Posted on Jan 2, 2014
CPL Paul B.
190K
5.95K
1.75K
591
575
16
Download
Recently I've been hearing countless remarks, and seeing posts from soldiers and veterans alike. Down talking our commander in chief. How do you feel about this? Should this be allowed within our ranks? Does freedom of speech really play a part?<br><br>
Posted in these groups: Images Barack ObamaRespect  logo Respect
Edited 12 y ago
Avatar feed
Responses: 929
1px xxx
Suspended Profile
Not only is this allowed(not in public events in uniform) but should always be encouraged. Public officials must be reminded that one, their position is not a lifetime assignment, and two, they work for we the people. They must be continuously verbally beaten to remind them as well. Should they arise and use tyranny, then they must be removed by all due force.
CWO4 Carter Owens
1
1
0
Well...... if you are Active Duty, NO. If retired you can say whatever you want. Within means of course. But...... the very second they pulled a stooge from the State Dept... Col Vindman opening his mouth and testified about nothing he saw or heard in an Impeachment hearing basically destroyed all Protocol.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
1SG James Kelly
1
1
0
Respect is earned.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SGT Lance Jones
1
1
0
As far as veterans, they are free to use their free speech. Free speech isn’t anything given by our leaders. We just got it.

A soldier had better be careful… they’re not free to say what they want.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SrA Ronald Moore
1
1
0
I actually do not like to hear of any bashing of any kind,no name calling,Not even bashing each other cause you may be the opposite Of who another is voting for,Sure there is free speech,but there is This If one can do it better,then run for public offices,
(1)
Comment
(0)
LCDR Retired
LCDR (Join to see)
>1 y
I agree with your statement--thank you. Now listen to past president---opens mouth with denigrating of someone as he opens mouth. He feels privileged above everyone else. Poster boy for narcissism .
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
CPO Melvin Miller
1
1
0
I was taught always respect the title not the person. As President and Commander In Chief they are responsible for a lot. They are only one part of our three part government. Remember the Executive, Legislateive and Executive. I might not like who is in office but I respect the title. Definately not while active or reserves for sure.
(1)
Comment
(0)
LCDR Retired
LCDR (Join to see)
>1 y
Chief--thank you for statement. Current president has weight of world on his shoulders. Past president--has to worry about joining to jail and election. Our world needs help.
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SSG Richard Bladl
1
1
0
I see no problem talking down our elected officials, they need to know there are problems, they need to be kept informed because military leaders do not always relay problems to higher ups which is wrong. If you can't be heard thru channels then you need to find another way like it or not.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SFC Robert Walton
1
1
0
When you are still in the Military (other than retired) And in a leadership roll you are NON POLITICAL.
However you still have the right to like or dislike a decision the CAC makes but you do not have the right to influence other Soldiers verbally of by action about that politician personally. You can voice carefully about and action that effects all Soldiers and violations of law or the Constitution. Be Careful however, there is a very fine line Between judging an action and taking personal Shots at the Commander and Chief. Always remember CAC is still in your Chain of Command.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SSG William Hull
1
1
0
OUt of uniform and speaking as a private citizen it is acceptable. However I believe that is speaking as a member of the US Armed Force would violate the UCMJ
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small
SSG James Mielke
1
1
0
I am going to disagree with most of the comments I have read on this thread.
We all are/were soldiers, sailors, airmen, or jarheads but are still individuals and have our own opinions about the things that affect our daily lives.
What matters is how we express those opinions, especially for those still in the Active, Reserve, and Nat. Guard components of the military. Veterans and Retirees like myself are civilians and do not have a Chain of Command to worry about getting triggered and trying to court-martialed us.
During my career, I had several commanders and NCOs that by every metric conceivable were absolute P.O.S. but they still outranked me and I was duty bound to follow their lawful orders.
Keep that in mind... Lawful Orders. If given an order to break any military, wartime, or civilian law or to violate any part of the Constitution, you have the authority to refuse to follow that order.
(1)
Comment
(0)
Avatar small

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

close