Posted on May 4, 2016
Do you believe that these West Point first classman are violating the UCMJ by making a political statement while in uniform?
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DOD directive 1344.10 states:
-A member of the Armed Forces on active duty may:
4.1.1.3. Join a partisan or nonpartisan political club and attend its meetings when NOT in uniform, subject to the restrictions of subparagraph 4.1.2.4. (See DoD Instruction 1334.1 (Reference (c).)
From the article "Racism Within West Point"
http://www.inthearenafitness.com/index.php/racism-within-west-point
-A member of the Armed Forces on active duty may:
4.1.1.3. Join a partisan or nonpartisan political club and attend its meetings when NOT in uniform, subject to the restrictions of subparagraph 4.1.2.4. (See DoD Instruction 1334.1 (Reference (c).)
From the article "Racism Within West Point"
http://www.inthearenafitness.com/index.php/racism-within-west-point
Posted in these groups: 
United States Military Academy (USMA West Point)
Black Lives Matter
PoliticsUSCC
UCMJ
United States Military Academy (USMA West Point) Black Lives Matter PoliticsUSCC UCMJ
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 237
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I believe that we are not allowed to make personal political statements while in uniform. We have the right to our personal opinions, but are supposed to be apolitical with respect to our military service. Combining politics and the military almost always makes for a really toxic brew. Throw in the aftermath of recent violent events in several U.S. cities, and this whole issue could get ugly. I think that everyone involved will sooner or later wish they had NOT made this photograph.
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MAJ Hugh Blanchard
Yes, I also thought I was immortal, infallible and omnipotent when I was their age.
"I'm big, I'm bad, don't mess with me..."
Oh, please, grow up. You're training to lead soldiers into battle, not gratify your ego.
"I'm big, I'm bad, don't mess with me..."
Oh, please, grow up. You're training to lead soldiers into battle, not gratify your ego.
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If this is as bad as it looks, this is also how gangs are created and brought in. I've seen it once before.
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“Different teams and groups get together on their own to mimic the high-collar, ultra-serious, photos of 19th century cadets,” she explained of the tradition.
Fulton knows some of the women personally.
If this is the case then simply show us the 19th century photo of Cadets doing the same thing. If they can show that picture that these Cadets are mimicking then I see no issues, although it's still a very sketchy pose to make in this day and age. An old photo of cadets doing what is now the Nazi/White Supremacy salute wouldn't have thrown up flags either back then but after WWII obviously everyone knows it's meaning and knows not to do it.
Fulton knows some of the women personally.
If this is the case then simply show us the 19th century photo of Cadets doing the same thing. If they can show that picture that these Cadets are mimicking then I see no issues, although it's still a very sketchy pose to make in this day and age. An old photo of cadets doing what is now the Nazi/White Supremacy salute wouldn't have thrown up flags either back then but after WWII obviously everyone knows it's meaning and knows not to do it.
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They are violating the regulations against making a political statement while in uniform. If their political beliefs are so important to them that their oaths, maybe they are in the wrong profession, and should become politicians instead.
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I don't see a political statement, unless posing for pictures on a stoop is suddenly being frowned upon now.
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COL Sam Russell
All I see is a bunch of young, inexperienced adults giving a "Black Power" salute. Political? No. Racist? Possibly! But... no one would see it that way, or would they accept a group of Caucasian Cadets giving a "Nazi" salute.
All I see is a bunch of young, inexperienced adults giving a "Black Power" salute. Political? No. Racist? Possibly! But... no one would see it that way, or would they accept a group of Caucasian Cadets giving a "Nazi" salute.
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In the past this action would not be acceptable, but with the changing times and Donald Trump doing what he does, it's now ok. Amazing!
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MSgt Ken "Airsoldier" Collins-Hardy
Very enlightening how your simple historiographical context can highlight the morality or political correctness of events. Thank you for your post MAJ Vermillion!
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MAJ Hugh Blanchard
Trump isn't the only oddly-behaving player on the current political stage of late..
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MAJ Hugh Blanchard
"Downvote" back to yourself, Charles..whatever the heck that means....you think Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton haven't acted strangely? Really?
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Oh look! Clearly they are expressing their solidarity with the Dear Leader!
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MSgt Ken "Airsoldier" Collins-Hardy
Befitting Imagery Intelligence (IMINT) for the discussion at hand. Thank you for your post CPT Sheridan!
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MAJ Hugh Blanchard
Yeah, but in the DPRK, if you DON'T express your adoration for the "Dear Leader" then you get shot up with 40 mm ADA cannons. At least it's over quickly if they execute someone with that caliber of weapon. What a really strange place...
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