What would you do or say to your subordinate who went in uniform to rally against a flag burner?

2015-05-13T02:52:42-04:00

I don't know if the individual wearing a military uniform in the video is an actual service member, but if he is, he is definitely not suppose to wearing his military uniform in political events depicted in the link especially where the protagonist as in the flag burner gets water balloons thrown at him. Just by him being there, the situation can go from safe to very bad by the crowd trampling on the flag burners. How will he explain that one to his CoC if he is accused of assault? He is also acting very unprofessional in a military uniform. I am merely recognizing a need for a counseling session with the young Soldier. I appreciate his conviction and passion for his country. I am currently researching to find the specific regulation for that. Enjoy the video link.

Here's a DoD regulation for political events and wearing of the military uniform (still searching): DoDD 1344.10, para E3.4

Army specific for Soldiers: Army AR 600-200., Subj: Army Command Policy, Para. 5-3, Political Activity, and Appendix B.

http://xtribune.com/2015/05/watch-this-soldier-go-full-nuclear-on-ahole-trying-to-burn-american-flag/

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made May 13 at 2015 3:20 AM

2015-05-13T03:20:15-04:00

Simple: Don't do it! You do not want to find yourself on you-tube in uniform doing anything that will bring discredit upon that uniform (and, an emotionally-charged event like the one described can get out of hand despite the best of intentions).

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 3:55 AM

2015-05-13T03:55:47-04:00

Officially counsel him on wearing the uniform on those types of events, show him the regulation, talk about common sense, tell him not to do that again. Unofficially, pat him in the back, have a few laughs and then tell him not to do it again for the same reasons as the counseling.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 13 at 2015 6:16 AM

2015-05-13T06:16:00-04:00

The Navy also has regulations prohibiting the wearing of uniforms and even identifying yourself as a military member while at a political rally.

So yes, if this guy is for real, while his intentions may be good he is wrong and should be punished.

Response by CPT Barbara Smith made May 13 at 2015 6:22 AM

2015-05-13T06:22:47-04:00

I believe we must be compassionate with our fellow active duty personnel and veterans. I understand his anger. However, I also know that we must learn to control our anger. This is not an easy lesson for any of us: believers or non-believers. Personally, I am a student and educator. I am patient with my patients and students. I must admit that I have less patience for those who are incompetent, but I am improving. What else can anyone expect or ask of us?

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made May 13 at 2015 6:47 AM

2015-05-13T06:47:03-04:00

Formal counselling statement explaining exactly why it is prohibited with an "action plan" of "not do it again" to be destroyed in 90 days if not done again. Empathize with him regarding the issue, but explain to him rationally why despite our personal feelings, we cannot violate regs.

Just because we don't like a regulation, doesn't mean we don't have to follow it. It also doesn't mean we get to condone the action. We can empathize as to why he did what he did "outside the specifics" of the regulation violation (wearing the uniform at a political event).

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 8:56 AM

2015-05-13T08:56:46-04:00

If in uniform, he or she would be in violation of AR 670-1 and several other regs, subject to UCMJ.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made May 13 at 2015 8:58 AM

2015-05-13T08:58:45-04:00

"It's been nice working with you, here is your counseling statement, the Commander will be reading you your article 15 on Wednesday, I'll also be recommending a bar to re-enlistment."

The first line in their oath of enlistment is "I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States." While it is unfortunate that people prefer to burn Old Glory in effigy rather than the politicians and lobbyists that routinely use it to wipe their ass, The Constitution of the United States of America assures us freedom of speech and expression, which the SCOTUS has extended to include the burning of the flag and other forms of disrespect. If a SM will not honor the first oath they took upon joining, how can you expect them to honor any promise or order that follows?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 7:38 PM

2015-05-13T19:38:40-04:00

If this guy is not a poser, the best scenario I would be able to come up with would be that he is in ROTC at that school, and showed up impromptu.