It is this: Shut the fuck up. Especially on social media, shut the fuck up.
OK, so you disagree with what SecDef is going to order. Fine.
But he is your boss and if you run your mouth, you're opening yourself to an Article 88 beef, if you're an officer, or an Article 134 beef, if you're not.
The first rule about talking about politics when you're in uniform: "Shut the fuck up".
Rule 2 about talking about politics: "If you have any doubt about whether or not you should discuss politics, refer to Rule #1."
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4 comments:
It's as if they forgot that they swore an oath to defend and uphold the Constitution of the United States of America, of which Article II Section 2 states ""[t]he President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States." Of course, the Airheads might say "but it doesn't mention the Air Force"!" but there's a reason why folks in other branches call them the Airheads :).
While on active duty, I often had to counsel subordinates. My advice: you are an instrument of national policy, not a formulator. If you disagree with the policy, you may resign at your discretion and follow your conscience. Until then, (like Comrade EB sez: STFU).
A citizen-soldier in a democracy should be able to voice his political opinion without special restrictions in his/her free time while not wearing the uniform or parts of it.
A special restriction of the freedom of speech is only acceptable while on the job and/or in uniform.
That is how it's being handled in Germany and many other countries, BTW.
Not sure what the Constitution has to do with this. I bitched about stupid decisions made by those placed over me with those I worked with, but politics was just a Bad Idea, not illegal.
We were restricted from stating beliefs as a service member, but if I wanted to say I opposed Earnest Will as Joe Civilian of Lemon Grove, CA, that was fine.
@2- One option I did not have was to resign. Who were you counseling, zeroes?
Personally? I'm fine with females doing whatever; my worries about possible life as a POW are not relevant. But if I was still in and thought it was anything other than an Excellent Idea with No Possible Complications, I would avoid that third rail at all times.
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