Posted on Apr 24, 2019
When is it acceptable to talk about past Presidents?
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I know a couple of people who will every now and then mention a president and out of uniform I know that I can talk a bit about (I still try to keep it to myself or in my house) and I know that we cannot talk about presidents in term but is it acceptable to talk about past ones (Like Obama)?
Posted in these groups: 
Office of the President (POTUS)
Office of the President (POTUS)
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 9
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Once a former president has left office they are no longer Commander in Chief
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Your statement that you try to keep it in your house shows great wisdom. Old saying, don't talk politics or religion at the dinner table. An intellectual discussion between two friends, maybe, but no discussion on either subject is going to change anything ad will probably just result in bad feelings, so why stir the pot.
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I served under the POTUSs Carter- King George Bush II. The only one worth a shit was Ronald Reagan. That said I never spoke bad of any of them while they were my Commander in Chief. It was a matter of respect for the office.
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Your responsibility is to the COC. Only seated Presidents are in that COC. I all regards I believe we should be respectful and mindful of who may hear or see what we have to say. Thank you for your service.
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A past president wouldn’t be an issue. However, I’d just be mindful about what you say. Regardless of uniform or out you are still a Soldier and have responsibilities to act professional and set a good example for the Army. Be tactful and sound educated when you discuss it and disagree with something like that rather than simply just bashing and speaking badly about someone.
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Why bother? Will discussions of that nature assist or educate anyone you are in contact with? SGT (Join to see)
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SGT (Join to see)
Debates have been used for years and I have learned, changed opinions through them CSM
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Who says you can’t say anything about Presidents, former or present. Refer me to the UCMJ Article or enlistment oath.
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MCPO Roger Collins
MSG Frank Kapaun That is good advice, in the military or private industry, now can you answer my question?
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MSG Frank Kapaun
MCPO Roger Collins it isn’t in the oath of enlistment, but falls under the categories common sense, decorum and respect. During the 1990s while Bill Clinton was POTUS, I witnessed many instances where my fellow soldiers, both officer and enlisted, talked shit about Clinton. It bordered on a deranged kind of hatred. Now I was no fan of the degenerate in Chief, but I personally held my tongue. Like it or not, the military works for the American public. Conversely, they pick our boss through an election.
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MCPO Roger Collins
MSG Frank Kapaun Totally agree, but that isn’t the question the PFC asked. It was obvious he had the understanding it was not allowed. My question was to clear up the legal aspects. My advice to a junior enlisted would be similar to yours, but that is an opinion. During my career, the UCMJ and regulations were what I followed. I will answer my own question, we have freedom of expression, even in the military, with the exception of Commissioned Officers, that do have limitations.
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It’s not an issue as you don’t work for past Presidents. However be mindful that both politics and religion are hot button subjects and should be avoided at all costs when in uniform.
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