McRaven Tells Troops to Pipe Down

[Basenshukai]

The most secretive units are still - to me - US Army SF and the Ranger Regiment. And, it's not because we are necessarily designed that way. Rather, our guys typically talk smack, but mostly to one another. The SMUs are the worst kept secret in DoD. What needs to happen is that someone is made an example of in the most extreme legal application of UCMJ/US Law. Then, this BS wil stop, at least, at the Soldier/Sailor-level.

[hooah12]

Of course some SMUs are worse than others though when it comes to this kind of stuff though.

[Dusty]

Originally Posted by Basenshukai

The most secretive units are still - to me - US Army SF and the Ranger Regiment. And, it's not because we are necessarily designed that way. Rather, our guys typically talk smack, but mostly to one another. The SMUs are the worst kept secret in DoD. What needs to happen is that someone is made an example of in the most extreme legal application of UCMJ/US Law. Then, this BS wil stop, at least, at the Soldier/Sailor-level.

It always surprises me when doorkickers and their actions/training are discussed in the open. I'll never understand that. When I left, that stuff was quite naturally being held close.

Then, I was flicking through the channels, and-there's the Muse mission on national cable television.

[grigori]

Originally Posted by Basenshukai

The most secretive units are still - to me - US Army SF and the Ranger Regiment. And, it's not because we are necessarily designed that way. Rather, our guys typically talk smack, but mostly to one another. The SMUs are the worst kept secret in DoD. What needs to happen is that someone is made an example of in the most extreme legal application of UCMJ/US Law. Then, this BS wil stop, at least, at the Soldier/Sailor-level.

If you do not mind me asking Sir,would you add "The Activity" to the list too??Hardly anything has ever come about it in the media.

[SF_BHT]

Originally Posted by grigori

If you do not mind me asking Sir,would you add "The Activity" to the list too??Hardly anything has ever come about it in the media.

Not going to discuss any other units !!!!!!

We need to stay on topic......

[grigori]

Originally Posted by SF_BHT

Not going to discuss any other units !!!!!!

We need to stay on topic......

Will do Sir.

[MtnGoat]

Originally Posted by ZonieDiver

Maybe I'm just tired from too much fun and a lack of sleep. Maybe I'm just pissed off because a friend died. Maybe I'm just tired of 'newbies' here interjecting crap that really doesn't need to be interjected, but:

WTF are you talking about? Intelligent people are having a discussion about a topic of some concern to those in the SOF community, that being people who should know better shooting their mouths off when they should STFU. This bozo, and he IS a bozo, is the latest in a string of those doing that. It just seems the most recent are all SEALs. Intelligent people, and SF prides itself on recruiting intelligent people, often expand topics with relevant information.

I felt Sigaba's post did just that. I failed to see reference to "Davey Jones" or "Mini the Mermaid" in his post. I saw a quote from a prominent figure in the history of the defense establlishment of this nation that was germane to the question posed by an SF Candidate. How this response helps clarify the SF Candidate's question also mystifies me:



Or this:



How does the casualty rate justify violating certain principles about keeping one's mouth shut?

How does what the "upper echelon" does justify what the "author" does, or I do, or you do?

And this one:



Well, it just reminds me of this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBPXUurumDU

Great frinkin post ! Spot on!

IMO it is something that the SEALS have" breed" into their ranks.

Sad thing is politicians get away with it all the time. They have the same clearances and lets say take the same polygraph test.

As the old same goes: military is a reflection of the society it's from.

[Stras]

Its time for the politicians to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements and then everyone can just STFU about stuff that doesn't need to be discussed in the open.

First, let me say that I am truely sorry for the loss of your friend.

If I may try and answer some of your questions:

Originally Posted by ZonieDiver

Maybe I'm just tired from too much fun and a lack of sleep. Maybe I'm just pissed off because a friend died. Maybe I'm just tired of 'newbies' here interjecting crap that really doesn't need to be interjected, but:

WTF are you talking about?...

I felt Sigaba's post did just that. I failed to see reference to "Davey Jones" or "Mini the Mermaid" in his post. I saw a quote from a prominent figure in the history of the defense establlishment of this nation that was germane to the question posed by an SF Candidate. How this response helps clarify the SF Candidate's question also mystifies me:

My reference to Davey Jones and Mini the Mermaid, included with King Neptune were intended to further illustrate the direction the Navy has gone in its "retirement from the realm of logic ." (Though it appears my own posts have done the same).

Or this:

How does the casualty rate justify violating certain principles about keeping one's mouth shut?

The SEALs haven't been quiet since the first Gulf War, maybe even before. And though casualties are part of it, I was mainly referring to those sustaining injuries that keeps them out of the action, and thus a need to recruit more individuals into SEALs.

It is instant publicity, glamour, and recruiting all tied into one, IMHO.

How does what the "upper echelon" does justify what the "author" does, or I do, or you do?

Leaders lead by example. The line has to be drawn somewhere, and in this case, there probably isn't a line at all.

And this one:
And the tan, QP Billy L-bach.
The next quietest groups, IMHO, are "on deck."

To clarify, this is in reference to SEALs eventually not being able to be as secretive, due to the massive publicity in the spot light, and the next SF groups/teams that are not concerned with this limelight will be the ones, if they aren't already, undertaking the more select missions. And in all probability we, the general public, wouldn't hear about it.

Sorry for the confusion, I sincerly hope that this explains my previous posts.

[ZonieDiver]

Originally Posted by Sarski

First, let me say that I am truely sorry for the loss of your friend.

If I may try and answer some of your questions:
<snip>
Sorry for the confusion, I sincerly hope that this explains my previous posts.

Not really... but please don't try to further elucidate... or obfuscate... what you "meant to say" with further posts.

Let's just move along in the vein of what several QPs posted right before yours.

Originally Posted by ZonieDiver

Not really... but please don't try to further elucidate... or obfuscate... what you "meant to say" with further posts.

Let's just move along in the vein of what several QPs posted right before yours.

Roger that, QP.

[Dozer523]

Originally Posted by Sarski

If I may try and answer some of your questions:

Stop Posting here

Originally Posted by Sarski

Roger that, QP.

Now.

[cedsall]

Originally Posted by Basenshukai

The most secretive units are still - to me - US Army SF and the Ranger Regiment. And, it's not because we are necessarily designed that way. Rather, our guys typically talk smack, but mostly to one another. The SMUs are the worst kept secret in DoD. What needs to happen is that someone is made an example of in the most extreme legal application of UCMJ/US Law. Then, this BS wil stop, at least, at the Soldier/Sailor-level.

Amen to that.

Start with the next asshat stupid enough to write a book/appear on the news/serve as "deep background" for some news report or whatever. Pull a (Bradley) Manning on them, perp walk them out on national news and put the fear of God and the Department of Defense into everyone who signs an NDA/confidentiality agreement.

As a somewhat related aside, I served with Bill Cowan, one of the folks who appeared in that OPSEC video. I found it interesting that he is telling the president to STFU.

About 15 years ago I'm watching some news program on TV (20/20 or 60 Minutes or some such) and they have some fellow on in silhouette providing "deep background" on some CT issue. During the interview, the person reaches up and strokes his beard/chin and right then I knew who it was...

So yeah, I agree that everyone needs to shut the f**k up.

[SF_BHT]

Originally Posted by Stras

Its time for the politicians to sign Non-Disclosure Agreements and then everyone can just STFU about stuff that doesn't need to be discussed in the open.

They do but no one polices them.

[Surgicalcric]

Originally Posted by Richard

Politicized flag officers are easy to spot - just look for the brown ring.

Richard

The fact that they make the rank of Flag officer in today's military tells me they are a politician.