When is it acceptable to talk about past Presidents?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 18:35:07 -0400

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)?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2019 6:37 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 18:37:05 -0400

Once a former president has left office they are no longer Commander in Chief

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2019 7:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 19:47:46 -0400

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.

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Apr 24 at 2019 7:54 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 19:54:39 -0400

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.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Apr 24 at 2019 7:56 PM

CSM Darieus ZaGara — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 19:56:39 -0400

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.

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Apr 24 at 2019 8:14 PM

SMSgt Thor Merich — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 20:14:35 -0400

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.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Apr 24 at 2019 8:33 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 20:33:57 -0400

Who says you can’t say anything about Presidents, former or present. Refer me to the UCMJ Article or enlistment oath.

Response by MSG Frank Kapaun made Apr 24 at 2019 8:42 PM

MSG Frank Kapaun — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 20:42:22 -0400

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.

Response by 1SG David Niles made Apr 24 at 2019 9:39 PM

1SG David Niles — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 21:39:08 -0400

When they are past presidents

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Apr 24 at 2019 11:31 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 24 Apr 2019 23:31:07 -0400

Why bother? Will discussions of that nature assist or educate anyone you are in contact with? SGT Private RallyPoint Member