone on to be POTUS, I guess not. Us retired folks are just folks.

Response by MCPO Tom Miller made Oct 25 at 2016 6:43 PM

MCPO Tom Miller — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 18:43:39 -0400

Absolutely! Yesterday's Flag Officers were steadfastly pro morale with dedication to the welfare that gave pride in leadership as the tempo of competence flowed easily down the chai of command. With today's PC social engineering and self serving promotion hungry political guided conscripts of this administration we have steadily declined from traditionally formed pride of service to a mix of inconsistencies to individuals who work to destroy team work and make special interest a priority including this divisional concept built by a PC bunch of change artists! We are weak in readiness, planes so old that money for maintenance isn't available, reenlistments past 20 years is in question with a flow of knowledge never to be recouped, a Navy as small as 1915, waste on uniform changes seem to become a top priority and not people and pride of that once "Can do or reason why."

Response by SPC Brian Stephens made Oct 25 at 2016 8:29 PM

SPC Brian Stephens — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 20:29:51 -0400

Yes. All veterans have a very specific insight into foreign policy as even the lowest private/airman/sailor/marine spends his career at the tip of the spear. Retired military leaders should have the most to say from their experiences and travels. And what they have to say is more valuable than anything coming out of a DC think tank or from anywhere in the Ivy League.

Response by TSgt James Carson made Oct 25 at 2016 8:35 PM

TSgt James Carson — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 20:35:08 -0400

They can endorse whom they please since they are no longer in uniform. It may not be wise since both parties have left retirees out in the cold election after election. All you can do is research and find which party has helped the retired and active duty military.

Response by PO2 Steven Youngblood made Oct 25 at 2016 8:39 PM

PO2 Steven Youngblood — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 20:39:43 -0400

More so than a civilian who has not done anything to insure those freedoms. If a Military person can't freely express their views, or publicly worship, or have the rights afforded by the constitution, then what did they serve to defend?

Response by CW4 Leonard White made Oct 25 at 2016 8:47 PM

CW4 Leonard White — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 20:47:40 -0400

Yes! And I can ignore, disagree or agree with them just like I do with everybody else's opinion.

Response by SCPO Frank Carson made Oct 25 at 2016 9:29 PM

SCPO Frank Carson — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 21:29:35 -0400

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Oct 25 at 2016 9:31 PM

PV2 Glen Lewis — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 21:31:33 -0400

I don't see why not.

Response by CW2 Michael Mullikin made Oct 25 at 2016 10:05 PM

CW2 Michael Mullikin — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 22:05:18 -0400

If retired flag officers can run for, and be elected, president or vice president I think the have the right to publicly endorse any political candidates they want.

Response by SPC Byron Skinner made Oct 25 at 2016 10:25 PM

SPC Byron Skinner — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 22:25:52 -0400

Sp4 Byron Skinner…No problem here, just as long as they don't wear their uniform and don't use any sensitive information form military service to the benefit of a candidate to include yourself. Once you are retired, from E-1 to 04 you are Joe citizen. You have every right to be proud of your former career but not to use it or any symbol of it in politics or religion.

Response by MSG Michael Kots made Oct 26 at 2016 7:26 AM

MSG Michael Kots — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 07:26:24 -0400

Absolutely. As we serve we effectively have a "gag order" on us. We fought for the freedoms the other 99% take for granted on a daily basis. I feel when you are out, you've earned that right to publicly express your thoughts and endorsement.

Response by SSG Donald Duplessis made Oct 26 at 2016 7:44 AM

SSG Donald Duplessis — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 07:44:11 -0400

Absolutely! You have every right to voice your opinion about anything you damn well please. Politics included.

Response by PVT Guy Terrell made Oct 26 at 2016 7:44 AM

PVT Guy Terrell — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 07:44:47 -0400

Welcome to the 1st amendment

Response by SGT Craig Northacker made Oct 26 at 2016 12:34 PM

SGT Craig Northacker — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 12:34:32 -0400

First Amendment right.

Response by SSgt Michael Cox made Oct 26 at 2016 6:47 PM

SSgt Michael Cox — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 18:47:00 -0400

One they retire they are a normal citizen again as long as the uniform isn't worn there is no problem.

Response by PO2 Paul W. made Oct 26 at 2016 10:23 PM

PO2 Paul W. — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 22:23:15 -0400

I believe President Harry Truman, though a politician, said it best after Eisenhower was elected and thus denied Truman a second term. Truman stated he had been promoted to the highest american rank...civilian. As I recall, he never, from that point on, allowed anyone to refer to him as "Mr. President", just "Mister".
So it should be with Retired Officers. They have been promoted to citizen and have all the rights thereto while simply possessing special awareness and knowledge.

Response by SFC Jeffery Lanter made Oct 26 at 2016 11:11 PM

SFC Jeffery Lanter — Wed, 26 Oct 2016 23:11:10 -0400

Absolutely, once retired, we have as much right as anyone else to support politically who we chose. I am proud of my service and would mention It, if asked, in any endorsement.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2016 4:55 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 04:55:43 -0400

Why not? Do they lose their rights because of service? CPT Private RallyPoint Member

Response by CAPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 27 at 2016 6:50 AM

CAPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 06:50:50 -0400

Not really. This election cycle has seen retired senior military service members endorse candidates on both sides of the political spectrum, so they've basically negated each other. Since it is basically a draw, they've politicized the military for no measurable political benefit for either party. The only loser out of the whole deal is the military as it may lead to significant distrust between our elected officials and the military as a whole.

Response by 1SG Patrick Sims made Oct 27 at 2016 9:09 AM

1SG Patrick Sims — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 09:09:49 -0400

NO---But---than again---generals will be generals.

Response by PO1 James Campbell made Oct 27 at 2016 10:35 AM

PO1 James Campbell — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 10:35:45 -0400

Yes, I believe once you have served it is very appropriate to publicly endorse a political candidate. It shows that they reflect the values that that military leader has. Now, not all of us have the same ideals but we can see in some candidates what we believe are good for our cause. That is what makes our country so great especially if you've served. I think if you have served, your voice should be taken more seriously than those who have had no skin in the game.

Response by SGT Michael Cardin made Oct 27 at 2016 2:55 PM

SGT Michael Cardin — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 14:55:43 -0400

If they are retired from service, yes they are only exercising their first amendment rights.

Response by CPO Peggy Morris made Oct 27 at 2016 9:46 PM

CPO Peggy Morris — Thu, 27 Oct 2016 21:46:42 -0400

Vote for Trump

Response by CPO Peggy Morris made Oct 28 at 2016 12:12 AM

CPO Peggy Morris — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 00:12:30 -0400

Really, are we really talking politely? BENGHAZI, NO really?

Response by Sgt Alan Voracek made Oct 28 at 2016 12:40 PM

Sgt Alan Voracek — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 12:40:59 -0400

Why not? They are retired and now living as a civilian. They have the right to endorse whom ever they like just like anyone else. You have put in your time. Speak your peace.