We know the symbol and recognize it because we’re
ancient and we’re seeing this through our lens. Everyone recognizes a swastika and it’s association because that is what is universally reinforced with Nazi’s and their ideology. That SS symbol is not reinforced and in people’s faces today. Is that specific symbol taught in HS before these guys enlist? (Seriously, I’m asking) It wasn’t for me, and I’m old and retired. Those who served in Vietnam were 20 years removed from that regime and it was a bit more fresh in the minds. That would be like those serving today remembering the symbols and associations from the 1st Gulf War, 20 years ago. Flip the coin from the dark side to the good side and ask a young guy what the patch of the OSS looked like without Googling it. I doubt you’ll get a correct answer from most. When I see someone sporting the confederate colors I assume they are proud of their Southern heritage, not that they want to reinstitute human slavery. Of course it can also in context be used as a symbol of hate. Why are we not spinning up about all the different brands or logos that use the sig rune? Runes were around long before the SS.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient...-in-runes.html
Leadership always needs to step up, set the example, and be accountable. That’s not even a question. I just don't think they did this with the intention of being anti-Semitic and associating themselves with the SS. I was on a deployment where a guy from NSWU-2 was a very good tattoo artist and brought a kit with him. A bunch of team and support guys all got black tattoos depicting the head of Anubis. It was a company espirit de corps and bonding thing, and not some maligned intent or devotion to the pharaohs and ancient persecutors of the Israelites. It had nothing to do with failed leadership. Yes, I think this whole thing is blown way out of proportion and the MSM will get their mileage from it while they can.