Do you believe that these West Point first classman are violating the UCMJ by making a political statement while in uniform?

So if they were white cadets doing a German ww2 style salute would it be an extremist gesture? It's a posed picture they knew what they were doing someone needs to take action. I've seen enlisted Soldiers get hemmed up for trying to be funny and throwing gang signs while in uniform. What is the difference here the black lives matter movement has had more than a couple violent acts attributed to it and are a political movement. Further, I support the basic premise of the Black Lives matter movement however being a political movement when in uniform you can not endorse political movements. What kind of SH__storm would we see if these same Cadets showed up at a Trump rally in uniform?

1. So exactly what statement are they making?
2. According to the article they are making "behind closed doors statements". What statements are they making? Is it counter productive to good order and discipline?
3. And the big question is. Once they graduate/commission, and move out to units then what? Will there still be behind closed doors statements? And will it effect their duties and responsibilities as Commissioned Officers?

My understanding is that we (currently serving) Military are "supposed" to be as politically neutral while representing our respective branches, and the uniform that we wear. Am I mistaken?

I was called a racist once. Then I cleared it up. I do NOT hate an entire race. There are all kinds of PEOPLE I hate. Many different Races. I also hate broccoli, Most greens, besides mustard. So that makes me Prejudice. But as far a a racist, nope, I hate you, you you, you and especially you! I hate everyone equally!

That is interesting that my classmate Brenda Sue Fulton has waded into the fray about this picture SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL She was speaking "an alum" not in any leadership capacity.
As far as a claim that this is an old corps photo, the only things old corps about it is the location in front of one of the older buildings and the crossed sabers which are not included in this version of the picture.
The raised fists were something associated with the black power movement of the 1960s and then became more radicalized when the Black panthers adopted that pose. The full dress gray uniform was modified by 1976 when I entered the US Military Academy as part of the class of 1980 which was the first to include women - so uniforms had to be modified.
There has been a lot of discussion about this picture among my classmates with some jokingly indicating it honors Michael Jackson.
USMA cadets like others in military uniform are prohibited from making political statements in the uniform of the US military or attending political events in uniform unless on official duty such as MPs, SPs, etc. Prohibited statements include what we do while in uniform. The Nazi salute is an example of something which brings discredit upon the military if somebody performs it in public.

I've read the other article from facebook. Indeed well written and with some possibly valid points. I say possibly as I have not had the honor of attending the USMA at West Point or any other service school.

In the end it is only an attempt to justify the actions of others. I don't give a damn what color you are, what God you worship, who you sleep with, how you spend your money or anything else. The only thing(s) that matter are that you adhere to the established honor code as that represents your integrity. Without that, anything else is meaningless. You must perform to your utmost best. I don't care you are not a straight A student (I know I wasn't). As long as you gave it your all is what I look for in a cadet (Leader).

Your job as the new wave of officers is to learn your job, perform your job, be a leader. You are not there to voice your opposition to what you think is wrong (You can fight that through channels like everyone else). As one of America's next generation of leaders, you need to lead, not make excuses for someone else. There is no room for that. Like the old adage, Lead, Follow or get the hell out of the way.

If you wish to tackle anything you perceive as an injustice, do so on your own time and stop detracting from the reason you were allowed the opportunity to attend one of the most prestigious establishments of higher education and military leadership.

You can put lipstick on a pig but it doesn't change the fact it's still a pig. Suck it up cupcake, you can do this.

Violation of UCMJ? Don't know about that.
BUT, if it can be proven that it was a planned photo to show support to BLM, or and other political movement/figure, they would be violation of the "Hatch Act."

I see both sides of the issue. A lot have said this is black female unity. Yeah... I get that. But that defeats the purpose of being at West Point, one of the most prestigious clubs in the United States. You don't need unity there. You need to be part of a team. You've already accomplished something few others have, and many would kill for. Why set yourself apart? Same goes for the military as a whole. So personally, I find this unity argument silly.

The other side is the connection to Black Panthers. They are young and might not even be aware of the militant organization. They might associate that gesture with BLM. I am not up to speed whether they are using that as their gesture or not. Can't comment there.

The question here is of perception. What would the perception be if this were the Latino population at West Point throwing out a West Side symbol.

I think symbolism, gestures, whatever you want to call it, have no place at West Point, nor a need. Same goes for the Army as a whole. You are already part of a small family and group of like-minded individuals. The largest Fraternity in the country.

I suppose they were exactly what they are. Kids being kids. They will grow up soon, and fast.

There's a lot of focus on the UCMJ here. When I was in Beast Barracks back in the day, there were many rules which go far beyond the UCMJ. The one that strikes me is anything that brings the Cadet Corps into disrepute. They take that very seriously. That would be in the eye of the beholder. So I don't know how it spins now vs. Class of '75 in which a number of one way air fares would be issued. The '68 Olympics would be very fresh in their minds. Just missing the gloves. And in honor of CPT Jack Durish I'll add they must be using that new deodorant "Pit Stop".

Sir if they are indeed facing some kind of racism in West Point and I don't discount the possibility, then bringing attention to it is courageous. We are talking about it exactly because they chose to be pictured wearing the West Point uniforms.

Aren't they just Beyonce fans? Nothing will come of it, I'm almost willing to bet my truck on that.