Posted on Jan 1, 2021
What is the policy for military members publicly criticizing the President?
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When I was in Basic Training in 1981, our Drill Sergeant told us that we may not speak against the President because he is our boss; over the next 35 years, I heard only one Soldier make an offensive comment. I have been reading opinions about LTC Alexander Vindman, and have seen Trump being both vilified and deified. Is it considered okay to make disrespectful comments when one is no longer active?
Posted 4 y ago
Responses: 228
Suspended Profile
No it's not okay. I was told the same thing and during 35 years of honorable service, I respected the Office of the President and the Commander-in-Chief. I did so regardless of whether or not I voted for him or if I agreed or disagreed with his agenda. After President Obama was elected, people I had served with for years suddenly decided it was okay to openly denounce a president's character and/or his policies. Particularly those about women in combat, gays openly serving in the military and the ACA, so anyone who thinks this type of behavior started under President Trump has a convenient or selective memory. In fact, during the Obama administration a General Officer was recalled to Washington and forced to retire for making public comments in opposition of the administration. I'll say here what I told my troops then. I don't give a rat's ass if you disagree with the administration, we are here to execute policy, not create it. Most importantly, we swore an oath to uphold the Constitution. Vote for who you want and campaign for or support who you want during your off-duty hours. When on duty keep your damn pie hole shut. It's time we got back to some regular order and discipline.
Revision: After a member retires or otherwise separates from service, they have as much of a right to criticize the President as anyone else. As far as being disrespectful goes, I would say you get what you give. In my opinion candidate Trump disrespected a sitting U.S. Senator, who was a retired naval officer and former POW, before he even held office.
Revision: After a member retires or otherwise separates from service, they have as much of a right to criticize the President as anyone else. As far as being disrespectful goes, I would say you get what you give. In my opinion candidate Trump disrespected a sitting U.S. Senator, who was a retired naval officer and former POW, before he even held office.
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SGT Daniel Myers
CMSgt (Verify To See) - It's funny how I responded to you and it was censored. I received daily beatings, mental torture, and mind games played that were off the scale, but I never broke. Why? Because I wasn't weak and understood my duties. McCain had his and was responsible for men under his command and failed them miserably. He was to set the example which he did of course; for cowardice. You may not like the truth, but until you've been tortured like I've been and survived it, I do have the right to evaluate this mans lack of character in the face of the enemy.
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Suspended Profile
Sgt James Dare - Well what a difference a few days makes. If you're still in the tank for TFG, then good luck with that because people are going to jail.
Suspended Profile
SGT Daniel Myers - I'll just say thank you for your service and leave it at that.
SGT Daniel Myers
CMSgt (Join to see) While I appreciate it sir, I did my job and need no thanks from you.
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Maybe Douglas MacArthur, James Mattis, or John Kelly will weigh in on this. Seriously, though, for all the complaints about Trump's "thin skin," he has been remarkably tolerant of the vituperation heaped upon him.
I suspect many of us critical of the president elect, the left in general and of a Christian conservative bent are going to find out when Big Tech and the DOJ finish their review of our social media footprint. . . .
I suspect many of us critical of the president elect, the left in general and of a Christian conservative bent are going to find out when Big Tech and the DOJ finish their review of our social media footprint. . . .
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SPC Jim Summerlin
SFC Marc W. gaslighting won't work here...wrong is wrong. Trump is a bully, crybaby, and unfit for any office
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1SG Ernest Stull
I did not agree with all of The President, but I will Respect the Office of the president.
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SFC Marc W.
SPC Jim Summerlin I'm glad you could show up 2 years late and provide absolutely garbage input. Carry on.
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I've seen a few of our active duty members make some questionable comments about the current president. The UCMJ seems to be a suggestion for the modern military. The type of comments I see today would have AD's in some hot water just 30 years ago.
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SPC Jim Summerlin
Sgt Bob Corridan News flash: the US President does NOT control the global stock futures
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Sgt Bob Corridan
I don't know...anyone here want to take any advice from a private second class...really showed your potential up the military chain of command didn't you Larry boy. Another in the rear with the gear coupled with an opinion.
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Sgt Bob Corridan
SPC Jim Summerlin - Oh so so so incredibly wrong...if you have any measure as to how the stock market works it is based on the 6 month future to what is passed in the legislature....the market will adjust to anything it just needs to know which way those with the political power are going to go...I'll put it to you in very very simple terms...the prez in conjunction with the fed pushed for monetary policy which increases the fed discount rate...those organizations there going to pay down or pay off subordinated debt (part and parcel to NROIC) change gears because the rates are too high...they now have two choices..reduce production and layoff staff OR simply re-open than plant in Singapore versus the one in Ohio thus dropping significantly labor costs even with the shipping costs of either finished goods or goods in progress. Business will take care of business..they just need to know which way the idiot in the White House is going to go.
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