How to address hate and gang associations in the military?

SrA Joshua Hagler — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 05:05:56 -0400

How does someone address the possibility of a potential active duty person who is actively in a gang/hate group/terrorist organizations? My friend started dating an airforce active duty firefighter who has a nazi tattoo on his arm, is a skinhead, and has Nazi SS memorabilia all over his apartment. The airforce OSI has told me it is his first amendment right to have that tattoo. I thought having those tattoos barred anyone from joining.

Response by Capt Gregory Prickett made Jun 18 at 2020 7:29 AM

Capt Gregory Prickett — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 07:29:30 -0400

Why would it? Doesn't he have the same free speech and freedom of association that you do?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2020 9:51 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 09:51:12 -0400

Just for the tattoo, he is in violation of AFI36-2903 7 FEBRUARY 2020 (section 3.4.1) if I am understanding it correctly.

Response by Cpl Benjamin Long made Jun 18 at 2020 10:14 AM

Cpl Benjamin Long — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 10:14:16 -0400

Unless it is legislated you can't... Liberals are going to call every thing they hate nazis and conservatives are going to call everything they hate communists... There is no conversation you can have about this without having a fist fight and retaliation from the other side and then the legal resources of each side are going to hurl a series of lawsuits at each other, vigilante elements are going to murder each other and you going to have that state until one side annihilates the other, and trying to step into that cyclone to assert authority will just result in a lynching

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Jun 18 at 2020 11:09 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 11:09:34 -0400

I am a little skeptical because tattoos that discriminate, are offensive or are directly related to gangs/hate groups are all prohibited. If the claim is true it should be a slam dunk. If OSI is truly slipping on this you need to report it to the direct chain of command or just make an IG complaint. Providing pictures will help verify the claim.

Response by SPC Joshua Brumley made Jun 18 at 2020 11:52 AM

SPC Joshua Brumley — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 11:52:32 -0400

Hmm... DoD went after the Army of Northern Virgina Battle Flag with a vengence as well as various other flags. They also took a dim view of of foreign flags hanging in quarters. In MEPS back in the 90s, I met a guy who was forced to get a White Pride tattoo removed before they would consider his enlistment. Why should this Fire Fighter get a pass? IIRC, 1st Amendment rights really don't apply to serving members of the military.

Response by TSgt Jack Oberholtzer made Jun 18 at 2020 1:13 PM

TSgt Jack Oberholtzer — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 13:13:00 -0400

If you are really worried, you have reported it. Go find your own girlfriend and leave them alone. If he is a Nazi or a skinhead he will be found out and dealt with by the proper authorities.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Jun 18 at 2020 4:39 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 16:39:34 -0400

There are issues there. Simply inform your chaplain, 1SG and Company Commander.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jun 18 at 2020 4:56 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 16:56:59 -0400

What the heck is AFOSI doing talking to you about another Air Force member? This isn't what they normally do. It violated the Air Force member's right to privacy. No matter how disgusting you may find it, having memorabilia in a person's private residence (not on base) and wearing a shaved head is not a crime. It is protected by the First Amendment. As long as your friend's friend doesn't wear his uniform to a "skinhead" rally or do other prohibited acts, then he's living within his rights. The tat does bother me, but again if it's not prohibited, then it's covered under the First Amendment. Personally, I wouldn't select this guy as a friend. Too much opportunity to wander off into behaviors and activities I don't want to be part of.

Response by MAJ James Woods made Jun 18 at 2020 6:01 PM

MAJ James Woods — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 18:01:34 -0400

Active participation in a hate group or terrorist organization is reportable to your chain of command or security officer. If there's indicators of an individual showing interests in the activities of a hate group or terrorist organization is reportable. An investigation will be conducted to determine if any crimes or violations to UCMJ has been committed.

Response by 1stSgt Nelson Kerr made Jun 18 at 2020 7:15 PM

1stSgt Nelson Kerr — Thu, 18 Jun 2020 19:15:00 -0400

You madebthr claim that libel could apply. So You can defends that imbecilic babble