View Full Version : 2Lt Spenser Rapone, Commie Ring Knocker??
Someone needs to UCMJ this A$$H0 out on a BIG DD, with some Leavenworth time...
Currently assigned to 2BCT 10th MTN, I think..
https://twitter.com/punkproletarian?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5E serp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2017/09/us-army-infantry-officer-supports-kaepernick-communism-will-win-message/
http://taskandpurpose.com/2-usma-combat-vets-2-sides-nfl-kneeling-debate-americas-strength/
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/sep/26/spenser-rapone-west-point-alumnus-riles-with-pro-k/
https://medium.com/@punkproletarian
My question would use the Gunnery Sergeant Hartman approach:
Why is Private Pyle out of his bunk after lights out?!
Why is Private Pyle holding that weapon?!
Why aren't you stomping Private Pyle's guts out?!
...so in memory of Gunny Hartman:
Why is Captain Rapone still in uniform after graduation ?
Why is Captain Rapone holding that sign in his hat?
Why isn't the US Army publicly stomping Captain Rapones guts out?
GD Commie...just more free speech, I guess...things be getting more nuanced every day...
bblhead672
09-26-2017, 12:16
Communist sympathizer = Domestic enemy?
Is that guy prior service enlisted(I noticed the decorations)?
I can't think of a single prior enlisted soldier I know who went officer who didn't turn out to be an above averaged officer.
This fella seems to have below average observation skills.
Looking at it "glass half full", better he is blatantly open about it, than hiding it and leveraging opportunities to exploit his afield ideology as he rises up the food chain.
Not that a 2nd LTs opinions matter or are even worth sharing, I would enjoy hearing his ramblings about why he is so enamoured with the failed ideology his very peers destroyed a generation ago.
the squid
09-26-2017, 12:38
GD Commie...just more free speech, I guess...things be getting more nuanced every day...
Yes, because a football player taking a knee during the national anthem, which, by the way, is protected speech, is the exact same thing as a commissioned officer who swore an oath to the Constitution espousing views antithetical to the values of classical liberalism our country was founded on.
Are you sure that you're not also an authoritarian? :rolleyes::rolleyes:
Are you sure that you're not also an authoritarian? :rolleyes::rolleyes:
Positive.
This leftist shit is just too in my face for my tastes.
I worked a lifetime in a thousand shades of gray environment - so I do get that the flag burners and other assholes have "the right" to argument.
I'm just clearly expressing my not so nuanced displeasure.
the squid
09-26-2017, 12:45
Positive.
This leftist shit is just too in my face for my tastes.
I worked a lifetime in a thousand shades of gray environment - so I do get that the flag burners and other assholes have "the right" to argument.
I'm just clearly expressing my not so nuanced displeasure.
You can go ahead and remove the quotation remarks around "the right."
The issue has been settled.
You can go ahead and remove the quotation remarks around "the right."
The issue has been settled.
Yup. Assholes can be assholes and the Supreme Court said it's ok.
the squid
09-26-2017, 12:48
Yup. Assholes can be assholes and the Supreme Court said it's ok.
The first amendment wasn't put in place so we could all agree with each other.
The first amendment wasn't put in place so we could all agree with each other.
I'm gonna go have a cigar.
The Supreme Court has also recognized that the government may prohibit some speech that may cause a breach of the peace or cause violence.
-Wearing pig-socks to antagonize the police while abusing your access to national TV exposure could be found within the confines of such breach.
-A military officer in uniform publishing such content in a public forum could find himself in an actionable position by posting his personal rantings.
That same illusion of unabridged freedom of speech must also include the content of the forum used to communicate.
Pig-socks at a party could hardly be considered a breach of peace
Pig-socks on national TV while refusing to stand during the national anthem...
opinions may vary
...a football stadium during a commercial event is NOT a public forum. Such an event is generally a non-public forum - the same reason you cant say "bomb" on an airplane.
Free speech is also something targeted at an individual.
This cadet was in uniform, in uniform violating standards by holding open his vest to display an unauthorized uniform garment, and in civilian clothes while conspicuously presenting his uniform on display. That means he is representing the US military and has no such freedom to speak his mind
So yes, the 1st amendment does a lot of things, but it is not a blank check.
colin crookeddick was wrong and so is this shitbird officer
These aren't just my opinions either, they are pulled from the Cornell Law School website.
free speech isn't all people think it is - it comes nicely packaged with certain degree of social responsibility
Got their attention..
West Point responds to tweets of cadet with Che Guevara tee under uniform
By: Meghann Myers 18 minutes ago
The U.S. Military Academy released a statement Tuesday after a recent graduate posted photos of himself with pro-communist messages hidden under his uniform and cover while still a cadet.
The photos, posted by 2nd Lt. Spenser Rapone, show the then-cadet posing with a Che Guevara t-shirt under his uniform and “communism will win” written under his cover at his graduation from the academy in May.
"Second Lieutenant Rapone‘s actions in no way reflect the values of the U.S. Military Academy or the U.S. Army,” the statement from West Point said.
Rapone’s chain of command is aware of his posts and is “looking into the matter,” according to the West Point statement. The academy will assist Rapone’s leadership in their inquiry, the statement said.
http://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2017/09/26/west-point-responds-to-tweets-of-cadet-with-che-guevara-tee-under-uniform/
the squid
09-26-2017, 14:23
The Supreme Court has also recognized that the government may prohibit some speech that may cause a breach of the peace or cause violence.
I assume you refer to the legal doctrine of "fighting words" not being protected. This has typically been very narrowly applied. One can assume that if the court recognizes a right to protest military funerals (Snyder v. Phelps) and burn American flags (Texas v. Johnson), that the mere fact that such speech "may" cause a breach of the peace is not a sufficient reason to restrict it.
This guy does NOT deserve to wear the uniform another day IMHO. :mad:
Team Sergeant
09-26-2017, 15:00
This punk is about to find out that Mother Army does not like communists. I can already see his career dissipation light is lit in the corner of his eye.
the squid :
Freedom of speech, while defended by the American military is not practiced by the American military. Especially not in uniform. (Unless you’re a LGBTUYSE, then all bets are off.)
Man, that smoke hit the spot. No desire whatsoever to get into 8th grade civics discussion. Squid, that graduate school is obviously doing you some good - so you also know that there are other reasonable limitations on first amendment expression other than "fighting words." I'm referring to expression limited by various time, place and manner, exceptions, etc. But, enough of that. These displays aren't really free speech controversies. The assholes generally have the right to be assholes...but Box is correct - it is not unlimited.
However, maybe others can help with the following: is displaying communist leanings and approval while in a US military uniform a legitimate character and clearance issue? Has the young man violated uniform or other standards applicable to his position? As an employee, are speech rights unlimited and without consequence?
There are probably loads of other lines of inquiry worthy of consideration - but - just 'cause you can do something doesn't mean you should.
Now, GD Commies and Commie sympathizers get off my lawn !
the squid
09-26-2017, 15:04
This punk is about to find out that Mother Army does not like communists. I can already see his career dissipation light is lit in the corner of his eye.
the squid :
Freedom of speech, while defended by the American military is not practiced by the American military. Especially not in uniform. (Unless you’re a LGBTUYSE, then all bets are off.)
My comments were in reference to the parallels drawn between this guy and the recent NFL protests.
This guy is subject to the UCMJ and the judgment of his chain of command, no doubt. I'm not attempting to defend him.
the squid
09-26-2017, 15:11
Man, that smoke hit the spot. No desire whatsoever to get into 8th grade civics discussion. Squid, that graduate school is obviously doing you some good - so you also know that there are other reasonable limitations on first amendment expression other than "fighting words." I'm referring to expression limited by various time, place and manner, exceptions, etc. But, enough of that. These displays aren't really free speech controversies. The assholes generally have the right to be assholes...but Box is correct - it is not unlimited.
I'm well aware of the limitations to the first amendment.
Condescend to somebody else. I'm only able to go to graduate school because I raised my right hand, whereas you have not. I'm a subordinate to the SF Soldiers on an SF forum, and I'm only here because they allow it, but I certainly won't take shit off of somebody who doesn't have a day of military service to speak of.
I'm well aware of the limitations to the first amendment.
Condescend to somebody else. I'm only able to go to graduate school because I raised my right hand, whereas you have not. I'm a subordinate to the SF Soldiers on an SF forum, and I'm only here because they allow it, but I certainly won't take shit off of somebody who doesn't have a day of military service to speak of.
Neither of us should or will take shit. Have a nice day.
Team Sergeant
09-26-2017, 15:16
I'm well aware of the limitations to the first amendment.
Condescend to somebody else. I'm only able to go to graduate school because I raised my right hand, whereas you have not. I'm a subordinate to the SF Soldiers on an SF forum, and I'm only here because they allow it, but I certainly won't take shit off of somebody who doesn't have a day of military service to speak of.
LOL, who do you think we defend? :munchin And who do you think gives us our marching orders?
the squid
09-26-2017, 15:21
LOL, who do you think we defend? :munchin And who do you think gives us our marching orders?
The Secretary of Defense and POTUS, who is elected by the American public, of which we are a part.
Team Sergeant
09-26-2017, 15:25
The Secretary of Defense and POTUS, who is elected by the American public, of which we are a part.
Nice answer, you have a future career in politics or law.
Nice answer, you have a future career in politics or law.
There's a difference (now days)?
Now this asshat needs some smoke, and the good/funny thing is he brought it on himself? Ranger poser too?
The Reaper
09-26-2017, 17:07
It would sure be a shame for those photos to fall into the hands of the investigators the next time he is up for a background investigation. :D
He appears to be confused about which side he should be on.
TR
It would sure be a shame for those photos to fall into the hands of the investigators the next time he is up for a background investigation. :D
He appears to be confused about which side he should be on.
TR
TR,
How can a new 2nd Lt get any clearance with a paper trail like this??
I can remember my parents calling me while I was in OCS asking what I was up to. They were real concerned that 2 FBI agents were visiting all the neighbors asking about me.
WarriorDiplomat
09-26-2017, 19:35
The first amendment wasn't put in place so we could all agree with each other.
IMO you surrender the rite when you openly wear Che Guevera shirts a sworn enemy of the United States which we sponsored and took part in the hunt to rid him off the earth and stand for ideals that opposes the oath to the constitution while in uniform.....a civilian has the rite to free speech they also have the rite to reap the repercussions you see in a free country citizens actually do have a choice as Officers he has sworn an oath....ironically the oath was to the constitution that was put in place to protect the people from tyranny such as dictatorships like communism.....the question that must be asked is he willing to support the constitution and defense against all enemies foreign and domestic or is he willing to undermine the tenants of the constitution he took an oath to. Is he enemy domestic??? does he support N. Korea or China in its communistic views?? and does he understand economics well enough to know that China's economy is built on Europe and mostly the American economies the free market loving capitalistic pigs we are. The problem with the young officers leading the smaller units is their immaturity and lack of life experience in the real world....I can't stand the starry eyed idealism of these young enthusiastic O's and you hear more and more of these young O's supporting these radical and idiotic Bernie Sanders types....not because they aren't educated enough to know they are usually at the age where reason hasn't taken hold yet. And its these young people that the Libtards prey upon because of their biological development has fully developed their executive function in their brains they are vulnerable to irrational ideas but eventually they grow up.
Team Sergeant
09-26-2017, 20:53
IMO you surrender the rite when you openly wear Che Guevera shirts a sworn enemy of the United States which we sponsored and took part in the hunt to rid him off the earth and stand for ideals that opposes the oath to the constitution while in uniform.....a civilian has the rite to free speech they also have the rite to reap the repercussions you see in a free country citizens actually do have a choice as Officers he has sworn an oath....ironically the oath was to the constitution that was put in place to protect the people from tyranny such as dictatorships like communism.....the question that must be asked is he willing to support the constitution and defense against all enemies foreign and domestic or is he willing to undermine the tenants of the constitution he took an oath to. Is he enemy domestic??? does he support N. Korea or China in its communistic views?? and does he understand economics well enough to know that China's economy is built on Europe and mostly the American economies the free market loving capitalistic pigs we are. The problem with the young officers leading the smaller units is their immaturity and lack of life experience in the real world....I can't stand the starry eyed idealism of these young enthusiastic O's and you hear more and more of these young O's supporting these radical and idiotic Bernie Sanders types....not because they aren't educated enough to know they are usually at the age where reason hasn't taken hold yet. And its these young people that the Libtards prey upon because of their biological development has fully developed their executive function in their brains they are vulnerable to irrational ideas but eventually they grow up.
Well said Sir........
I often disagree with people on this website but in this instance I think we should all be able to accept that the normalization of socialist and communist principles has led us down a dark and possibly untenable path.
Just today the New York Times published an opinion article claiming Chinese women actually benefited from the communist revolution. Their tweet of the article said it helped them to "dream big." What the eff does that even mean? It surely doesn't include dreams of having a daughter or eating a full meal.
Over 100,000,000 million dead and counting from communism but academia, the media, and the political elite embrace and protect it.
I'll take, "Lied on his SF-86 for $1,000.00 Alex."
1stindoor
09-27-2017, 05:28
I can't understand why some roughly 10,000 GIs in 10th MTN, haven't given him the attitude adjustment he is so richly deserving. To paraphrase every award every given...he brings great shame upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
I can't understand why some roughly 10,000 GIs in 10th MTN, haven't given him the attitude adjustment he is so richly deserving. To paraphrase every award every given...he brings great shame upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
First rule of Beat Down Club; don't talk about BDC.
frostfire
09-27-2017, 08:31
As Venezuela is preparing to go to war with US, can we just conclude he would side with the enemy and pull a bergdahl?
WarriorDiplomat
09-27-2017, 10:04
I often disagree with people on this website but in this instance I think we should all be able to accept that the normalization of socialist and communist principles has led us down a dark and possibly untenable path.
Just today the New York Times published an opinion article claiming Chinese women actually benefited from the communist revolution. Their tweet of the article said it helped them to "dream big." What the eff does that even mean? It surely doesn't include dreams of having a daughter or eating a full meal.
Over 100,000,000 million dead and counting from communism but academia, the media, and the political elite embrace and protect it.
You are right the norming of socialism is reality.....a a saying comes to mind those who don't know history are doomed to repeat.....libs are very comfortable with revisionism unless it goes against their agenda....another saying comes to mind and that is the definition of insanity is....libs are truly mentally ill
He wears a tshirt displaying a man directly responsible for the murders of 100,000s of thousands of cubans. He might as well wear one with hitler or stalin.
He wears a tshirt displaying a man directly responsible for the murders of 100,000s of thousands of cubans. He might as well wear one with hitler or stalin.
Or Maduro.
bblhead672
09-27-2017, 10:38
Perhaps he'll suffer the same consequences as "Doug Neidermeyer" in Animal House:D
rsdengler
09-27-2017, 10:54
Well, I think Holly and I need to take a “road trip”, because this little POS Clown’s Ass needs a good hard stomping with our extra pointy high-heeled shoes.:D
That stupid stinky assed Che shirt, nice to know that this Punk follows an ideology that has either killed or persecuted millions of people for their cause. Maybe he’s wearing it just to get laid by some Hairy Liberal Hippy Birkenstock Wearing sort of female, because with those looks no normal female would touch that fag bag. :munchin
The Reaper
09-27-2017, 11:05
He wears a tshirt displaying a man directly responsible for the murders of 100,000s of thousands of cubans. He might as well wear one with hitler or stalin.
Nah, killer commies are cool this week.
He won't get into any real trouble until he wears one with a Confederate on it. Or an American flag.
No freedom of speech or tolerance there.
TR
Nah, killer commies are cool this week.
He won't get into any real trouble until he wears one with a Confederate on it. Or an American flag.
No freedom of speech or tolerance there.
TR
Agree, and it is very ironic indeed. My question is this though, since these pics were taken while he was also wearing his Uniform, does that not immediately flag him as breaking the rules? Aside from the fact that it is disgusting beyond belief to me just as a civilian, there are rules in place for this type of degradation, right?:confused:
Holly
(and Rita, just give me the keys, I'll drive, you pilot!)
Golf1echo
09-27-2017, 13:29
That guy lost the plot before it got started and looks like prior service to boot. I would say the 10th Mountain Division will have some re-indoctrination to do that West Point should have accomplished ...if he makes it that far.
I just hope that Uncle Sam sends that little POS a bill for the cost of his education when he gets the boot.
CloseDanger
09-27-2017, 20:34
The whole world came down on him today. Doubt he even knows it in Ranger School. They way they mess with people is classic!
I do doubt he knew it was this serious. But very smart people can be very stupid. As can I.
Totally cut off from the world and then one day Sergeant Airborne starts riding you ... forever. LOL
Best he be there until the Chain of Command determines what must be done.
Talk about a fart in Church.
The whole world came down on him today. Doubt he even knows it in Ranger School. They way they mess with people is classic!
I do doubt he knew it was this serious. But very smart people can be very stupid. As can I.
Totally cut off from the world and then one day Sergeant Airborne starts riding you ... forever. LOL
Best he be there until the Chain of Command determines what must be done.
Talk about a fart in Church.
He is not in ranger school. He quit.....
Well, I think Holly and I need to take a “road trip”, because this little POS Clown’s Ass needs a good hard stomping with our extra pointy high-heeled shoes.:D
:munchin
...again with the road trip and pointy-toed high heel shoes
shit just got real !!!
He is not in ranger school. He quit.....
Did he? Here's a pic with his father attaching 1st RGR BN (read that it was the 1st) scroll on his uniform and the beret. Hard to tell if that's a tab above it, though.
Evidently he was assigned to the Ranger Bn as an enlisted troop, did his time, then went to WP.
Pops put on the Scroll not the tab.
steel_eel
09-28-2017, 04:50
According to some Rangers, he was in A/1/75 and deployed with them. He lasted approximately 6 months and its unclear whether he was RFS or separated.
He was in Ranger School class 5-17 but was "dropped", according to an email response I received from the RTB full bird.
Rapone is currently with 2BCT/10th MTN and is under investigation.
I have screen capped conversations to support both Ranger-related claims if anyone wants them.
I haven't been on this board actively in ages, but I'm a long time listener. This is one forum that I know is on the same page about communists, since many of you spent your careers fighting it.
I just want to point out that Rapone is a merely a symptom of a greater problem. There are communists in the military. A lot of them. You're probably saying to yourself "well, duh". Its worse than you might think. They're starting to reveal themselves especially now since this Rapone incident. I rooted out a Marine in Parris Island yesterday that was bragging about subversive communist infiltration in the ranks. He was not too smart because it was very easy to find him. By some dumb luck, his CO and I started talking. I don't know what will happen to this little a**hole, but I did my part.
There will be more.
bblhead672
09-28-2017, 10:11
More commentary/info here, including a statement from the former DIM (surprise) Congressman who appointed the POS to WP.
About to Be Shat Upon, From A Great Height (http://raconteurreport.blogspot.com/2017/09/about-to-be-shat-upon-from-great-height.html)
Former Congressman Who Nominated Communist Extremist To West Point Aggressively Disavows (http://dailycaller.com/2017/09/27/former-congressman-who-nominated-communist-extremist-to-west-point-aggressively-disavows/?utm_campaign=atdailycaller&utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=Social)
Not a ring knocker,,,
I was under the impression that cadets were partially self governing, in that attitude and behavioral problems were noted and dealt with internal. A peer review process that micro manages the cadet body.
Why didn't his room mates, class mates, and senior cadet cadre catch him earlier??
As brash as his tweets and other social media posts are.. he should have been long gone..
https://www.westpointaog.org/netcommunity/document.doc?id=621
I just hope nobody is holding their breath waiting for this guy to be tarred and feathered in the public square.
If he gets more than a public slap on the wrist it will be quite a surprise.
Has anyone seen this on a network news report yet?
I have a funny feeling that this guy is going to walk with little more than a closed door talk telling him to clean up his social media presence.
You would get in more trouble for proselytizing to the Afghans during an OEF rotation than this guy will for what he did.
Hell.... CSM Bone would have came down on an SF guy harder for cutting the liner out of his beret, wearing Hi-Tec boots, and using an A7 strap as a belt.
Yep... very little faith in seeing this guy strung up as an example for other service members doing the same thing.
I'll try to keep this as non-offensive as possible:
He's a white guy so he'll be crushed to show that the Academy takes this stuff seriously.
Were he a transgenderedpossilqGILBERTsexuallyquestioningwood pecker or a "protected class", it'd be brushed under the carpet and "nothing to see here."
Remember the minority female crew with the black-power fists on the steps of the Academy? Kind of got hushed up real fast didn't it?
I hope you are correct; nothing would please me more.
I'm just lacking in faith. I agree with your premise, but I don't think he is a true enemy to those that would actually do the punishing.
He is speaking out against an unjust system, seeking to provide justice for oppressed young people like colon kleperdink; he isn't speaking out in defense of patriotism or American values. Senior leaders seem to be horrified at the thought of punishing SJW's no matter what the issue is.
Again, I really hope you are correct, but I am going to prepare myself to see him get a mulligan.
ddoering
09-28-2017, 12:26
Is he a "white" hispanic then?
I wish I had confidence that you are wrong. I don't. Under LTG Caslen, the "inclusion" infection polluted the Corps of Cadets to possibly an irretrievable extent.
Hey - at least you and I can say that we served in what was once the best fighting force in the world. Nowadays, it's all about warmal globing and ensuring GILBERTS don't get their feelings hurt.
Team Sergeant
09-28-2017, 12:43
He's just limited his future job possibilities by half........ I'm sure he will be speaking/teaching at berkley soon.
A Muslim professor at the USMA, and mentor to 2Lt. Pinko, is now on administrative leave. According to the USMA, the administrative leave is unrelated to his mentorship of 2Lt. Pinko.
The West Point mentor of a soldier now under investigation by the Army for engaging in political activity while in uniform is on administrative leave, Breitbart News has learned.
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/09/28/exclusive-west-point-professor-who-mentored-antifa-soldier-on-administrative-leave/
Badger52
09-28-2017, 17:01
A Muslim professor at the USMA, and mentor to 2Lt. Pinko, is now on administrative leave. According to the USMA, the administrative leave is unrelated to his mentorship of 2Lt. Pinko.Maybe it's related to the other guy he "mentored." Lotta house cleaning to do.
SO,, his muslim buddy takes him to the Taj Mahal???
Isn't Faisalabad, Pakistan just across the boarder from the Taj??
Do you think he's going the Chelsea route,, exogenous estrogen and anti-androgens ??
Rapone posted on several forums in support of Chelsea Manning, the Army soldier who went to jail for leaking classified intelligence to WikiLeaks. He posted January 18 on Facebook, “May we all learn from her example of what integrity and strength of conviction truly entails.”
According to photos on Rapone’s Facebook page, he became close to Hosein, a Ph.D. in Islamic history from the University of Chicago. The two appear to have traveled together to the Taj Mahal in March 2014, according to pictures posted on his Facebook page.
On March 18, 2014, Hosein posted on his Facebook page, “Back from the Taj [Mahal] and it delivered.” Two days later, on March 20, 2104, Hosein posted a picture of himself, wearing a long tunic, and Rapone, wearing a turban and a long tunic, with the caption: “The brothers are gonna work it out.”
Even his dad is, understandably, pissed:
. . . to add to the avalanche of trouble crashing down toward Rapone, his father, Lawrence County Treasurer Richard L. Rapone, also weighed in on his son’s actions. According to the Daily Caller, Richard posted a now private or deleted message that expressed great sadness and disappointment toward his son’s disregard for his future, and his country.
“In regards to my son Spencer Rapone, I disavow his political views and overall politics,” wrote Rapone’s father. “I am very disappointed in the direction he has chosen and as his father it greatly saddens me.”
https://www.redstate.com/brandon_morse/2017/09/28/communist-west-point-grads-father-isnt-happy-sons-behavior/
Pat
He's just limited his future job possibilities by half........ I'm sure he will be speaking/teaching at berkley soon.
Why not Harvard. Manning could show him around the campus and maybe they would get married.
ddoering
09-29-2017, 07:35
What if this asshat had been in a position of trust? What damage could he have done. They need to go thru his past couple of years with a fine tooth comb. Him and Reality Winner were EO hires from the last administration. How many more are out there?
craigepo
09-29-2017, 08:05
How in the hell does he get kicked out of a Ranger Battalion, then get into West Point? What am I missing?
How many folks were pushed through the Academies under the criminal enterprise that was the Obama regime? I figure a safe bet is that they put more than their fair share of commies through the Academies. LTG Caslen didn't help any either. I'm surprised they didn't offer a discipline in Global Warming; or, becoming a Social Justice Warrior.
the squid
09-29-2017, 08:37
IMO you surrender the rite when you openly wear Che Guevera shirts a sworn enemy of the United States which we sponsored and took part in the hunt to rid him off the earth and stand for ideals that opposes the oath to the constitution while in uniform.....a civilian has the rite to free speech they also have the rite to reap the repercussions you see in a free country citizens actually do have a choice as Officers he has sworn an oath....ironically the oath was to the constitution that was put in place to protect the people from tyranny such as dictatorships like communism.....the question that must be asked is he willing to support the constitution and defense against all enemies foreign and domestic or is he willing to undermine the tenants of the constitution he took an oath to. Is he enemy domestic??? does he support N. Korea or China in its communistic views?? and does he understand economics well enough to know that China's economy is built on Europe and mostly the American economies the free market loving capitalistic pigs we are. The problem with the young officers leading the smaller units is their immaturity and lack of life experience in the real world....I can't stand the starry eyed idealism of these young enthusiastic O's and you hear more and more of these young O's supporting these radical and idiotic Bernie Sanders types....not because they aren't educated enough to know they are usually at the age where reason hasn't taken hold yet. And its these young people that the Libtards prey upon because of their biological development has fully developed their executive function in their brains they are vulnerable to irrational ideas but eventually they grow up.
Sir, Rapone is a moron, and deserves whatever comes his way. Whatever his personal feelings, he doesn’t get to use his commission or service to amplify his statements.
Golf1echo
09-29-2017, 08:54
Remember the minority female crew with the black-power fists on the steps of the Academy? Kind of got hushed up real fast didn't it?
When I hear " West Point" I see that image in my mind, a bit of a stain it is.
Badger52
09-29-2017, 09:33
Che... a monster & tactically incompetent. Someone should go up to him with a t-shirt screened with the 'good' photo of Che - you know, the one before they cleaned him up. :cool:
rsdengler
09-29-2017, 09:46
Che... a monster & tactically incompetent. Someone should go up to him with a t-shirt screened with the 'good' photo of Che - you know, the one before they cleaned him up. :cool:
LOL....The Dead Che-Shirt.......:D
LOL....The Dead Che-Shirt.......:D
I did that: http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showpost.php?p=608167&postcount=14
PSM - if you go to market with these, please post it. I know about a dozen guys off-hand that would want one!!
Badger52
09-29-2017, 13:52
PSM - if you go to market with these, please post it. I know about a dozen guys off-hand that would want one!!Annnnnd, ROGER! LOL. Hell, I'd take a half-dozen for some specific Christmas stockings.
This is what I've got so far. I'm open for suggestions on the text, font, etc. At a dozen, they run about $17.50 plus shipping, I think. Obviously more means less. ;)
ETA: I'm not marketing, TS. If this happens it will be at cost.
Pat
"Good Che"
Gumby Che
ANTIFA Che
BLM Che
Badger52
09-29-2017, 16:22
"Good Che"
Other than what's on the shirt now, this one would get my vote - multi-generational, including the snowflakes to come.
I ordered one just to check the quality. It'll take 2 weeks.
Pat
This is what I've got so far. I'm open for suggestions on the text, font, etc. At a dozen, they run about $17.50 plus shipping, I think. Obviously more means less. ;)
ETA: I'm not marketing, TS. If this happens it will be at cost.
Pat
Looks too much like Bob Marley, cleanup the background and I will take one. :)
Looks too much like Bob Marley, cleanup the background and I will take one. :)
I have to find the original but I believe that that is his hair.
Pat
At the time, he had been on the run for 6-8 months and really did look that bad.. Additionally most of the pictures are blurry, because those were the days of B/W..
Here are some of my collection..
"El Jefe Esta Muerto"
"La Revolucion Esta Muerta"
Here's another who follows the "veteransforkaeperick" and "taketheknee" Twitter feeds. Note the red rose on his profile, symbol of the Democratic Socialists of America (commie front organization):
Badger52
09-30-2017, 16:31
At the time, he had been on the run for 6-8 months and really did look that bad.Yeah, pretty ratty. These still look cleaner & hair brushed out. I'll do some digging into the JPG dungeon for the one that's reeeeally rough & would be forever unusable by Hollyweird for their agenda, and a t-shirt screening outfit might not use it (damn, I miss my mind...).
At the time, he had been on the run for 6-8 months and really did look that bad.. Additionally most of the pictures are blurry, because those were the days of B/W..
Here are some of my collection..
I altered the middle for a T-shirt, in this old thread..
OLD Thread: https://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=43038
"El Jefe Esta Muerto"
"La Revolucion Esta Muerta"
I'm blocked from that thread.
Pat
rsdengler
10-01-2017, 11:38
At the time, he had been on the run for 6-8 months and really did look that bad.. Additionally most of the pictures are blurry, because those were the days of B/W..
Here are some of my collection..
"El Jefe Esta Muerto"
"La Revolucion Esta Muerta"
LOL..The "Dead Che" Head....perfect....I want that Tee to add to my collection....:munchin
Bleed Green
10-01-2017, 19:17
"I'm blocked from that thread."
Did you by chance get a warning screen telling you that you were about to be redirected to a page that is known for thieving your financial info Pat?
"I'm blocked from that thread."
Did you by chance get a warning screen telling you that you were about to be redirected to a page that is known for thieving your financial info Pat?
No, not the first time. I am now. The first time I was told that I was not authorized to access that thread on PS.com like the Isolation forum.
Pat
Bleed Green
10-01-2017, 19:29
Roger that amigo. Kind of spooked me with all the Equifax garbage that has gone down range. Hope you, the family and that desert I love are doing well.
Roger that amigo. Kind of spooked me with all the Equifax garbage that has gone down range. Hope you, the family and that desert I love are doing well.
We went to Hatch after the eclipse and I totally forgot to let you know. Sorry, it was a rather overwhelming trip. ;)
Pat
Bleed Green
10-01-2017, 21:58
Hope you took a big bag of green chile back with you. I started bringing back a 50 lb bag one year and after every body at the office got a taste I was bringing it back 500 lbs at a time. Next time we will hook up as I am not going anywhere for at least another year until mandatory.:D
CloseDanger
10-05-2017, 11:48
This is worse - MUCH worse. Read what a Lt. Colonel put ON REPORT about him and his actions while still at West Point. (http://bastionofliberty.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-communist-cadet.html)
Heffington Sworn Statement 18 Nov 2015 Signed (2) (https://www.scribd.com/document/360708005/Heffington-Sworn-Statement-18-Nov-2015-Signed-2?irgwc=1&content=27795&campaign=VigLink&ad_group=1726779&keyword=ft500noi&source=impactradius&medium=affiliate)
How was this Fk allowed to graduate and be commissioned? Are the powers that be at WP blind, deaf...dumb?
Outrageous.
How was this Fk allowed to graduate and be commissioned? Are the powers that be at WP blind, deaf...dumb?
Outrageous.
How !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Perhaps there exists a swamp at West Point that is also in need of draining.
Not to be a pessimist but how many more "Manchurian Candidates" are out there in positions of influence and authority?
I am uploading the sworn statement here, so that it will be easier for all to see how morally bankrupt our beloved military has become.
That a piece of shit like this turd was able to graduate after this statement, with other "adult supervision" obviously aware of his activities and beliefs, is unfathomable to me as it should be to anyone.
The more worrying part is that if this idiot got through and was allowed to graduate, what else are the leaders at West Point allowing to slip through the cracks or turning a blind eye too?
Edited to add: For anyone that has problems downloading or opening the .PDF, just right click, choose "save target as", and then rename the file to XXXXXX.pdf from the "attachment.php" that may come up. I have had this problem in the past trying to read/download .pdf files here, so hopefully this will help someone.
So this turd was able to keep wearing that scroll after being kicked out of the regiment?
The sworn testimony mentions him commanding respect of his peers due to his scroll.
What did I miss?
So this turd was able to keep wearing that scroll after being kicked out of the regiment?
The sworn testimony mentions him commanding respect of his peers due to his scroll.
What did I miss?
He was entitled to wear the scroll on his right shoulder as a combat patch (SSI-FWTS: shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service), regardless of how he left the RR.
He was entitled to wear the scroll on his right shoulder as a combat patch (SSI-FWTS: shoulder sleeve insignia-former wartime service), regardless of how he left the RR.
Thank you for clearing that up for me.
I am uploading the sworn statement here, so that it will be easier for all to see how morally bankrupt our beloved military has become.
That a piece of shit like this turd was able to graduate after this statement, with other "adult supervision" obviously aware of his activities and beliefs, is unfathomable to me as it should be to anyone.
The more worrying part is that if this idiot got through and was allowed to graduate, what else are the leaders at West Point allowing to slip through the cracks or turning a blind eye too?
Edited to add: For anyone that has problems downloading or opening the .PDF, just right click, choose "save target as", and then rename the file to XXXXXX.pdf from the "attachment.php" that may come up. I have had this problem in the past trying to read/download .pdf files here, so hopefully this will help someone.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
ddoering
10-05-2017, 14:23
How was this Fk allowed to graduate and be commissioned? Are the powers that be at WP blind, deaf...dumb?
Outrageous.
Probably in the name of diversity. After all, he brings a different viewpoint to the table based upon his communist point of view.
Don't they ask anymore on the security questionaire whether you belong to an organization dedicated to the overthrow of the US Government?
I question the loyalty of the officers who facilitated his way to graduation.
Is this fkwad still on active duty?
He has gotten Sen. Rubios attention:
Rubio asks Army to kick out West Point grad with pro-communist posts
http://thehill.com/policy/defense/353901-rubio-army-should-revoke-commission-of-west-point-grad-with-pro-communist
This was found on "The Hill" which I have heard of but have never used for information.
frostfire
10-05-2017, 16:14
Probably in the name of diversity. After all, he brings a different viewpoint to the table based upon his communist point of view.
Don't they ask anymore on the security questionaire whether you belong to an organization dedicated to the overthrow of the US Government?
I question the loyalty of the officers who facilitated his way to graduation.
I must admit my mind is blown.
Maybe I have a romanticized notion of the ah-mee but his sliding through the cracks makes me question a few not-sure-where-they-stand senior officers in my career
The West Pointers that I’ve worked with were nothing but stellar. On and off duty.
I shudder to think if this commie ends up a squad/team leader on Bragg:eek:
I am uploading the sworn statement here, so that it will be easier for all to see how morally bankrupt our beloved military has become.
That a piece of shit like this turd was able to graduate after this statement, with other "adult supervision" obviously aware of his activities and beliefs, is unfathomable to me as it should be to anyone.
The more worrying part is that if this idiot got through and was allowed to graduate, what else are the leaders at West Point allowing to slip through the cracks or turning a blind eye too?
Edited to add: For anyone that has problems downloading or opening the .PDF, just right click, choose "save target as", and then rename the file to XXXXXX.pdf from the "attachment.php" that may come up. I have had this problem in the past trying to read/download .pdf files here, so hopefully this will help someone.
That is simply shocking.
I'm no psychologist, but it smells like that fella has been groomed and developed for infiltration.....albeit poorly.
What's frightening to me is NOT this incredibly obvious outlier that needs to be expunged, nor the failure to have acted on crystal clear past detection.......but any others who had the cunning to play the long game and keep their mouths shut.
Hopefully the other cadets in the room have since been interrogated.....perhaps linked to the professor getting stood down.
It will be interesting to learn more granular detail about the professor and this cadet's overseas travels.
He has gotten Sen. Rubios attention:
Rubio asks Army to kick out West Point grad with pro-communist posts
http://thehill.com/policy/defense/353901-rubio-army-should-revoke-commission-of-west-point-grad-with-pro-communist
This was found on "The Hill" which I have heard of but have never used for information.
Good on Senator Rubio.
We ought to air-drop his commie ass into some communist shithole too while we are at it. He Deserves to be with his comrades.
The Reaper
10-05-2017, 20:11
Send him to Cuba.
Socialist paradise.
TR
Is this fkwad still on active duty?
It is my understanding that he is in the 2nd BCT, 10th Mountain Div.
He should be condemned to a career consisting of handing out implements for working parties.
A command of one....
Consider this...
Rapone is an overt subversive.
It was well known during his time at West POint.
He was booted from the 75th for reasons unknown - and was still recommended to go to USMA.
His command is aware of his behavior.
His behavior is just about as IN.YOUR.FACE. as possible and has been for quite some time.
...and yet, I can still hear Gunnery Sergeant Hartman's voice in my head, asking Private Joker why he is not stomping his guts out.
Now...
consider these added thoughts:
He had classmates at "the point" that supported and enabled his behavior.
Nobody knows who "they" are.
They are also leading troops, but with much less scrutiny.
West Point has a pattern of tolerating this new brand of individual expression; remember the Black Power Cadets from a year or so ago?
http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/08/us/west-point-cadets-photo/index.html
No action was taken on them either.
West Point = striving for mediocrity.
Leaders are conspicuously aware of this new trend in activist behavior and they don't seem to care.
Nothing to see here...
...move along
Consider this...
Rapone is an overt subversive.
It was well known during his time at West POint.
He was booted from the 75th for reasons unknown - and was still recommended to go to USMA.
His command is aware of his behavior.
His behavior is just about as IN.YOUR.FACE. as possible and has been for quite some time.
...and yet, I can still hear Gunnery Sergeant Hartman's voice in my head, asking Private Joker why he is not stomping his guts out.
Now...
consider these added thoughts:
He had classmates at "the point" that supported and enabled his behavior.
Nobody knows who "they" are.
They are also leading troops, but with much less scrutiny.
Leaders are conspicuously aware of this and dont seem to care.
Nothing to see here...
...move along
Was he actually booted from the 75th or did his acceptance to WP come through and he had to leave?
Pat
Was he actually booted from the 75th or did his acceptance to WP come through and he had to leave?
Pat
Supposedly:
LOM'd as a Private.
Quit Ranger School in class 6-17
Coincidentally, this shitstain is in the same brigade as brAdley manNing was before he solidified his legacy as transgendered traitor
Rapone's nomination for attendance at the USMA came from former dem0cratic Rep. Jas0n Altmire of Pennsylvania.
I'd love to see this guy get his just reward, but he will probably get treated no worse than the officer that made cadets go for a walk in high heels for equality
very confusing times that we are living in
How was this Fk allowed to graduate and be commissioned? Are the powers that be at WP blind, deaf...dumb?
I don't have your answer, but the progressives control the educational system, the last remaining obstacle would be the military academies.
Arguably, Obama gutted the military warrior leadership of America, its not such a far walk to envision an encroachment into the foundations of our cultural values.
Sadly, the cadet personnel policy at USMA shifted about 15 years ago from attrition (i.e., here is the standard--meet it or be separated) to retention (you have potential, so its our job to keep you around to help you reach it). Like Box said, Rapone was caught because he was overt. There are more than a few pacifists, McChrystal-like anti-gunners, SJWs and a whole slew of just plain old failures (failed multiple classes per semester, failed APFT/IOCT, refusals to train, etc.) across the Corps. Many are there for the 'free' education, with no motivation to become Army officers.
I can't fully blame the cadets themselves, as it is the adult leadership that is failing the school and ultimately the Army. Caslen, the Superintendent the last 4+ years, fosters this malignant environment, focusing on diversity, a winning football team and crucifying any young man accused of sexual harassment/assault as an example of how much he supports these skewed SJW agendas. As a Direct Reporting Unit, USMA falls under the SECARMY, so Milley could easily correct this listing ship by firing the easily identified cancerous leaders, but in the GO/FO "go along to get along" way, nothing will be done and Caslen will continue as Supe until he chooses to retire.
Coincidentally, this shitstain is in the same brigade as brAdley manNing was before he solidified his legacy as transgendered traitor
Rapone's nomination for attendance at the USMA came from former dem0cratic Rep. Jas0n Altmire of Pennsylvania.
He was also a classmate of the 1st WP trans..
http://www.newnownext.com/riley-dosh-the-first-trans-graduate-from-west-point-reacts-to-trumps-transgender-military-ban/07/2017/
Dosh also graduated with a shirt under his coat??
"straight out of the closet"
I see a trend... :mad:
rsdengler
10-06-2017, 06:49
He was also a classmate of the 1st WP trans..
http://www.newnownext.com/riley-dosh-the-first-trans-graduate-from-west-point-reacts-to-trumps-transgender-military-ban/07/2017/
Dosh also graduated with a shirt under his coat??
"straight out of the closet"
I see a trend... :mad:
That's whacked....sorry, but He-She still looks like a man dressed in drag. Gosh, just stop it already, you Mr./Miss Dosh are "not" a women....believe me...LOL :munchin
Consider this...
...and yet, I can still hear Gunnery Sergeant Hartman's voice in my head, asking Private Joker why he is not stomping his guts out.
Nothing to see here...
...move along
LOL...So WHY is no one "Stomping his Guts Out" right about now.......Any Takers? :p
bblhead672
10-06-2017, 06:55
I sense these are the military leaders who will be willing to command troops to kill their fellow Americans who resist the government.
Basenshukai
10-06-2017, 06:56
My first bit of knowledge about USMA at the time came from books I found in my high school library. These books had been written shortly after WWII and some had been written in the 1970's. So, I came away with such a respect for the institution, for the people who made it there and - most importantly - from te officers who graduated from there.
After having been commissioned into the Army and during my "upbringing" from within the light infantry (10th Mountain Div., in my case), and later, from within the 1st SF Regiment, I found that while USMA is a top tier institution of education, attendance to it does not promise top tier military performance from its graduates.
When I attended the officer basic course, shortly after my commissioning, I found that the bulk of USMA graduates behaved like a bunch of frat boys. One of them, whom I befriended while there (he left the Army after his 5-year stint was over, as I understand it), put it to me this way: "You see, we get locked up in this quasi-military environment for four years. Can you imagine some version of 'boot camp' for four years? That is what it is like. When we finally leave that place, we want to experience all the other things you guys from ROTC or OCS have already experienced. When you guys commission, you are ready to work. When we commission, we are ready to play."
Now, certainly this does not speak for every USMA graduate. I've met a number of outstanding officers in my time, USMA graduates among them. But, USMA is not the institution I read about back in the 90's. Maybe the tales about the academy were inflated then, or maybe the institution has shifted dangerously to the wrong side of America's societal spectrum.
Slight thread drift - but still pertaining to our service academies. A midshipman who actually attended the event at the USNA discussed in excerpted article below - showed me the video (months ago) also embedded in the story below.
The young man showing me the video was troubled by this performance during such an important event - and he is troubled that fully 1/2 of his class were attending the USNA merely for the "free" education..."5 and dive" - in his experience there really is no strong commitment to military service per se for about 1/2 of those attending.
On the other hand, on the glass half full side - fully 1/2 are enthusiastically striving for a successful military career. Complete article at link - excerpts below. The embedded video speaks for itself.
http://popularmilitary.com/naval-cadet-cheerleader-gives-flamboyant-performance-ship-selection/
Naval cadet, cheerleader gives flamboyant performance during ship selection
By Staff Writer| April 13th, 2017|Military News, U.S. Navy, Videos|
A US Navy midshipman and former high school cheerleader flamboyantly strutted down to find out his assignment during the Surface Warfare Officer Ship Selection ceremony and the end of January- and a lot of military personnel aren’t happy about it.
In a video posted online, Midshipman Jarred Reid-Dixon hip-swayed his way down to the selection board amid the cheers of his peers. The video’s caption read: “Meanwhile in the #Navy Graduation Ceremony. Watch our new officer coming through.”
However, Reid-Dixon’s feminine and flamboyant behaviour in uniform -particularly at such an important event- was not well-received by the internet.
“That guy just made a mockery of everything the Navy stands for,” one commenter said. “No pride or professionalism there.”
Others noted that while Reid-Dixon is (presumably) a homosexual, there is no reason for him to act in such a why while in uniform.
The ceremony involves Midshipmen First Class walking down (called by order of merit and class ranking, according to a matrix of physical, academic and military criteria) to a large board bearing names of duty assignments and ships. Upon arrival to the board, Midshipmen make selections of where they want to go and what ship they wish to be aboard. The options available to the midshipmen for selection include a variety of Navy ships, such as destroyers and frigates. According to DoD Live, “Midshipmen are only permitted to choose from the selection still available at the time their name is called.”
“For SWO selects, this is the single biggest moment of their time at USNA other than commissioning,” said Lt. Nick Driscoll, Ship Selection coordinator for 2017 at Annapolis, in a military press release. “This is a unique opportunity for these midshipmen to hand-select their ship and homeport. From now on, their time in the Navy will be spent putting in preferences and crossing their fingers that they get what they requested.”
The Midshipmen receive their assignments on May 26 after fully graduating, with many high-ranking naval staff in attendance at their prior ship selection ceremony, including Commander of US Fleet Forces Command Admiral Philip S Davidson.
With that in mind, it isn’t surprising that many people took this the wrong way.
PedOncoDoc
10-06-2017, 09:00
Slight thread drift - but still pertaining to our service academies. A midshipman who actually attended the event at the USNA discussed in excerpted article below - showed me the video (months ago) also embedded in the story below.
The young man showing me the video was troubled by this performance during such an important event - and he is troubled that fully 1/2 of his class were attending the USNA merely for the "free" education..."5 and dive" - in his experience there really is no strong commitment to military service per se for about 1/2 of those attending.
On the other hand, on the glass half full side - fully 1/2 are enthusiastically striving for a successful military career. Complete article at link - excerpts below. The embedded video speaks for itself.
http://popularmilitary.com/naval-cadet-cheerleader-gives-flamboyant-performance-ship-selection/
Naval cadet, cheerleader gives flamboyant performance during ship selection
By Staff Writer| April 13th, 2017|Military News, U.S. Navy, Videos|
A US Navy midshipman and former high school cheerleader flamboyantly strutted down to find out his assignment during the Surface Warfare Officer Ship Selection ceremony and the end of January- and a lot of military personnel aren’t happy about it.
In a video posted online, Midshipman Jarred Reid-Dixon hip-swayed his way down to the selection board amid the cheers of his peers. The video’s caption read: “Meanwhile in the #Navy Graduation Ceremony. Watch our new officer coming through.”
However, Reid-Dixon’s feminine and flamboyant behaviour in uniform -particularly at such an important event- was not well-received by the internet.
“That guy just made a mockery of everything the Navy stands for,” one commenter said. “No pride or professionalism there.”
Others noted that while Reid-Dixon is (presumably) a homosexual, there is no reason for him to act in such a why while in uniform.
The ceremony involves Midshipmen First Class walking down (called by order of merit and class ranking, according to a matrix of physical, academic and military criteria) to a large board bearing names of duty assignments and ships. Upon arrival to the board, Midshipmen make selections of where they want to go and what ship they wish to be aboard. The options available to the midshipmen for selection include a variety of Navy ships, such as destroyers and frigates. According to DoD Live, “Midshipmen are only permitted to choose from the selection still available at the time their name is called.”
“For SWO selects, this is the single biggest moment of their time at USNA other than commissioning,” said Lt. Nick Driscoll, Ship Selection coordinator for 2017 at Annapolis, in a military press release. “This is a unique opportunity for these midshipmen to hand-select their ship and homeport. From now on, their time in the Navy will be spent putting in preferences and crossing their fingers that they get what they requested.”
The Midshipmen receive their assignments on May 26 after fully graduating, with many high-ranking naval staff in attendance at their prior ship selection ceremony, including Commander of US Fleet Forces Command Admiral Philip S Davidson.
With that in mind, it isn’t surprising that many people took this the wrong way.
He was just too excited thinking about his exposure to all the seamen. ;)
He was just too excited thinking about his exposure to all the seamen. ;)
He did exhibit some exuberance - and Doc u went there !! ;)
Found it,, :mad:
link: Dancing Dandy (http://popularmilitary.com/naval-cadet-cheerleader-gives-flamboyant-performance-ship-selection/)
The AF and Army have stopped enlistments, just this yr..
He should have been told he's DQ, non-select..
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2017/05/10/transgender-troop-ban-president-donald-trump-defense-secretary-jim-mattis/101527662/
Golf1echo
10-06-2017, 09:56
The most disturbing thing about that dance was all the cheering!
All that was needed at lower levels was the mere threat of ramifications for deviant behavior. Turned out to be more of an urban legend than an actual event for us because we all pulled together as a unit. One of the more rewarding experiences in a life! Unfortunately that experience will be unknown for these individuals.
The Reaper
10-06-2017, 10:26
LOL...So WHY is no one "Stomping his Guts Out" right about now.......Any Takers? :p
Easy.
He/she is a protected species.
TR
Easy.
He/she is a protected species.
TR
TR,,
I think these days,,
It's encouraged..
:mad::mad::mad:
It would not be too far fetched to suggest a coalition of Commies, Islamists and homosexuals/LGBTQ, etc., etc., are actively dividing the nation.
Many public schools and many major universities have been corrupted. Is it far fetched to think that the subversives would not infiltrate our service academies? graduate schools?...Congress?
As I've said before, the nation is not somehow magically immune from subversion/division and even a cultural civil war.
The normalization of anti-Americanism, anti-Western Civilization and communism is particularly troubling. That sashaying at an esteemed service academy event - followed up with cheering - is both telling and troubling. But, maybe I should just laugh off all this stuff in our face and have another beer.
Is it far fetched to think that the subversives would not infiltrate our service academies? graduate schools?...Congress?
. . . White House?
Pat
Ok. this in from a 2nd Bat NCO to butter bar via USMA
So first off, check this out:
http://thisainthell.us/blog/?p=75154
Don’t know how they got it, but I know that it is legitimate.
The sad truth is that this guy was a history major. Professors - meaning uniformed Army officers - knew about his political beliefs and had challenged him on them. Unfortunately, the only thing that the academic side of West Point can do is certify whether or not someone met the academic requirements necessary for graduation. We don’t get to decide whether or not someone gets to commission, that is owned by the superintendent and commandant. Apparently, the superintendent was aware of this individual’s political beliefs.
I don’t have any good reason for why he was allowed to commission, but I have to think it has something to do with the fact that we are no longer following an “attrition model,” but rather a “developmental model.” Under the developmental model, we start from the standpoint that any individual can achieve and that it is incumbent on all of us to help the individual meet the standard so that he or she can go on to graduate. This model only makes sense in an environment where our admissions standards are no longer meeting the specific standards required to admit those who show the aptitude for commission service as a leader of character. Instead, our current admissions process focuses on achieving diversity (in all the forms that word entails) and by also prioritizing athletic ability for our varsity teams. Because of this, an attrition model can’t work. However, a potential consequence is the commissioning of this particular individual.
They will be very interesting to see if our admission standards don’t get a closer look from our civilian leadership because of this. I certainly hope they do, because I think our focus on who we admit is way off.
"You see, we get locked up in this quasi-military environment for four years. Can you imagine some version of 'boot camp' for four years? That is what it is like. When we finally leave that place, we want to experience all the other things you guys from ROTC or OCS have already experienced. When you guys commission, you are ready to work. When we commission, we are ready to play."
I've heard that excuse trotted out for decades, even from some of my shithead classmates. What they should be saying is they lacked the self-discipline to do what they knew was right, and not do what they knew was wrong. This is the same line of thinking that inspired the "I'd like to have two armies" tripe, implying that a soldier can't be both an effective warrior and have the discipline to act accordingly in garrison. Its just a simple-minded rationalization of an inability to exhibit self-control.
It makes you wonder how long amateur hour at the USMA has really been going on.
For as long as I can remember, folks (including non-USMA officers) have looked upon the ring knockers with a certain level of contempt. Its never a good idea to paint everything with a wide brush but stereotypes are often born from a certain degree of truthfulness...
My problem isn't with the changing standards - my problem rests entirely with the abject leadership hypocrisy demonstrated by administrators and senior leaders and it goes back for decades.
Slick Willie sodomized a subordinate in the oval office - in the aftermath - junior soldiers had to wear an Army value card on their dog tag chain. Senior leaders fuck their subordinates wives, lie on travel vouchers, skirt regulations, and participate in countless boondoggles while simultaneously destroying the careers of subordinates for minor infractions.
One group is savaged and the other is allowed to slip silently into the night without harm.
Rapone is just emulating his leaders.
We aren't supposed to single out a troop that wants to suck dick as being a shit bag - even though he really is a shit bag, but we will call a better soldier a shit bag because he needs a haircut.
...or punches an Afghan cop
...or shoots an Afghan IED maker
Let's just make sure we don't offend anyone - diversity in the military is the road to success on the battlefield.
There is a reason that the rank and file troop increasingly disrespects and resists military authority - it is because they increasingly see those in authority abuse that trust.
Its ok to fuck your biographer
Its ok to defraud the government out of travel funds
Its ok to bend the regulations for the commander
...bouse your boots troop - you look like a shit bag
This assbag isn't fucked up - he is simply following the example of his leaders.
Sorry about taking your actions out of context LT Rapone - go back to emulating your leaders.
That is all.....
It makes you wonder how long amateur hour at the USMA has really been going on.
For as long as I can remember, folks (including non-USMA officers) have looked upon the ring knockers with a certain level of contempt. Its never a good idea to paint everything with a wide brush but stereotypes are often born from a certain degree of truthfulness...
My problem isn't with the changing standards - my problem rests entirely with the abject leadership hypocrisy demonstrated by administrators and senior leaders and it goes back for decades.
Slick Willie sodomized a subordinate in the oval office - in the aftermath - junior soldiers had to wear an Army value card on their dog tag chain. Senior leaders fuck their subordinates wives, lie on travel vouchers, skirt regulations, and participate in countless boondoggles while simultaneously destroying the careers of subordinates for minor infractions.
One group is savaged and the other is allowed to slip silently into the night without harm.
Rapone is just emulating his leaders.
We aren't supposed to single out a troop that wants to suck dick as being a shit bag - even though he really is a shit bag, but we will call a better soldier a shit bag because he needs a haircut.
...or punches an Afghan cop
...or shoots an Afghan IED maker
Let's just make sure we don't offend anyone - diversity in the military is the road to success on the battlefield.
There is a reason that the rank and file troop increasingly disrespects and resists military authority - it is because they increasingly see those in authority abuse that trust.
Its ok to fuck your biographer
Its ok to defraud the government out of travel funds
Its ok to bend the regulations for the commander
...bouse your boots troop - you look like a shit bag
This assbag isn't fucked up - he is simply following the example of his leaders.
Sorry about taking your actions out of context LT Rapone - go back to emulating your leaders.
That is all.....
^^^^^^^^^ FREAKING WELL STATED!!!!!!
SPOT-ON BOX!!
rsdengler
10-07-2017, 14:59
It makes you wonder how long amateur hour at the USMA has really been going on.
For as long as I can remember, folks (including non-USMA officers) have looked upon the ring knockers with a certain level of contempt. Its never a good idea to paint everything with a wide brush but stereotypes are often born from a certain degree of truthfulness...
My problem isn't with the changing standards - my problem rests entirely with the abject leadership hypocrisy demonstrated by administrators and senior leaders and it goes back for decades.
Slick Willie sodomized a subordinate in the oval office - in the aftermath - junior soldiers had to wear an Army value card on their dog tag chain. Senior leaders fuck their subordinates wives, lie on travel vouchers, skirt regulations, and participate in countless boondoggles while simultaneously destroying the careers of subordinates for minor infractions.
One group is savaged and the other is allowed to slip silently into the night without harm.
Rapone is just emulating his leaders.
We aren't supposed to single out a troop that wants to suck dick as being a shit bag - even though he really is a shit bag, but we will call a better soldier a shit bag because he needs a haircut.
...or punches an Afghan cop
...or shoots an Afghan IED maker
Let's just make sure we don't offend anyone - diversity in the military is the road to success on the battlefield.
There is a reason that the rank and file troop increasingly disrespects and resists military authority - it is because they increasingly see those in authority abuse that trust.
Its ok to fuck your biographer
Its ok to defraud the government out of travel funds
Its ok to bend the regulations for the commander
...bouse your boots troop - you look like a shit bag
This assbag isn't fucked up - he is simply following the example of his leaders.
Sorry about taking your actions out of context LT Rapone - go back to emulating your leaders.
That is all.....
LOL....Well stated and as always, a "blunt and in your face"awesome comment ....BOX IS DA MAN....:lifter
WarriorDiplomat
10-07-2017, 16:28
Ok. this in from a 2nd Bat NCO to butter bar via USMA
Excellent point by this Ranger NCO he hit the nail on the head if only we should expect this much honest insight from our own....Spec Ops too has adopted the development model the O's and GS's who pollute SOF has engineered this.....don't worry there are more SOF retiring who are looking to add more chaos to the crumbling empire in an effort to get there easy money too parasites IMO....because we in the military can't allow time to develop subordinates because hell Bragg trains everything f'ng thing now including teaching E7's how to be TM Sgts instead learning from their own team sgts.
Lack of respect for leaders really no kidding? completely agree box these young guys are entitled the messaging is crossed today in recruiting and active application of the unit..... O"s and SGM's can be seen bitching down and on first name basis with E6-7's the game today is who you know and what social group you belong to.......I heard a MAJ talk up how he was voting for Hillary and made the comment when we lost it was because the low IQs voted Trump there is not much distance between a Hillary and Che Guevera.....how many people have died as a direct result of the Arab spring???How about Russia's new found military might or Iran new nuclear capabilities.....
The military today reminds me of a shattered confused and undisciplined crumbling building the lifers are worse than the opportunist whom just play stupid ride out retirement and the PT types looking for credentials so they too can rape the Army of talent, money and a competent leadership. We just paid 5mil. To have a building redone not built but be brought up to code some wiring, paint a few walls and a 5 million $ bill......my argument is WTF if someone is going to rape the Army for 5mil for some home improvement might as well keep it in the family.....
Why in the hell do we keep allowing contractors into our inner sanctums and allowing these foreign Army and non SF qualified types train us on shit we can do ourselves......why do they disrespect there leadership? This is why most of the relation ships seem to be viewed like business partnerships....you are right box nepotism has disintegrated the Army and the who you know and not what you know is the new promotion system.....what do you get when young people who do not seek advice from experienced senior guys? You get a bullshit Krav Maga (not real) guy from the Air Force SF teaching Green Berets how to fight??? Why would anyone respect it's leadership when I hear cherry GB talk about CSM Rarey and CSM Abernathy as Brian and Rob with insight that they think they have on their personal interactions they shouldn't have is a sure sign the respect those positions once had is gone.
It is sickening listening to a relatively inexperienced sociopath soldier waltz into a proven unit and virtually take over......you can guess what usually happens or these young good idea fairies who don't know shit because of little real life experience and not even 10 yrs in the Army does not know much about history and revisit a shitty idea and sell ilike Amway like it hasn't failed multiple times.....and the weak leadership agree?!?!?!? I have said it before the military should be ripped apart and rebuilt carefully. The military is out of control Obama accelerated it but our leaders if they want discipline in the ranks need to gain an understanding of how small and unsecretive the world is with social media.....Quitting abusing power and doing stupid shit is the laymans response if the President really wants to fix the military to fight the wars Obama/Hillary put us in the position to have to fight then you need to start imprisoning leaders for these abuses reduce them in rank take their benefits you must break the tyranny of the GO infallibility and bring altruistic honor back to a noble profession and get rid of this ill advised business model....
You cannot develop character and loyalty can be destroyed by a morally and legally corrupted leadership......as much as I want Lt Rapones citizenship taken he is not alone in the remnants of a once great Army.
don't worry there are more SOF retiring who are looking to add more chaos to the crumbling empire
I think you mean Crumbling SOF Enterprise.
WarriorDiplomat
10-08-2017, 19:13
I think you mean Crumbling SOF Enterprise.
Yeah the enterprise what a joke and I am sure their was a promotion linked to this madness....can you believe they run IQ tests these days on our own what is lacking is the emotional IQ.....watching the Army constantly play with an Army who actually used to win wars not just battles makes me sick
Seems like the institutional decay and rot at West Point has been going on for some time.
Open Letter from LTC (R) Heffington (https://medium.com/@UlisseRJ/open-letter-to-grads-from-ltc-ret-heffington-659dac71511f)
Open Letter to Grads from LTC(ret) Heffington:
(This was written by LTC (USA, ret.) Robert M. Heffington, as an open letter to graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point. It has only been edited for format, and may differ in that respect from the original. My apologies to Lt. Colonel Heffington if this has been misrepresented in any way)
Dear Sir/Ma’am,
Before you read any further, please understand that the following paragraphs come from a place of intense devotion and loyalty to West Point. My experience as a cadet had a profound impact upon who I am and upon the course of my life, and I remain forever grateful that I have the opportunity to be a part of the Long Gray Line. I firmly believe West Point is a national treasure and that it can and should remain a vitally important source of well trained, disciplined, highly educated Army officers and civilian leaders. However, during my time on the West Point faculty (2006–2009 and again from 2013–2017), I personally witnessed a series of fundamental changes at West Point that have eroded it to the point where I question whether the institution should even remain open.
The recent coverage of 2LT Spenser Rapone — an avowed Communist and sworn enemy of the United States — dramatically highlighted this disturbing trend. Given my recent tenure on the West Point faculty and my direct interactions with Rapone, his “mentors,” and with the Academy’s leadership, I believe I can shed light on how someone like Rapone could possibly graduate. First and foremost, standards at West Point are nonexistent. They exist on paper, but nowhere else. The senior administration at West Point inexplicably refuses to enforce West Point’s publicly touted high standards on cadets, and, having picked up on this, cadets refuse to enforce standards on each other. The Superintendent refuses to enforce admissions standards or the cadet Honor Code, the Dean refuses to enforce academic standards, and the Commandant refuses to enforce standards of conduct and discipline. The end result is a sort of malaise that pervades the entire institution. Nothing matters anymore. Cadets know this, and it has given rise to a level of cadet arrogance and entitlement the likes of which West Point has never seen in its history.
Every fall, the Superintendent addresses the staff and faculty and lies. He repeatedly states that “We are going to have winning sports teams without compromising our standards,” and everyone in Robinson Auditorium knows he is lying because we routinely admit athletes with ACT scores in the mid-teens across the board. I have personally taught cadets who are borderline illiterate and cannot read simple passages from the assigned textbooks. It is disheartening when the institution’s most senior leader openly lies to his own faculty — and they all know it. The cadet honor code has become a laughingstock. Cadets know they will not be separated for violating it, and thus they do so on a daily basis. Moreover, since they refuse to enforce standards on each other and police their own ranks, cadets will rarely find a cadet at an honor hearing despite overwhelming evidence that a violation has occurred.
This in turn has caused the staff and faculty to give up even reporting honor incidents. Why would a staff or faculty member expend the massive amount of time and energy it takes to report an honor violation — including writing multiple sworn statements, giving interviews, and testifying at the honor hearing — when they know without a doubt the cadet will not be found (or, if found, the Superintendent will not separate the cadet)? To make matters worse, the senior leadership at West Point actively discourages staff and faculty from reporting honor violations. I was unfortunate enough to experience this first hand during my first tour on the faculty, when the Commandant of Cadets called my office phone and proceeded to berate me in the most vulgar and obscene language for over ten minutes because I had reported a cadet who lied to me and then asked if “we could just drop it.” Of course, I was duty bound to report the cadet’s violation, and I did. During the course of the berating I received from the Commandant, I never actually found out why he was so angry. It seemed that he was simply irritated that the institution was having to deal with the case, and that it was my fault it even existed. At the honor hearing the next day, I ended up being the one on trial as my character and reputation were dragged through the mud by the cadet and her civilian attorney while I sat on the witness stand without any assistance. In the end, of course, the cadet was not found (despite having at first admitted that she lied), and she eventually graduated.
Just recently a cadet openly and obviously plagiarized his History research paper, and his civilian professor reported it. The evidence was overwhelming — there was not the slightest question of his guilt, yet the cadet was not found. The professor, and indeed all the faculty who knew of the case, were completely demoralized. This is the new norm for the cadet honor system. In fact, there is now an addition to the honor system (the Willful Admission Process) which essentially guarantees that if a cadet admits a violation, then separation is not even a possibility. In reality, separation is not a possibility anyway because the Superintendent refuses to impose that sanction. Academic standards are also nonexistent. I believe this trend started approximately ten years ago, and it has continued to get worse. West Point has stated standards for academic expectations and performance, but they are ignored. Cadets routinely fail multiple classes and they are not separated at the end-of-semester Academic Boards. Their professors recommend “Definitely Separate,” but those recommendations are totally disregarded.
I recently taught a cadet who failed four classes in one semester (including mine), in addition to several she had failed in previous semesters, and she was retained at the Academy. As a result, professors have lost hope and faith in the entire Academic Board process. It has been made clear that cadets can fail a multitude of classes and they will not be separated. Instead, when they fail (and they do to a staggering extent), the Dean simply throws them back into the mix and expects the faculty to somehow drag them through the academic program until they manage to earn a passing grade.
What a betrayal this is to the faculty! Also, since they get full grade replacement if they must retake a course, cadets are actually incentivized to fail. They know they can re-take the course over the summer when they have no other competing requirements, and their new grade completely replaces the failing one. STAP (Summer Term Academic Program) is also now an accepted summer detail assignment, so retaking a course during the summer translates into even more summer leave for the deficient cadet.
Even the curriculum itself has suffered. The plebe American History course has been revamped to focus completely on race and on the narrative that America is founded solely on a history of racial oppression. Cadets derisively call it the “I Hate America Course.” Simultaneously, the plebe International History course now focuses on gender to the exclusion of many other important themes.
On the other hand, an entire semester of military history was recently deleted from the curriculum (at West Point!).
In all courses, the bar has been lowered to the point where it is irrelevant. If a cadet fails a course, the instructor is blamed, so instructors are incentivized to pass everyone. Additionally, instead of responding to cadet failure with an insistence that cadets rise to the challenge and meet the standard, the bar for passing the course itself is simply lowered. This pattern is widespread and pervades every academic department.
Conduct and disciplinary standards are in perhaps the worst shape of all. Cadets are jaded, cynical, arrogant, and entitled. They routinely talk back to and snap at their instructors (military and civilian alike), challenge authority, and openly refuse to follow regulations.
They are allowed to wear civilian clothes in almost any arena outside the classroom, and they flaunt that privilege. Some arrive to class unshaven, in need of haircuts, and with uniforms that look so ridiculously bad that, at times, I could not believe I was even looking at a West Point cadet. However, if a staff or faculty member attempts to correct the cadet in question, that staff/faculty member is sure to be reprimanded for “harassing cadets.”
For example, as I made my rounds through the barracks inspecting study conditions one evening as the Academic Officer in Charge, I encountered a cadet in a company study room. He was wearing a pair of blue jeans and nothing else, and was covered in tattoos. He had long hair, was unshaven, and I was honestly unsure if he was even a cadet. He looked more like a prison convict to me. When I questioned what he was doing there, he remained seated in his chair and sneered at me that he “was authorized” because he was a First Class cadet. I proceeded to correct him and then reported him to the chain of command the next morning. Later that day I received an email from the Brigade Tactical Officer telling me to “stay in my lane.”
The rest of the article is at the link above...
My God....the inmates run the asylum....
Digging down through the comments and tweets I found a video by a KGB defector that outlined all of this in the mid-80s: Yuri Bezmenov, Psychological Warfare Subversion & Control of Western Society (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=SZnkULuWFDg) One hour.
Pat
Forget the nose...the subversive's head is in the tent...what could be the harm?
Forget the nose...the subversive's head is in the tent...what could be the harm?
I've be saying for a decade that we're past the first hump of a Bactrian camel, probably even the second.
Pat
The rest of the article is at the link above...
If this is observed elsewhere in the Army training environment or Garrison, why would it be such a stretch to take place at the service academies?
Question is how long can we as a nation endure such viral performance in our military before its affect of our capabilities of competence and defense become beyond any resilience of rapid violence, that never strikes tomorrow. There are signs we have a trend and can not look away any longer, yet the voice of leaders still screams all is well.
I spent my career in MI. Of interest I read all about the OSS through many, many books. Most the time after nearly each page I thought, WTF happened to us?
Does not apply to everyone and all of course.
Hope the kid has a wonderful effing career.
WarriorDiplomat
10-12-2017, 08:10
Digging down through the comments and tweets I found a video by a KGB defector that outlined all of this in the mid-80s: Yuri Bezmenov, Psychological Warfare Subversion & Control of Western Society (https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=SZnkULuWFDg) One hour.
Pat
Scarry isn't it.....look how close we were this last election after an 8 yr primer......Trump gave people a voice.....I hope he drains the military swamp as well what's funny is the O's don't seem as bad as the NCOs....but they are far from altruistic....today feels like a store with bad management neglected by corporate and the employees are giving shit away...eating stuff off the shelf...it is leaderless in way.....everyone is equal in their minds rank is a pay grade not real authority...the employees feel entitled to the fruits...but none wants to do the work to get the fruits......The LTC described the same thing we are seeing in our own unit....
Mustang Man
10-12-2017, 10:59
I don't think Trump can fix the military or even thinks there's serious problems with it. In today's America there seems to be an unwritten rule that you cannot critize the military, lest you want to be labeled as "not supporting the troops." Trump seems to have a blind love for the military, he'd probably recognize it's issues and seriously try and reform it had he served. This is the problem and result we get when most citizens have never served. The fixes are gonna have to come from within, or at the very least an honest politician that calls out the military. Neither of those will likely ever happen, no politician would ever risk staining their public relations criticizing the troops. And the military punishes those from within that try and do the right thing and don't toe to line.
I like what John Reed proposes. We head back to the draft mindset & military where everyone has a stake in the game. The volunteer service has slowly morphed and created the careerist mentality that just give a shit about themselves, pensions and not winning wars.
Should there be a draft?
https://johntreed.com/blogs/john-t-reed-s-blog-about-military-matters/66448067-should-there-
Should there be a military draft? Absolutely.
Actually, I think a better question is whether anyone should be allowed into the military by any*other*means.
This article has changed some minds of people who were quite against the draft before they read it. Here is an email from one.
I was just reading your article on the draft and I have to say I did disagree at first but after reading it more thoroughly I was really thinking about and I would have to agree and I was discussing with some woman whose a reserve sergeant major in the army she went on about how she is still in as if she were superior to all and how you can't force people in the armed forces and it is not the obligation of every citizen to defend their nation, I did not even know what to say so I was just wondering on what you thought about it and what I should tell anyone who goes gaga over any one in uniform.
Hessel Pineda <mrwhiteshotniceguyeddie@gmail.com>
The notion that you can’t force peole in the armed forces reveals a profound lack in history knowledge for a retired sergeant major. Napoleon Bonaparte invented the draft, conquered most of Europe with his conscript army. One of the reasons he eventually lost was his enemies copied his draft idea. We also won the Civil War, World War I, and World War II with armies that were almost entirely made up of draftees. I have heard sergeants described as the backbone of the Army. Without comment on that I will add that I never heard them described as the brains of the Army.
See if you can read the article and not change your mind.
Eager to kill?
The military is about killing or seriously wounding people in large numbers. That’s a necessary evil at best. It seems to me thatvolunteering*for such activities is akin to volunteering to be the executioner at your state prison. Somebody’s gotta do it, but*no one*should be*eager*to do it. And if a person*is*eager to do it, that person is almost certainly ignorant of what it means to kill or maim others or risk being killed or maimed, or they are mentally defective.
Badger52
10-12-2017, 11:50
I like what John Reed proposes.I disagree with his premise RE forced conscription. He cherry picks results but doesn't point out that the action to conscript was HUGELY unpopular & mightily resisted by the people - both sides of the War of Northern Aggression (CSA did it first right before Lincoln) - as well as WW-I, when Wilson decided to take his new personal spiritual view of the US as the maker of Heaven right here on Earth and go all-in rather than let the Euro's fight it out.
In my mind the solution is not to pollute the pool, it's to dump some chlorine into what remains & those who want to remain. The US military should be the baddest & bravest breakers of shit around - and used judiciously. It is expensive - but it's not something to be run as either a profit-center or a sociology experiment. So because of this expense, the civ-pols need to be more reticent about where they spend it. The tick entrenchment in the DC swamp has - in my view - made them far too cavalier in what they do with this thing called the US Armed Forces. I served during both the VN draft years and watched the initial VOLAR kluge & well past - good & bad intake with both mechanisms. But neither is a solution. Standards, like for kids, right/left limits from their parents, which - ultimately - they actually end up appreciating.
But it takes an adult or 3 in the room to do that.
[/curmudgeon]
I guess that Duty, Honor and Country have been thrown out the window. Somewhere along the lines our nation has been fundamentally changed and I personally do not care for i one bit.
I really like the idea of a professional military, especially with the increasing need for specialised education just to try and tread water with the increasing velocity of technological change.
And a shrinking 100% volunteer force has contributed to a "caste" like class structure where the military is the most respected institution in the US, but increasingly remote and distant from the lives of most Americans with a dramatically reduced direct connection to it(declining since it's post WWII "all in" apex)
And while I think conscription has its merits, towards the end of the US experiment with selective service conscription there was the very serious issue of Mcnamara's social engineering folly.
There was also the issue of statistically relevant(even blatant) under representation from "our betters" from Ivy League institutions.
I wonder if limited conscription would be an option in the future?
The opposite of Israel. Instead of a core of professionals surrounded by the vast majority conscript perhaps a vast majority of professionals, supported by selected "impact conscripts"?
Perhaps the conscript version of "I'd rather go down the river with seven studs than with a hundred $h!theads."?
Has there been any update on Dr Rasheed Hosein, LT Rapone's professor and mentor since placed on administrative leave?
His University of Chicago background is.....interesting.
As is Hosein's/Rapone's overseas trips.
Do Service Academy professors require security clearance, CI checks, and/or FDI/DOJ background checks?
WarriorDiplomat
10-12-2017, 17:23
I really like the idea of a professional military, especially with the increasing need for specialised education just to try and tread water with the increasing velocity of technological change.
And a shrinking 100% volunteer force has contributed to a "caste" like class structure where the military is the most respected institution in the US, but increasingly remote and distant from the lives of most Americans with a dramatically reduced direct connection to it(declining since it's post WWII "all in" apex)
And while I think conscription has its merits, towards the end of the US experiment with selective service conscription there was the very serious issue of Mcnamara's social engineering folly.
There was also the issue of statistically relevant(even blatant) under representation from "our betters" from Ivy League institutions.
I wonder if limited conscription would be an option in the future?
The opposite of Israel. Instead of a core of professionals surrounded by the vast majority conscript perhaps a vast majority of professionals, supported by selected "impact conscripts"?
Perhaps the conscript version of "I'd rather go down the river with seven studs than with a hundred $h!theads."?
Well several steps have happened in a slow spiral after the coup in the 30's because the neglected damaged WW1 vets were damaged and not taken care of.....Smedley Butler came out against the military industrial complex exposing the purpose as driven by corporate needs highlighted in his book War is a Racket WW2 demonized our European and Japanese heritages....Korea was unpopular and too soon after WW2.....Eisenhower gives speech about the military industrial complex....Vietnam escalated and even then the college's were questioning our opposition to communism....the draft went away the Chicago school of economics advised the military to use marketing to attract professionals be all you can be...men weren't volunteering so woman began taking up the slack....wars got smaller and smaller highlighting the bigger shadow wars even CIA station chiefs were quitting because of senseless wars in places we had no stake but we funded and engineered it....the Iran Contra scandal exposed secretive corruption and dishonesty and gave insight into the shadowy government.....Americans needed Schwarzkopf and the Gulf war to rally around....the Clinton presidency nuff said....9/11 conspiracist blamed us and got alot of air time...GWOT begain.....Obama presidency nuff said.....
I would disagree with his quote of eager to kill.
Eager to kill?
The military is about killing or seriously wounding people in large numbers. That’s a necessary evil at best. It seems to me that volunteering*for such activities is akin to volunteering to be the executioner at your state prison. Somebody’s gotta do it, but*no one*should be*eager*to do it. And if a person*is*eager to do it, that person is almost certainly ignorant of what it means to kill or maim others or risk being killed or maimed, or they are mentally defective.
I would say its more the desire to win.
Mainly to ensure our way of life continues over someone else's way of life.
Don't see a line of immigrants going into North Korea, They have almost a pure conscripted Army. And most are eager to stay in their military so they have something to eat not a desire to win.
Also to keep our advantage in winning you need professional soldiers. who else is going to train and lead the conscripts if we have a need for some?
Mustang Man
10-18-2017, 10:16
Also to keep our advantage in winning you need professional soldiers. who else is going to train and lead the conscripts if we have a need for some?
I agree with you on this. I know my link is a long read but if you read far enough he touches on this point. Pilots, SOF, and other highly trained personal would fall in this category. As far as the rest of the occupations we can draft, easily train, and even win with them like in WWII.
Team Sergeant
10-18-2017, 11:05
I would disagree with his quote of eager to kill.
I would say its more the desire to win.
Mainly to ensure our way of life continues over someone else's way of life.
Don't see a line of immigrants going into North Korea, They have almost a pure conscripted Army. And most are eager to stay in their military so they have something to eat not a desire to win.
Also to keep our advantage in winning you need professional soldiers. who else is going to train and lead the conscripts if we have a need for some?
Agree. This individual is showing his low IQ.
A standing army has but one goal:
Deterrence
No one has greased this asshat yet?
I dont expect anything to come of this...
...certainly dont expect to see troops being reissued an army values card over something as insignificant as this.
ddoering
10-19-2017, 16:51
I see an EO complaint then a rapid rise thru the ranks as political officer.
The Reaper
10-19-2017, 20:08
Fragging for LT Niedermeyer?
TR
Complete article and copy of superintendent Clasen's letter embedded in article at link below. As usual, the comments are interesting.
West Point Chief Pushes Back On Criticism Amid ‘Commie Cadet’ Investigations
By JARED KELLER on October 12, 2017
T&P
U.S. Military Academy superintendent Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen Jr. has an important message for active-duty service members and veterans outraged over the viral photos of a communist West Point graduate that circulated in September: Yes, we’re taking this seriously.
In an Oct. 11 letter to the members of the USMA community, Caslen stated that 2nd Lt. Spenser Rapone — the Afghanistan combat infantry veteran and West Point grad captured with a Che Guevara shirt under his dress uniform and a “Communism Will Win” sign under his cover — is currently subject to two ongoing investigations by both West Point and his commanders with the 10th Mountain Division for what Army Times characterized as “subversive political views.”
“It is my duty to thoroughly investigate concerns pertaining to the effectiveness of our systems and processes to maintain the outstanding quality of USMA graduates that the Nation expects,” Caslen wrote. “I am committed to fulfilling that duty to both our graduates and the American people. It is imperative that this be done right.”
<snip>
http://taskandpurpose.com/communist-west-point-grad-letter/
Complete article and copy of superintendent Clasen's letter embedded in article at link below. As usual, the comments are interesting.
West Point Chief Pushes Back On Criticism Amid ‘Commie Cadet’ Investigations
By JARED KELLER on October 12, 2017
T&P
U.S. Military Academy superintendent Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen Jr. has an important message for active-duty service members and veterans outraged over the viral photos of a communist West Point graduate that circulated in September: Yes, we’re taking this seriously.
In an Oct. 11 letter to the members of the USMA community, Caslen stated that 2nd Lt. Spenser Rapone — the Afghanistan combat infantry veteran and West Point grad captured with a Che Guevara shirt under his dress uniform and a “Communism Will Win” sign under his cover — is currently subject to two ongoing investigations by both West Point and his commanders with the 10th Mountain Division for what Army Times characterized as “subversive political views.”
“It is my duty to thoroughly investigate concerns pertaining to the effectiveness of our systems and processes to maintain the outstanding quality of USMA graduates that the Nation expects,” Caslen wrote.
“I am committed to fulfilling that duty to both our graduates and the American people.
It is imperative that this be done right.”
<snip>
http://taskandpurpose.com/communist-west-point-grad-letter/
It's going to be buried, with no comment.. :mad::mad::mad:
Probably no need to wake up the crazy navy swamp critter from Arizona, he likes to cover up ring-knocker faux-pas.. :mad:
bblhead672
11-03-2017, 14:41
“I personally witnessed a series of fundamental changes at West Point that have eroded it to the point where I question whether the institution should even remain open,” Heffington wrote. “The recent coverage of 2LT Spenser Rapone — an avowed Communist and sworn enemy of the United States — dramatically highlighted this disturbing trend.”
Its disheartening to see that there are a great number of people in the leadership of the political class, the military, academia and the media who do not believe that Communists are enemies of the United States. Along with most of the entertainment industry and huge portion of the citizenry.
Maybe I'm just too old and outdated for these modern United States of America. :mad:
maybe U.S. Military Academy superintendent Lt. Gen. Robert L. Caslen Jr is just looking for some good, solid evidence that can help prove these allegations
Besides... if a wartime violation of Articles 85 and 99 can get a guy busted to E1 with a dishonorable discharge, then posting embarrassing photos on social media should at least land West Point graduate spenser rapone in some pretty hot water. I am guessing he may even find himself pulling staff duty on a holiday weekend.
November 27, 2017
The Rapone Case and the Bill of Rights
By Frank Ryan
The case of Second Lt. Spenser Rapone, West Point graduate and U.S. Army officer, has raised a number of issues relative to our military, our Bill of Rights, and our common defense.
Lt. Rapone is the West Point graduate who displayed, while in uniform, expressions of support for communism and socialism. He allegedly was critical of national command authority as well.
The Army has begun an investigation into how this young officer’s perspectives and anti-authority leanings were not uncovered prior to his graduation despite concerns from some of his academic officers at West Point.
When I personally condemned his actions and recommended disciplinary action, I received a number of widely varying comments on social media about the young officer’s actions and the discipline suggested. The vast majority condemned him and called for various forms of punishment. Most agreed with my perspective that he should be dismissed from the military and forced to repay the cost of his West Point education.
A number of other people suggested that taking any action against this person was unconstitutional because it violated his freedom of speech. When myself and fellow veterans noted that military personnel, while in uniform, have limits on our freedom of speech, the debate went viral.
There are three documents that are relevant to this discussion. One is the Constitution’s Bill of Rights, one is the oath of office as a commissioned officer in the U.S. military, and the other is the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
First, as a cadet Rapone would have taken an oath of office upon joining the U.S. military and again when he was commissioned at graduation from West Point.
That oath of office states: “I, _____, having been appointed an officer in the Army of the United States, as indicated above in the grade of _____ do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservations or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter; So help me God."
Once an officer is commissioned, the UCMJ is the standard under which all in the military submit.
In the case of Lt. Rapone the following are some of the provisions of the UCMJ that he would be suspected of violating. Please note that I am not an attorney; however, I am a retired Marine Reserve Colonel and former commanding officer and would have recommended such an investigation of violating the following articles of the UCMJ by any one in a similar situation to Lt. Rapone.
Article 83 – fraudulent enlistment, appointment, or separation
Article 84 – unlawful enlistment, appointment or separation
Article 88 – contempt towards officials
Article 89 – disrespect toward senior commissioned officer
Article 94 – mutiny or sedition
Article 107 – false statements
Article 117 – provoking speeches or gestures
Article 133 - conduct unbecoming an officer a gentleman
Article 134 – General article
Finally, with the Bill of Rights to the United States Constitution states in the First Amendment that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances.”
The Bill of Rights says that Congress shall make no law relating to these rights. It does not mean that an employer or the military cannot regulate such freedoms, while you are in that organization’s employ as well as place other restrictions on your conduct that reflect poorly on the organization you work for.
What this young officer allegedly did was serious. It undermined the entire fabric of military discipline. It undermined command-and-control and potentially put soldiers at risk.
All officers and enlisted personnel’s Bill of Rights are limited once we take that oath of enlistment or office. The misguided perception in our society that you can say whatever you want whenever you want is perhaps even more troubling.
A society that lacks discipline in the very forces that it relies upon to defend it in times of national crisis is in grave danger. Misunderstanding your Bill of Rights wreaks havoc on young persons’ lives when they use it inappropriately.
I am stunned that this officer could have made it through a screening process to get the West Point, four years at West Point, and the security clearance review for a secret clearance and his anti-U.S. beliefs not have been uncovered.
This failure is symptomatic of a societal failure at understanding our Bill of Rights, our responsibilities when we take an oath of allegiance and office, and a systemic failure of the control mechanisms designed to protect us.
This seemingly trivial event at a West Point graduation warrants a full-scale congressional investigation of how it happened. Is the next September 11 crisis just ahead of us because of the failures of the very systems designed to protect us from an enemy within?
Read more: http://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2017/11/the_rapone_case_and_the_bill_of_rights.html#ixzz4z l6jnlir
Follow us: @AmericanThinker on Twitter | AmericanThinker on Facebook
I wonder if the SWC instructor that shotgun blasted "The Letter" gets the same punishment as Rapone gets?
By By :D
No mention of an Article xx or Court Martial?? :mad:
Ex-Ranger: ‘Communism Will Win’ Soldier Discharged from Army
Spenser Rapone — the Army soldier who became notorious after a picture of him in his West Point uniform holding a “Communism Will Win” sign went viral — was discharged from the Army this month, according to social media postings.
Rory Fanning, a former Army Ranger and conscientious objector, tweeted on Tuesday that he was sitting down and interviewing Rapone for an event called: “Socialism 2018: A War Resister in the Ranks,” scheduled for July 5.
At Socialism 2018 I'll be sitting down with with Spenser Rapone, the US Army Ranger, Afghan-war combat vet, recent West Point graduate, and now war-resister, who sparked nation-wide fury after publicly supporting Colin Kaepernick and Socialism during his West Point graduation. pic.twitter.com/BIPzfEHmoP
— Rory Fanning (@RTFanning) June 5, 2018
A description of the event said:
Spenser Rapone is a former Army Ranger and Infantry Officer recently separated from the military for speaking out against its imperialist violence. He enlisted as an infantryman out of high school in 2010, and deployed to Afghanistan in 2011.
After returning from his combat tour, he applied and was accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY in 2012, graduating and receiving his commission in May 2016. Deciding he could no longer stomach the immorality of US imperialism, he spoke out against the reprehensible actions of the military in September 2017
He ultimately resigned his commission, and was separated from the Army in June 2018 with an Other Than Honorable Discharge.
http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2018/06/07/communist-will-win-soldier-discharged-from-the-army/
Another source also citing OTH discharge - excerpts below - complete article at link.
Update: Communist Ranger and West Pointer receives an Other Than Honorable discharge
SOFREP
BY JACK MURPHY 06.07.2018
“By Rapone’s own admission, he followed a communist philosophy advocated by Rudi Dutschke.
Dutschke advocated a strategy he called the, “long march through the institutions of power.” This entails burrowing inside the institutions of society, including the military, and subverting them from within and ultimately setting the conditions for a communist revolution.”
“The idea of an avowed communist subverting important military units and functions from within has the potential to be catastrophic.”
https://sofrep.com/104349/update-communist-ranger-and-west-pointer-receives-an-other-than-honorable-discharge/
Rapone listed as a speaker at upcoming Socialism conference in Chicago July 5-8
https://socialismconference.org
ETA:
About Conference - from web site:
Socialism 2018 is a four-day conference bringing together hundreds of socialists and radical activists from around the country to take part in discussions about Marxism, working-class history, and the debates and strategies for organizing today.
Every year, the Socialism conferences aims to be a place where activists can share lessons from their struggles—from the boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign for Palestine to the fight for LGBT liberation, from the Fight for 15 to the struggle to stop the destruction of the planet, the fight against racism, and more.
With over 150 meetings, the weekend will feature left-wing authors and thinkers discussing the debates on the left today, as well as meetings on the hidden history of working-class and socialist struggles.
So join us in Chicago July 5–8, 2018!
Golf1echo
06-08-2018, 07:01
Department of State, Venezuelan post...one way ticket...
From the Socialism Conference website...the brainwashing is fairly extensive.
Rapone as described...
Spenser Rapone
Spenser Rapone is a former Army Ranger and Infantry Officer recently separated from the military for speaking out against its imperialist violence. He enlisted as an infantryman out of high school in 2010, and deployed to Afghanistan in 2011. After returning from his combat tour, he applied and was accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY in 2012, graduating and receiving his commission in May 2016. Deciding he could no longer stomach the immorality of US imperialism, he spoke out against the reprehensible actions of the military in September 2017. He ultimately resigned his commission, and was separated from the Army in June 2018 with an Other Than Honorable discharge.
What does it mean to resist as an active duty soldier in the 21st century? Socialist revolutions share a vibrant historical legacy with disaffected soldiers who have laid down their arms and refused to serve the interests of the rich and powerful. From the National Guardsman of the Paris Commune, to Vietnam veterans who marched to end the war, to the disaffected veterans of the so-called Global War on Terrorism today, a spark is always present that can burn the war machine down. Dissident veterans and former Army Rangers Rory Fanning and Spenser Rapone discuss their paths to resistance, and what socialism means to them.
Here is the playbook...bringing together practically EVERY subversive element in the world...look at the extent of coverage and brainwashing.
https://socialismconference.org/sched/
Thursday, July 5
9:00am
Struggling for More Than Independence: Africa in 1968 TBA
Matt Swagler
1968-2018: Sports and Resistance, Then and Now TBA
John Carlos • Elizabeth Terzakis • Wyomia Tyus • Dave Zirin
Black Liberation and 1968 TBA
Donna Murch
Cuba in 1968 TBA
Samuel Farber
How the '50s Became the '60s: The Making of a New Left TBA
Alan Maass
Prelude to Revolution: May '68 in France TBA
Sherry Wolf
Students for a Democratic Society and the Student Revolt TBA
Geoff Bailey
The Prague Spring TBA
Erin Cass • Charlotte Heltai
"It Can't Happen Here": Dystopian Fiction and Alternate Histories in the Trump Era TBA
Megan Behrent
Artists Against War TBA
Annie Zirin
Athletes in Revolt: Black Lives Matter in Sports Today TBA
Demetrius Noble
Caped Crusaders, Masked Vigilantes, and Billion Dollar Franchises: The Political Economy of Superheroes TBA
John McDonald
Jim Brown: Last Man Standing TBA
Barbara Smith • Dave Zirin
Class Struggle and the Color Line TBA
Paul Heideman
Decolonizing Socialism: Getting Racially Organized so We can Get Free TBA
Demita Frazier
From Reconstruction to Jim Crow TBA
Anna Winston
From Slavery to the #MeToo Era: Black Women's Struggle Against Sexual Violence TBA
Akua Ofori
King's Last Year TBA
Ronnie Flores
Nothing to Lose But Our Chains: The Abolitionist Movement TBA
Michael Ehrenreich • Lauren Marie
Prisoner Rebellions: From Attica to Today TBA
Heather Ann Thompson
Slavery and Capitalism TBA
Brian Jones
Stamped from the Beginning: The Long and Enduring History of Racist Ideas in America TBA
Ibram X. Kendi
The Making of Black Revolutionaries: Malcom X and Assata Shakur TBA
Sarah Z. Mamo
What Do Socialists Say About White Privilege? TBA
brian bean • Khury Petersen-Smith
Anarchism, Marxism, and Authoritarianism TBA
Amanda Achin • Jonah ben Avraham
Marxists, Elections, and the State TBA
Eric Ruder
Not for Profit? The Nonprofit Industrial Complex TBA
Emily Shaw • Erica West
Officer, Officer, Overseer: The Socialist Case Against the Police TBA
brian bean
Organize Your Own? White People and the Fight Against Racism TBA
Eric Kerl
With Friends Like These: The Democrats and Social Movements TBA
Dave Peters
Capitalism and Disability: The Theoretical Contribution of Marta Russell TBA
Keith Rosenthal
Gender and Disability TBA
Hannah Fleury
No More “Stairs and Stares”: The Power of the Disability Rights Movement TBA
Lorrie Beth Slonsky
Before the Next Hurricane Hits: Socialist Solutions to Capitalist Climate Disaster TBA
Mark Hannan • Zach Zill
Capitalism vs. Agriculture TBA
Fred Magdoff
Make Them Pay: The Social Cost of the Extractive Industries TBA
Tyler Barton
Reform or Revolution: Can Technology Solve the Climate Crisis? TBA
Lindsay Caesar • Sasha Scott
Black Lives Matter At School TBA
Jesse Hagopian
Capitalism Goes to College: A People's History of Higher Education in the U.S. TBA
Stacey Sexton • Fermin Valle
Marxism and Education TBA
Wayne Au
Student Struggles Today TBA
Emmaline Bennett • Jack Kelley • Alex Schmaus
Against All Hope: Resistance During the Holocaust TBA
Jon Van Camp
What Will It Take to Defeat the Far Right? TBA
Everett Pelzman
Zetkin, Trotsky, and the United Front against Fascism TBA
Gillian Russom
Capitalism and the Gender Binary TBA
Lichi D'Amelio
History and Politics of Trans Liberation TBA
Katie Feyh • Fainan Lakha
Socialism and Queer Liberation TBA
Dana Cloud
Beyond Pipelines: The Way Forward for Indigenous Liberation TBA
Nick Estes
Loaded: A Disarming History of the Second Amendment TBA
Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
Marxism and Native Liberation TBA
Ragina Johnson
The Rise of Red Power and the American Indian Movement TBA
Brian Ward
All Fall Down: The Infrastructure Crisis in the United States TBA
Neil Loehlein
Housing Struggles and the Working Class TBA
Amelia Adams • Tim Adams
A World Without Borders? Marxism, Nations, and Migration TBA
Denise Romero
All Eleven Million: The Fight for Immigrant Rights TBA
Carlos Enriquez • Kristen Kelly • Juan Miranda
Trump's War on Immigrants TBA
Lucy Herschel • Lea Ramirez
From Manifest Destiny to the War on Terror: The Forging of American Empire TBA
Alpana Mehta
Syria and the Left TBA
Ashley Smith
How to Build an ISO Branch TBA
Dayna Long • Alex Macmillan • Scarlett Moore
How to Write for Socialist Worker TBA
Elizabeth Schulte
Introduction to the International Socialist Organization TBA
Leia Petty
The Origins of the International Socialist Organization TBA
Ahmed Shawki
"Run comrade, the old world is behind you." Lessons from 1968 (Jacobin sponsored meeting) TBA
Laura Bartkowiak • Jonah Birch • Paul Heideman
Ain't No Trick: US Labor's Struggle to Survive (Jacobin sponsored meeting) TBA
Julian Guerrero • Sean Petty • Alex Press • Joe Richard
Who's Afraid of Bernie Sanders? (Jacobin sponsored meeting) TBA
Jason Farbman • Meagan Day • Yoni Lolijov
Teachers on the Move: Lessons from West Virginia and Beyond (Jacobin and S18 co-sponsored meeting) TBA
Eric Blanc • Emily Comer
The Future of the Socialist Left (Jacobin and S18 co-sponsored meeting) TBA
Jason Farbman • Ella Mahony • Jen Roesch
"Right to Work": What It Is, Where It Came From and How to Defeat It TBA
Alex Buckingham
Being a Socialist at Work TBA
Larry Bradshaw
Organizing the Unorganized TBA
Joe Evica • Kip Hedges • Helen Zhao
Radicals in the Barrio: How Mexican Labor Radicalism Shaped U.S. History TBA
Justin Akers Chacón
Rank-and-File Teachers Speak: How We Organized the Rebellion TBA
Jesse Sharkey • Larry Cagle • Emily Comer • Rena Evans • James Miller • Dylan Wegela
Commie agenda in Chicago with Rapone Cont’d...
The Sleeping Giant Awakens: How Workers can Transform Society TBA
Will Russell • Caitlin Sheehan
The Theory of the Trade Union Bureaucracy and the Rank-and-File Strategy TBA
Sean Petty
A Haint is Stalkin' the Mountains: West Virginia's Turbulent History of Class Struggle TBA
Dana Blanchard
Black Workers and the Rise of the CIO TBA
Destiny Gowdy • Todd St Hill
TUEL: Early Communist Union Strategy and Lessons for Labor Radicals Today TBA
Avery Wear
After the Storm: The Struggle Against Disaster Capitalism in Puerto Rico TBA
Monique Dols • Mercedes Martinez
Crisis and Resistance in Brazil TBA
Politics and Resistance After 2018: The Elections in Mexico TBA
Héctor A. Rivera
Puerto Rico in the American Century TBA
Rafael Bernabe
Venezuela in Crisis TBA
Eva María
Against Prefiguration TBA
Anthony Arnove
Dialectical Materialism for Activists TBA
Colin Patrick
Marx and the Future Socialist Society TBA
Steve Leigh
Marxism and Ideology TBA
Rachel Reiser
Marxism and Intersectionality TBA
Haley Swenson
Marxism, Exploitation, and Oppression TBA
Claire Douglas
The Revolutionary Ideas of Leon Trotsky TBA
Paul LeBlanc
What Kind of Party Do We Need? TBA
Paul D'Amato
Lenin's State and Revolution TBA
Camila Quarta
Lenin, Bukharin, and Imperialism TBA
Ann Coleman
Sexual Relations and the Class Struggle: The Politics of Alexandra Kollontai TBA
Hannah Utain-Evans
Debating Marx’s Theory of Crisis TBA
Hadas Thier
Economics of the Madhouse: Capitalism's Booms and Slumps Cycle TBA
Kristen Sheets
From Great Recession to the Trump Boom: Ten Years after the Crash of 2008 TBA
Lee Sustar
A Nation under the Gun: Gun Violence and Gun Control TBA
Danny Katch
A War Resister in the Ranks TBA
Rory Fanning • Spenser Rapone
Poverty, Pain, and Pill Mills: Social Crisis and America’s Opioid Epidemic TBA
Nicole Colson
The Importance of Being Unruly TBA
Sarah Jaffe • Frances Fox Piven
U.S. Imperialism under Trump TBA
Joel Geier
Another World Is Possible: Marxism and Utopia TBA
Bill Keach
From Apathy to Rebellion: What Makes Workers Fight? TBA
Jen Roesch
Marxism and Law TBA
Mukund Rathi
Marxism, Colonialism, and Revolution TBA
Pranav Jani
Socialism from Below TBA
Sean Larson
State Capitalism in Russia: Two Analyses TBA
Scott McLemee
States, Markets, and Power: Revisiting the Question of Neoliberalism TBA
Neil Davidson
Vanguard Party, Democratic Centralism and Workers Revolution TBA
Todd Chretien
Was Antonio Gramsci a Reformist? TBA
Lance Selfa
Extracting Profit: Imperialism, Neoliberalism, and the New Scramble for Africa TBA
Lee Wengraf
South Africa: How Apartheid Was Defeated TBA
Trevor Ngwane
China: From Colonial Subject to World Power TBA
Dennis Kosuth
Death Squad President: Duterte, Dictatorship, and Resistance TBA
Alessandro Tinonga
Empire and Resistance: Korea's Hidden History TBA
Diana Macasa • David Whitehouse
Socialist Organizing in the Post-Soviet Countries TBA
Kate Seidel
Egypt: From Revolution to Repression TBA
Has the Arab Spring Lost its Spring? TBA
Gilbert Achcar
Iran's Unfinished Revolution TBA
Behzad Tehrani
Israel: Colonial-Settler State TBA
Bill Mullen
Revolution and Imperialism in the Middle East: Eyewitness to the Syrian Uprising TBA
Anand Gopal
The Arc of Palestinian Resistance: From the First Intifada to Ahed Tamimi TBA
Sumaya A.
The Kurdish Question and the Syrian Revolution TBA
Joseph Daher
"I'm Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired": The Radical Legacy of Fannie Lou Hamer TBA
Haley Pessin
Ida B. Wells and the Crusade Against Lynching TBA
Natalia Tylim
Karl Marx: From Extreme Democrat to Revolutionary TBA
Leela Yellesetty
Revolutionary Rehearsals of the 21st Century TBA
Colin Barker
The New Deal and the Failure of the "Popular Front" TBA
Charlie Post
Chile 1973 and the Parliamentary Road to Socialism TBA
Dorian B
Germany 1918-21: Lessons from the Lost Revolution TBA
Axel Fair-Schulz • Charles Peterson
Roundtable: The Bolsheviks in Power 1917-1928 TBA
Samuel Farber • Paul LeBlanc • Amy Muldoon
The Paris Commune: Reform or Revolution TBA
Aaron Amaral
The Portuguese Revolution TBA
Coco Smyth
The Spanish Revolution and Civil War TBA
Nate Moore
The Tragedy of the Chinese Revolution 1925-27 TBA
Michael Corwin
Year One of the Russian Revolution TBA
Elizabeth Terzakis
CSI is Lying to You: Junk Science in Criminal Convictions TBA
Elizabeth Wrigley-Field
Facial Recognition Technology, Big Data Policing, and Mass Surveillance: An Abolitionist Perspective TBA
Naomi Murakawa
From TrumpCare to Medicare For All: The Growing Movement for Single-Payer Health Care TBA
Elizabeth Lalasz
In Our Genes? Human Nature and "Evolutionary Psychology" TBA
Bekah Ward
Neuroplasticity: Human Horizons and Capitalist Constraints TBA
Bridget Broderick
The Fallacies of "Scientific" Racism: From Thomas Jefferson to the Alt-Right TBA
Phil Gasper
The First Last Time at the Bedside: The Explosion of Struggles for Health Care Justice in the 1960s and 70s TBA
Lider Restrepo • Lizzie Stewart
Friday Night Plenary: Striking Back: Voices of the Teachers' Rebellion TBA
Dana Blanchard • Eric Blanc • Matt Casella • Noah Karvellis • Mercedes Martinez • Stephanie Price • Michelle Randolph • Gillian Russom • Jesse Sharkey
Capitalism and Women's Health TBA
Jessica Hansen-Weaver • Emma Wilde-Botta
From "#MeToo" to No More: How Can We End Sexual Harassment and Assault? TBA
Elizabeth Schulte
Socialism and Women's Liberation TBA
Lillie Cicerchia • Ellie Hamrick
The Politics of Pregnancy TBA
Stephanie Schwartz • Corrie Westing
Whose Clinics? Our Clinics! Defending Abortion rights TBA
Hayley Archer
Basenshukai
06-08-2018, 07:53
By By :D
No mention of an Article xx or Court Martial?? :mad:
When he commissioned in 2016 he owed a commitment of 5 years (since he graduated from WP). Having not completed such commitment, isn't he supposed to pay that back ($$$) somehow? I mean, if an otherwise patriotic US Army soldier has to pay back the loss of a rucksack, or some other piece of equipment, why wouldn't a POS socialist have to pay back his education after plotting to subvert his country from within the military?
Remington Raidr
06-08-2018, 09:05
if he really was a super secret subversive burrowing into the military he would not have posted those stupid pictures. you are giving him too much credit, he is just another attention whore, ala Samantha Bee et. al.:rolleyes:
if he really was a super secret subversive burrowing into the military he would not have posted those stupid pictures. you are giving him too much credit, he is just another attention whore, ala Samantha Bee et. al.:rolleyes:
Concur - Rapone was an attention whore subversive - the easiest to catch...but he got pretty far considering...f#$king West Point...there couldn’t be smarter, lower profile subversive personalities...State department types...FBI types...Samantha Power types...Susan Rice types...naaaahhhh...that’s just crazy talk...
When he commissioned in 2016 he owed a commitment of 5 years (since he graduated from WP). Having not completed such commitment, isn't he supposed to pay that back ($$$) somehow? I mean, if an otherwise patriotic US Army soldier has to pay back the loss of a rucksack, or some other piece of equipment, why wouldn't a POS socialist have to pay back his education after plotting to subvert his country from within the military?
Yes,,
but WP has a sketchy history of ignoring their regs.
They have waved the commitment for Rhodes Scholars(Kris Kristofferson?) and foot ballers going Pro.
I suspect the skidds were well greased to make this happen very quickly and the OIC was told to make it happen with as little MSM as possible, to include avoiding any hint of UCMJ.
frostfire
06-08-2018, 11:01
Rapone listed as a speaker at upcoming Socialism conference in Chicago July 5-8
https://socialismconference.org
ETA:
About Conference - from web site:
Socialism 2018 is a four-day conference bringing together hundreds of socialists and radical activists from around the country to take part in discussions about Marxism, working-class history, and the debates and strategies for organizing today.
Every year, the Socialism conferences aims to be a place where activists can share lessons from their struggles—from the boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign for Palestine to the fight for LGBT liberation, from the Fight for 15 to the struggle to stop the destruction of the planet, the fight against racism, and more.
With over 150 meetings, the weekend will feature left-wing authors and thinkers discussing the debates on the left today, as well as meetings on the hidden history of working-class and socialist struggles.
So join us in Chicago July 5–8, 2018!
Surely some patriots are documenting this event and logging every attendee.
I hope it does not get to the point of Indonesia in the 70’s as TS often mentioned
That became one bloody mess that has never been sorted out to this day.
Yes,,
but WP has a sketchy history of ignoring their regs.
They have waved the commitment for Rhodes Scholars(Kris Kristofferson?)...
I don't think that was Kris. He was a helo pilot and a CPT who was assigned to teach at WP. He had gone to Oxford as an RS before the Army.
WarriorDiplomat
06-08-2018, 19:29
When he commissioned in 2016 he owed a commitment of 5 years (since he graduated from WP). Having not completed such commitment, isn't he supposed to pay that back ($$$) somehow? I mean, if an otherwise patriotic US Army soldier has to pay back the loss of a rucksack, or some other piece of equipment, why wouldn't a POS socialist have to pay back his
education after plotting to subvert his country from within the military?
The fact that West Point let him graduate with knowledge of his attitude does not surprise considering Obama and his leftist cabinet and the way he cleaned house with the Military.....I wonder how many of Obama's Generals are still serving or have left under the new POTUS?
My original reason for responding is Rapone not only stood for a ideology that was the opposite of our countries he really does not understand the bigger picture of why having a military presence overseas, the danger of these terrorist orgs, and the global economic scheme. I am not expecting a young officer to understand it completely but I do expect the loyalty to trust what we are doing has a much bigger purpose.....yes I lament about the bad leadership and the sychophants throughout the ranks....the difference is he has a childish version of the world and lacks the requisite maturity knowledge to understand his ignorance.....I have higher expectations for conduct and no tolerance for dishonor.
Global Economics-the main thing that drives the planet and does more to encourage self policing of governments and understanding economic stability that reduces poverty and disease
Security-the primary stabilizer in economic trade agreements and reduction of destabilizing threats that throws the country into turmoil and makes trade regardless of the value of the product unreliable.
Emerging threats to the world-The destabilizers many times become international threats to every single country and people
United States importance to the world- We are globally the most integrated, diverse nation on the planet and the shining light to the world
Projection of power-Having our military strong, capable and positioned to respond anywhere anytime keeps brutal freedom reducing willingness of state and non state actors seizure of other countries.......imagine the world if the superpowers closed their borders and allowed leaders like Kim Jong Un have free reign to seize power.
Resources- Having the presence to insure resources are available for markets and dangerous resources and abilities are recognized and countered....before destructive resources and technology are in the hands of a true Jihadist without accountability...the superpowers like the US owe peace to the world by providing that accountability and threat of reprisal
Representative Republic vs Tyranny.....Socialism is an Oligarchy which is tyranny in different degrees a republic on the other hand has scheduled peaceful revolutions every 2-4-6 years in which citizens have a say in government and representatives to fight for their interests. As complex as it is the representative republic has thus far been the strongest most stable form of governance.
Rapone and many others who seem to think socialism is good are those lacking understanding of how our system of government works and why it is better in protecting rights...the simple easy system socialism is much simpler to understand....they most of the time do not understand that we are not a democracy but simply use democratic processes....in fact it is the overuse of this one word Democracy as an American way without the deeper explanation of how we use it versus a true democracy and the fact the military uses the word interchangeably creates this confusion. Yes our system is complex the founding fathers crafted it to be revolution resistant and Tyranny resistant....Democracy is resistant to nothing and vulnerable to a silver tongued rhetoric master turning it into a dictatorship. I have heard fellow SF guys get confused by our political system and suggest it is too cumbersome I respond the genius is its the complexity that protects us from losing our freedoms by minority vote saying minority confuses them as well but having to explain that the minority are only the majority of legal voters not of the citizens affected.
Well...we now know what happened to Rapone...
...he transitioned to Rapinoe.
I figured that this fit here.
A LTC(R) Jim Hickman who knew LTC, then MAJ, Vindman tweeted about his experience with him on an training exercise in Europe a few years ago:
I know LTC Alex Vindman from a Combined US-Russian exercise called Atlas Vision 12 in Grafenwoher, GE. He worked w/the Russian Embassy & I was assigned to the JMTC (Joint...
...Multinational Training Command), w/in USAREUR (US Army Europe). He worked coordination w/the Russian 15th Peacekeeping Brigade, & I was in charge of all Simulations planning, as well as assisting the USAREUR Lead Planner as the Senior Military Planner. The following...
...account of LTC Vindman's words & actions are completely accurate to the best of my recollection & have been corroborated by others. We interacted on several different occasions throughout the planning cycle, but it was during the actual execution of the exercise, that we...
...had an issue relevant to his recent testimony. As stated earlier, Atlas Vision 12 was conducted at JMTC in the VBS2 (Virtual Battle Simulations 2) Classrooms for Simulation. Vindman, who was a Major at the time, was sitting in one of the classrooms talking to the US &...
...Russian Soldiers, as well as the young Officers & GS Employees about America, Russia, & Obama. He was apologetic of American culture, laughed about Americans not being educated or worldly, & really talked up Obama & globalism to the point of uncomfortable. He would speak...
...w/the Russian Soldiers & laugh as if at the expense of the US personnel. It was so uncomfortable & unprofessional, one of the GS employees came & told me everything above. I walked over & sat w/in earshot of Vindman, & sure enough, all was confirmed. One comment truly..
...struck me as odd, & it was w/respect to American's falsely thinking they're exceptional, when he said, "He [Obama] is working on that now." And he said it w/a snide 'I know a secret' look on his face. I honestly don't know what it meant, it just sounded like an odd thing to...
...say. Regardless, after hearing him bash America a few times in front of subordinates, Russians, & GS Employees, as well as, hearing an earful about globalization, Obama's plan, etc...I'd had enough. I tapped him on the shoulder & asked him to step outside. At that point I...
...verbally reprimanded him for his actions, & I'll leave it at that, so as not to be unprofessional myself. The bottom-line is LTC Vindman was a partisan Democrat at least as far back as 2012. So much so, junior officers & soldiers felt uncomfortable around him. This is..
...not your professional, field-grade officer, who has the character & integrity to do the right thing. Do not let the uniform fool you...he is a political activist in uniform. I pray our nation will drop this hate, vitriol & division, & unite as our founding fathers intended!
https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1190077852680634368.html
(He later tweeted a correction to Atlas Vison 13 instead of 12.)
What's going on in the officer corps?
Badger52
11-02-2019, 04:31
I figured that this fit here.
I don't know if it fit or not but it's a good reference and needs to be sustained in other conversations (online as well as FTF) as the Communists trot out their "character beyond reproach" witnesses for the 3-year running impeachment circus.
Thanks & Salud.
I consider all FAOs suspect. My impression is generally guys who like collecting an Army paycheck but don't want to actually be soldiers.
x/S
I consider all FAOs suspect. My impression is generally guys who like collecting an Army paycheck but don't want to actually be soldiers.
x/S
Interesting, I was not aware of that as a career path.
By definition, I can see the position getting filled with people that are more political savvy than being CQB studs.
Subservient A$$-Kisser's just rolling off my tongue for some reason, but then I'm a VFOG with a mildly addled mind :munchin
Army Foreign Area Officer Program
By G 3/5/7 for STAND-TO!April 4, 2010
What is it'
The Army Foreign Area Officer (FAO) program, or career field 48, is made up of advanced degree holders skilled in particular languages and regional issues who can serve commanders and senior policy makers as political-military advisors, military attachAfAs and security assistance experts.
On March 10, 2010, Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Army chief of staff, approved training for 96 new FAOs whose service is needed in South Asia, the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Southeast Asia.
https://www.army.mil/article/36860/army_foreign_area_officer_program
Trapper John
11-03-2019, 08:20
Interesting, I was not aware of that as a career path.
By definition, I can see the position getting filled with people that are more political savvy than being CQB studs.
Subservient A$$-Kisser's just rolling off my tongue for some reason, but then I'm a VFOG with a mildly addled mind :munchin
I think this ain't our Army any more Brother??:eek:
Trapper John
11-03-2019, 08:24
I figured that this fit here.
A LTC(R) Jim Hickman who knew LTC, then MAJ, Vindman tweeted about his experience with him on an training exercise in Europe a few years ago:
https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1190077852680634368.html
(He later tweeted a correction to Atlas Vison 13 instead of 12.)
What's going on in the officer corps?
Finest Kind post!:lifter Danka!
Interesting, I was not aware of that as a career path.
By definition, I can see the position getting filled with people that are more political savvy than being CQB studs.
Subservient A$$-Kisser's just rolling off my tongue for some reason, but then I'm a VFOG with a mildly addled mind :munchin
You will see a lot of at-risk Majors flipping to the FAO functional area, as their files are not competitive for promotion and they run the risk of a two time non-promote and getting booted from the Army. There are a few that are really into that kind of thing....but most were marginal SOF officers that are looking for a lifeline and, at the recommendation of HRC, grab onto FAO.
TOMAHAWK9521
11-08-2019, 21:39
So, what's the tariff of violating OPSEC/COMSEC for a field grade officer?
https://www.redstate.com/bonchie/2019/11/08/alexander-vindmans-testimony-appears-confirm-illegally-leaked-whistle-blower/
Is he going to get a pass because "Trump bad"?
So many bombshells, yet no craters on the battlefield. There has to be a major backlash to this.
Badger52
11-08-2019, 22:14
So, what's the tariff of violating OPSEC/COMSEC for a field grade officer?
Privileged discussions between 2 heads of state are TS NOFORN for a reason. I would recommend a squad of 8 with 1 dummy round but that's too honorable. Judge Parker would've known what to do.
HoosierFolk
11-09-2019, 08:31
You will see a lot of at-risk Majors flipping to the FAO functional area, as their files are not competitive for promotion and they run the risk of a two time non-promote and getting booted from the Army. There are a few that are really into that kind of thing....but most were marginal SOF officers that are looking for a lifeline and, at the recommendation of HRC, grab onto FAO.
This isn’t true, and hasn’t been since promotion rates dipped 4-5 years ago. If you are at risk for promotion in SF, you will be within FAOs functional area as well and they are not going to take you. They will not take the risk, because they’ll need to send you to school — Academic Evals won’t improve your standing. Good OERs will. HRC and SF Branch would not recommend such a thing as a lifeline to save a career. Currently, there is not a two-and-gone system, SELCON gives officers an opportunity to continue their service in their current gradeplate.
Basenshukai
11-09-2019, 08:41
This isn’t true, and hasn’t been since promotion rates dipped 4-5 years ago. If you are at risk for promotion in SF, you will be within FAOs functional area as well and they are not going to take you. They will not take the risk, because they’ll need to send you to school — Academic Evals won’t improve your standing. Good OERs will. HRC and SF Branch would not recommend such a thing as a lifeline to save a career. Currently, there is not a two-and-gone system, SELCON gives officers an opportunity to continue their service in their current gradeplate.
This was my understanding as well. The functional areas also provided a venue to those officers not desiring to continue along the operations path, but likely had value and skills to contribute elsewhere.
During my deployments, former SF turned-FAOs were generally a tremendous resource.
The only negative I experienced with one of them was a major who had essentially gone "native" and would side with HN on just about everything. During an argument we had over something the HN had done, he told me "I'll take the word of the HN leadership over that of a team guy [SF] any day." That pissed me off and our conversation pretty much ended there.
Trapper John
11-09-2019, 09:05
I don't think that was Kris. He was a helo pilot and a CPT who was assigned to teach at WP. He had gone to Oxford as an RS before the Army.
Glad you corrected JJ. Kris had a good rep in SF as a pilot. I had the opportunity to meet him and have a couple drinks together while on R&R. He impressed me as a really down-to-earth straight shooter. He had character and honor IMHO. ;)
Yes,,
but WP has a sketchy history of ignoring their regs.
They have waved the commitment for Rhodes Scholars(Kris Kristofferson?) and foot ballers going Pro.
I suspect the skidds were well greased to make this happen very quickly and the OIC was told to make it happen with as little MSM as possible, to include avoiding any hint of UCMJ.
Apologies,, This FOG gets confused.
I thought Krist went to WP and accepted as a Rodes scholar, but confused the timeline :mad:
"I want you to know I'm an Army brat; I was a captain in the Army and my brother was a jet pilot in the Navy. So I support our troops; I identify with them. But I sure as hell don't identify with the bastards who sent them over there."
Kris Kristofferson is well-known for his country tunes and his talent on the silver screen, but if that isn't enough to impress you, his time in the Army might. Born to Mary Ann and U.S. Army Air corps officer Lars Kristofferson, Kris Kristofferson spent his early years shuffling around like any normal military child.
He obtained a BA in literature from Pomona college in 1958, and later earned a scholarship to Oxford.
After graduation his family finally pressured him into joining the Army and marrying his girlfriend from high school.,
Joining in 1960, Kristofferson became a helicopter pilot after completing Ranger School and eventually worked his way to the rank of Captain. During this time he continued to work on music and even formed his own band while stationed in Germany.
Kristofferson was offered a teaching position in Literature at West Point, but he turned it down to focus on music.
This isn’t true, and hasn’t been since promotion rates dipped 4-5 years ago. If you are at risk for promotion in SF, you will be within FAOs functional area as well and they are not going to take you. They will not take the risk, because they’ll need to send you to school — Academic Evals won’t improve your standing. Good OERs will. HRC and SF Branch would not recommend such a thing as a lifeline to save a career. Currently, there is not a two-and-gone system, SELCON gives officers an opportunity to continue their service in their current gradeplate.
Ah, I see I’ve dated myself. Thanks for the correction.
Glad you corrected JJ. Kris had a good rep in SF as a pilot. I had the opportunity to meet him and have a couple drinks together while on R&R. He impressed me as a really down-to-earth straight shooter. He had character and honor IMHO. ;)
When I was working in television in Tucson back in the early '70s, he was filming a scene for Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore at a restaurant across the street from our studio. One of our Account Executives went over and ask if anyone would like to appear on our national feed during the Easter Seals telethon that night. Kris was the only one to volunteer. You're right, he was a real down-to-earth guy. Instead of staying 1 hour he stayed 10. We got on the national feed a lot that night because of him. Between sets he'd stay with us in the control room rather than out with our owners, Danny Thomas and Monty Hall.
Here's a link to The Rest of the Story: http://www.professionalsoldiers.com/forums/showpost.php?p=431636&postcount=4
:D
WarriorDiplomat
11-11-2019, 20:46
You will see a lot of at-risk Majors flipping to the FAO functional area, as their files are not competitive for promotion and they run the risk of a two time non-promote and getting booted from the Army. There are a few that are really into that kind of thing....but most were marginal SOF officers that are looking for a lifeline and, at the recommendation of HRC, grab onto FAO.
You are correct from my experience the "at risk" Majors/Captains that everyone knew were not highly thought of within SF were pushed towards the FAO world.....but lets be sure it is clear what at risk means, from what I have seen "at risk" are Captains/Majors not suited for SF as seen by their performance in contrast to the community expectations, I have never seen one who was given a below center mass OER get pushed that direction from what I have seen and heard from O's is the ones being recommended to FAO are those who will not have a command track and IOT qualify them for FAO instead of the below center mass disqualifier they are given the center mass, O's know how to get rid of undesirable O's that will not voluntarily give up their commission and leave the Army.....NCO's call it the velvet knife that allows them to move undesirable NCO's from their units to other teams etc.....without a blatant bad NCOER. I do not agree with the policy as I prefer honest non deceitful disclosure but under Obama and the military culture it was the thing that started to happen as we had a hard time getting rid of bad soldiers. So yes we as of my retirement still do this....caveat that with some are voluntary top notch O's leaving the regiment over the poor leadership while many just get out....not every FAO was bad but quite a few are not cut out for SF careers but flourish in other fields such as FAO. The question today after all the damage done under the fallen Messiah BHO is how do we know the 18A's being pushed away aren't the better 18A's given the weird values change in the community over what makes an SF soldier a good one?
I'm going to make the bold prediction that this LTC Vindman turd will quietly make full bird now that he has ingratiated himself to the gub-mint bureaucracy...
Trapper John
11-12-2019, 09:56
I'm going to make the bold prediction that this LTC Vindman turd will quietly make full bird now that he has ingratiated himself to the gub-mint bureaucracy...
BINGO!