Soldier post himself with picture opposing conflict with Russia.

1LT Shawn McCarthy — Fri, 01 Aug 2014 23:52:42 -0400

I saw this picture on Facebook and scoured the interwebs to see if it was legitimate. I was surprised to find virtually nothing on it, and even more surprised to not see a thread on Rallypoint about it.
Assuming it is real, what should be done to this SPC? Does this cross the line? Regardless of what you think about conflict with Russia, we can't have people in uniform advertising their refusal to engage in a certain conflict, right?
What about potential propaganda or Psyop value should we end up in conflict with Russia?

Response by CMDCM Gene Treants made Aug 2 at 2014 12:09 AM

CMDCM Gene Treants — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 00:09:52 -0400

Absolutely not the way to go for any member of the Armed Forces. This is the way to get yourself into REAL trouble, not the kind of crap like posing with a casket or ducking colors. You are actively saying you will not do your duty if told to go. If you volunteered to join the Armed Forces, you do not get to pick and choose where you go.

To many of your previous members went to war in conflicts they may not have supported or were afraid to go to, but went and served honorably. What makes this person so special?

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2014 1:09 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 01:09:12 -0400

I think this is a direct representation of the current crop coming into the military, and our younger generation in general. The anonymity of the internet allows for every jackass with something to say to try to make a statement. Bottom line you signed up for it, so you WILL go if called upon. This is what most young people don't get, not everything you do, you will agree with. Coming from a previous recruiting command, I realized talking to many young people today, they have no allegiance or pride in military service, most just needed a job.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Aug 2 at 2014 6:16 AM

MSG Wade Huffman — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 06:16:08 -0400

I just have to wonder how many of these are REAL servicemembers vs. actors, or photoshoped pics? I really WANT to believe this to be the case.. I really do.

Response by COL Randall C. made Aug 2 at 2014 8:20 AM

COL Randall C. — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 08:20:32 -0400

While I agree that everyone has a right to their opinion, it has been established many times that there are limits on your right to express your opinion (or how you express it), especially in the military.

What approaches, or even crosses, the line with the above comments as well as those in the memes that SSG Jason Payor posted is that they use (or come very close to) seditious speech and that they providing propaganda for our adversaries ("See, even the American puppet soldier know that what we do is right!")

As PO1 Private RallyPoint Member pointed out, this is indicative of the anonymity of the internet. This has lead to the rise of "anonymous fame" where things like the above are greatly noted, but the individual is unknown.

The military has a code of conduct and ethics which tie us together as professionals. To paraphrase a comment in another thread, "not all members of the military act like they are part of this professional organization".

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Aug 2 at 2014 12:36 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 12:36:11 -0400

Definitely against the rules last time I checked. Notice he is hiding his face.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2014 1:56 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 13:56:13 -0400

This is an absolute shameful act as a member of the military service. It's even more shameful that he wearing a 101 patch. I love how soldiers these days all of a sudden have a conscious and decide to speak on world conflicts. It's like they forgot that they signed up to go to a war zone, put their own life on the line to defend their country and the place they call home. They reach the epiphany that they know better than the Joint Chiefs, the SECDEF and the President

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 2 at 2014 4:12 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 16:12:10 -0400

We've been raised to question authority when in the face of a moral or ethical dilemma and we know its against regs to wear the uniform when representing our personal beliefs outside of a military sponsored function so I'm hoping this faceless protest crap is propaganda. I mean if these were real soldiers "representing" SF and 101st and pulling this D-bag stuff...

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2014 5:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 17:15:32 -0400

Could they be called conscientious objectors? This is definitely disrupting good order. Politics has no place in the military.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2014 11:41 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 23:41:38 -0400

Just what we need. An E-4 who completely understands the current geopolitical situation in the Ukraine. I am sure that he knows more than everyone one else in our government. After all he did do at least one deployment.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2014 11:42 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 23:42:21 -0400

I don't believe it's crossing the line. Here's why:

-It COULD be a dressed-up civilian trying to represent service
-Even if it was military member, he's disguised, and good for him. Should he reveal his identity, that would not illustrate his being as ballsy, but stupid, defiant, rebellious individual wearing service uniform and in violation of UCMJ Article 94: Mutiny and sedition
-Members DO HAVE THE RIGHT TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES! There is a specific guideline as to such procedures where members can officially state their identity.

I believe they were smart and right in covering their faces nevertheless.

Response by SPC Charles Brown made Aug 3 at 2014 1:38 AM

SPC Charles Brown — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 01:38:33 -0400

To paraphrase the Late General George S. Patton: Freakin' coward, send his ass to the front. I can almost hear the slaps from the calf's leather gloves he wore now. Oh well, that is my .02 on the subject.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2014 5:24 AM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 05:24:50 -0400

Hey, look on the bright side, maybe they'll bring back the firing squad.

On a more serious note, whenever you post something that was not approved by public relations, you make an unofficial post/statement (or whatever it's called); however, if you are making a controversial statement and it is known that you are a service member, or especially if you are wearing a uniform in your picture, you will be charged for making a false official statement.

Not only that, but most uniform articles (i.e. cammo pattern) and some symbols (like the Eagle Globe and Anchor) are trademarked/registered by the service that they belong to, and you technically need permission to display them, so if you are making false statements and are displaying any of them, they will probably call you out for using them with out permission as well as get you for insubordination or whatever you were doing/saying that got you in trouble.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2014 6:46 AM

SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 06:46:35 -0400

I could care less about people like these who conduct themselves in such a manner.

I knew what I was getting myself into when I re-enlisted and I don't whine or complain about it.

I say to hell with them, I have a job to do.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 3 at 2014 12:35 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 12:35:18 -0400

If you are afraid of global conflict, then why join the service? Sure the conflict is in Russia for now, but eventually, it will make its way towards the west and the U.S. Rather fight them there than over in the States

Response by PFC Ryan Vance made Aug 3 at 2014 3:44 PM

PFC Ryan Vance — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 15:44:05 -0400

When I was in I would go where I was ordered to I wouldn't matter if I agreed with it or not. I still would, it's all about honor, duty, and country. This is shameful, and it's not the first either

Response by SGT Steve Oakes made Aug 3 at 2014 3:59 PM

SGT Steve Oakes — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 15:59:27 -0400

I say at least Article 15 with max fines and extra duty. If he spouts off during the proceedings bust his ass down to PFC! We go were we are told and engage who we are told. If you want to decide who, where, and why we fight get out and run for political office. Damn Coward!
If its even real in the first place. Like other have stated it could be a Russian trick.

Response by PFC Zanie Young made Aug 3 at 2014 7:04 PM

PFC Zanie Young — Sun, 03 Aug 2014 19:04:33 -0400

He might as well desert. It is cowardice in any form in a uniform. He volunteered to defend this country, not drafted into service. A letter to the CIC would have made more sense. But, at the end of the day, if he had to be deployed, he has to do his duty no matter what.

Response by SSG Mike Angelo made Aug 4 at 2014 1:07 AM

SSG Mike Angelo — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 01:07:43 -0400

These are times that try military leadership at the core. When I was in the service, troops are not happy unless they are bitching. This holds true for troops under dissent. How many of us on this discussion remember FTA dissent behavior in the 70s? Not too many I suppose. I remember. It was a different era. So how did the military leadership deal with such dissent demonstrated by Servicemembers?

Enforcing a military discipline and Warrior philosophy with dissent in the ranks will be your challenge. You can charge them, bust them, dismiss or chapter them from serving all day long. To tackle rumors and dissent of this nature, you will have to treat it head on. As a leader, it is your responsibility to create change.

First Line Supervisors and Peers. This is how to direct behavioral change within the ranks.

Promote the E-4 to E-5 and let change take its course.
Bring back personal counseling within the ranks. This has not been done since the Vietnam era.
Get more involved with your troops. Set up unit activities; soft ball, cards, volleyball tournaments, or even RxR trips.

If you truely are the leader, do more listening and create avenues for change.

Response by SGT Joseph Smith made Aug 4 at 2014 8:36 AM

SGT Joseph Smith — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 08:36:03 -0400

How about we paint a more true picture.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2014 9:04 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 09:04:10 -0400

Service members are prohibited from participating in politically driven agenda while wearing the uniform. So, yes this does cross the line.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Aug 4 at 2014 10:27 AM

CW5 Sam R. Baker — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 10:27:24 -0400

As a historical SCREAMING EAGLE I just want to choke the little bastard because he chose to wear the patch while taking the photo. I was there in 2002 when the grenade rolled into the tent in Kuwait. Someone knows who this Soldier is on active duty and should out him.

If he is sent to with his unit to perform a duty, will he cover the men and women to his left and right shoulder to shoulder with him? Disturbing......

Damn I hate that he is wearing our patch....URGH

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2014 11:47 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 11:47:57 -0400

He is hiding his face and name for a reason. He knows he is in the wrong. Unfortunately, that's how many of the young soldiers feel. I've heard it in my unit and seen it on social media. I always say, "You'll go where your told. If you don't want to get out." Usually after hearing that they want to argue about it. The fact remains that, whether or not you agree with a conflict that our nation gets involved in, you are in the service and you will go where you are told to go. This is a voluntary force. There was no draft. You signed and swore in of your own free will. I hope this guy gets caught and then kicked out. People like this are a poison to the military.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 4 at 2014 10:20 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Aug 2014 22:20:31 -0400

All Soldiers swore oaths to follow the orders of the POTUS. It's up to Congress to stop POTUS if there's illegal acts of aggression happening, that's the way it's supposed to happen in our Country. If he doesn't like it, then he should opt out of the military as soon as he can.

Response by LCpl Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2014 3:58 AM

LCpl Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 03:58:42 -0400

Nice. What a motivating ass nozzle. Someone promote this specialist, no! Belay that, commission him then promote him, he's clearly ready to be a General... wait hold on he's saying who we should fight, Generals just tell us how to fight, and that goes down the chain in more and more precise increments till your Sergeant points at the nearest nasty that needs an acute case of lead poisoning and tells you to fight. Since this young gentleman seems to think he knows who we should and shouldn't fight, clearly he belongs in the governing body of this great nation.

It's a tired old turn of phrase "Ours is not to reason why, ours is but to do or die" and in the age of the tactical Sergeant and tactical Corporal, not quite as valid any more, even your Lance Coolies need to be thinking about the tactical, but ever, as always the grand strategy belongs to someone else, they point in a general direction, we fuck up whatever's over there on the double, and we go home.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2014 11:30 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 11:30:59 -0400

No he shouldn't of done it in uniform but to attack him for not wanting to go to war with countries that have done nothing to us is ridiculous and then to say he has no "American pride" because he doesn't want to fight a certain war that he believes would be unjust is rather silly of a thing to say. Rather you agree with him or not your all blowing way out of proportion. To bad he didn't cover his patch though.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 6 at 2014 2:38 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 14:38:30 -0400

So, this bubba went to war with the 101st Airborne Division, a storied unit with a rich history of sacrifice, probably in Afghanistan assuming he is not a "lifer" as an E-4, yet feels that he can use the uniform to assist in making his point about what he won't do? I'll bet his senior NCOs are scouring the ranks in order to find this guy and remind him what honor, integrity, selfless service, personal courage, and duty are all about.
No real Soldier with any experience craves war, but he is over the line and deserves an old-school "education" from Sr NCOs who know what the Army Values mean.
If stuff does go down with US involvement, the Russians will be very grateful for the propaganda assistance this Muldoon provided.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 7 at 2014 12:21 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Aug 2014 00:21:03 -0400

MCPO Gene Treants, I couldn't agree with you more because all of us took an oath when we raised our right hand that will we serve our country regardless of the conflict or not. I don't know if these SPC read his history or anything ,but he must understand that sooner or later this country will get into another conflict no matter what. Trust me I'm quite sure there were veterans of Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq and Afghanistan Wars that didn't agree or want to go over there but we had a job to do and we did it. We are in a profession that is in the same categories as lawyers, doctors , psychologist and chaplains. In those professions your opinion doesn't matter your job to help the individuals that need help regardless of the circumstances and your opinions and the same go for us as well. I am not happy that we may have to go back to Iraq or anything but I am going to go because that is my job at the end of day. Maybe this SPC can become like Hon Chuck Hagel by getting out of the Army , join the politics and maybe become Defense Secretary so he can make the changes in the future.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 8 at 2014 2:32 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 02:32:03 -0400

You are a NO-GO at this station. There was instances of these photos being used when Syria was kicked off and they hacked the Marines site and posted them saying we are your brothers in arms etc etc. Gives potential enemies propaganda. I don't even like taking my photo in uniform since people can change whatever they want.

OPSEC is lost on my generation.

Response by SGT Robert Walsh made Aug 8 at 2014 10:34 AM

SGT Robert Walsh — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 10:34:21 -0400

He should not have done it at all he is representing the army in uniform and he does need to be punished

Response by SGT Ed Wollen made Aug 8 at 2014 5:56 PM

SGT Ed Wollen — Fri, 08 Aug 2014 17:56:54 -0400

I couldn't agree more P01! Although It's been my experience that big Army is partially to blame for handcuffing Military Entrance stations (run by Dept of the Army) and Army Drill Sergeants, forcing them to coddle recruits all along the way. You have to respect the Marine Corps for not following suite.

Response by SPC David S. made Sep 2 at 2014 9:55 PM

SPC David S. — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 21:55:27 -0400

It would not be to difficult to find this SPC in the 101st if he did indeed write his manifest of stupidity using an extremely serif looking font. Also if he was in the 101st he would have had the balls to show his face. Cover on in doors. This doesn't look real to me. Maybe a dry cleaner trying to play Army. However this should be investigated by 101st chain of command.

Response by PVT Richard Rupe made Sep 28 at 2014 11:27 AM

PVT Richard Rupe — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 11:27:33 -0400

Find out who this soldier is and discharge him under the grounds of cowardice in the face of a potential enemy!! This is not--I REPEAT ""NOT"" BEHAVIOUR BECOMING OF A SOLDIER! If he doesn't want to defend this country from all "threats" , foreign and domestic!!, then he should have walked out during enlistment ceremony

Response by SGT James Hastings made Nov 26 at 2014 11:16 AM

SGT James Hastings — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 11:16:34 -0500

I haven't read the regs lately but it seems like a clear violation and should be punished. We are able to have our own views on politics but we don't share them with the world when we are in uniform.

Response by SPC Billy Mansfield made Nov 26 at 2014 12:05 PM

SPC Billy Mansfield — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 12:05:10 -0500

Is there any proof the person in the picture is a soldier? It would be easy for a media outlet to play dress up to garner publicity. Either way, that person is free to leave U.S.A. and join the pinkos in their inevitable defeat!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2015 5:48 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 22 Jan 2015 17:48:15 -0500

Psyop value is exactly what it is. You found nothing and wasted time doing so. "Russia's Intelligence Community" shot you in the ass LT, how does it feel?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2015 7:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Feb 2015 19:17:07 -0500

Soldiers like this are looking for publicity and not actually for a cause. If they were they would do it the right way out of uniform and show their face. This SPC needs a reality check to understand that these type of things are unacceptable. IF you still want to do this....show your face and name so your CoC can take care of you the right way.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Mar 18 at 2017 6:59 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Sat, 18 Mar 2017 18:59:10 -0400

I can agree with his cause BUT not in uniform, period

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Apr 3 at 2017 8:31 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Mon, 03 Apr 2017 20:31:27 -0400

What kind of hysteria is this?

Response by Cpl John Barker made Jul 19 at 2017 7:49 PM

Cpl John Barker — Wed, 19 Jul 2017 19:49:55 -0400

*Back in my day intensifies*