US military and politics

[otago]

I find it very strange that in their training members of the US military are encouraged to support one political party.
In some ways it seems a dangerous game to play what with junior officers believing they have the right as conservatives to question if a elected person should be CinC.

How many people believe that their military should take an active part in politics ?
And if they are taking an active part, are they to be trusted ?

 

[woody60707]

How can I sage?

 

[West 36]

I find it very strange that in their training members of the US military are encouraged to support one political party.

Do they?

xcl

 

[Alpine Trooper]

What does it matter, there's only two to choose from anyways.

 

[Tycoon101]

The prospect of our
Soldiers being disloyal
Is truly absurd

 

[GoodGame]

I find it very strange that in their training members of the US military are encouraged to support one political party.
In some ways it seems a dangerous game to play what with junior officers believing they have the right as conservatives to question if a elected person should be CinC.

How many people believe that their military should take an active part in politics ?
And if they are taking an active part, are they to be trusted ?

Trolling.
There's actually a strong party split in the US military, documented in pre-polling of military members (as recent as last year's election). And anyone that actually served in the US military knows they're not allowed to use their uniform for personal gain or political action.
And just because they're in the US military, they're still citizens allowed to take part in the political process. End of story.

Read more books otago.

 

[Onionsoilder]

And anyone that actually served in the US military knows they're not allowed to use their uniform for personal gain or political action.

Then what was up with all the political ads 6 months ago with men & women in uniform(on both sides, but 80% Republican)

 

[woody60707]

Then what was up with all the political ads 6 months ago with men & women in uniform(on both sides, but 80% Republican)

Retired. And if you think 80% voted republican,....well umm your wrong.

 

[Azale]

I find it very strange that in their training members of the US military are encouraged to support one political party.
In some ways it seems a dangerous game to play what with junior officers believing they have the right as conservatives to question if a elected person should be CinC.

How many people believe that their military should take an active part in politics ?
And if they are taking an active part, are they to be trusted ?

I think you're completely overstating the problem!

I believe the military should take an active role in countries that are too chaotic and dangerous to support a slow-moving democratic process. For example, I would prefer the singular corrupt Musharraf over the multitude of corrupt politicians working for the Pakistani People's Party under Sharif. Sure, the lack of a democratic tradition might have been what caused the problem in the first place but...

Btw, this is now a thread about Pakistan.

 

[GoodGame]

Then what was up with all the political ads 6 months ago with men & women in uniform(on both sides, but 80% Republican)

They are product placements---associations without endorsement. Some (e.g. Palin) are superimpositions or innuendos (e.g. showing a bunch of "we support our troops" and then a picture of the politician). Can you be sure those are people actually connected to the service, or just models wearing uniforms?

It's clearly printed in the UCMJ that military service members can't participate in political rallies or endorse political candidates in uniform or in any way suggest the military endorses a particular candidate.

 

[Camikaze]

I actually would be worrying if the military as a whole was supporting a political party. But that isn't the case, and military personnel have just as much right as anyone else to express political opinions.

 

[capslock]

I find it very strange that in their training members of the US military are encouraged to support one political party.
In some ways it seems a dangerous game to play what with junior officers believing they have the right as conservatives to question if a elected person should be CinC.

How many people believe that their military should take an active part in politics ?
And if they are taking an active part, are they to be trusted ?

We are not encouraged to support any political party, lol. Where are you getting your info? In fact, we have very strict rules AGAINST openly supporting any political party/candidate (at least in uniform).

 

[emzie]

I find it very strange that in their training members of the US military are encouraged to support one political party.
In some ways it seems a dangerous game to play what with junior officers believing they have the right as conservatives to question if a elected person should be CinC.

How many people believe that their military should take an active part in politics ?
And if they are taking an active part, are they to be trusted ?

Your information is wrong. A few junior officers questioning the CinC doesn't a military policy make. Indeed they'll be lucky to walk away with dishonourable discharges.

 

[otago]

I actually would be worrying if the military as a whole was supporting a political party. But that isn't the case, and military personnel have just as much right as anyone else to express political opinions.

That I do find strange, that say a Colonel could express to junior commissioned officers how much he supports what President Obama is doing in the political sense.
I suppose it is easier for us in that our politicians are merely the hired help.
Reminds me of what I was told going back a bit, we live in a democracy but always remember, the army is not one.

 

[Death_Machine]

I find it very strange that in their training members of the US military are encouraged to support one political party.

You don't know WTH you are talking about.

What does it matter, there's only two to choose from anyways.

Wrong.

And just because they're in the US military, they're still citizens allowed to take part in the political process. End of story.

Read more books otago.

It should be that only those who have served get the right to vote, or at least run for office. We're the only ones who have actually put our asses on the line in the first place. Go read Starship Troopers.

 

[otago]

You don't know WTH you are talking about.

Wrong.

It should be that only those who have served get the right to vote, or at least run for office. We're the only ones who have actually put our asses on the line in the first place. Go read Starship Troopers.

Served in combat, or have had the uniform on ?

 

[Death_Machine]

Served in combat, or have had the uniform on ?

Simple enlistment is enough. If one is sent to combat or not is not their decision, the important thing is the willingness to go if called.

 

[Mowque]

I;ve almost wished we'd take AWAY the right to vote from the armed forces. they are brainwashed...for good reason!...but they don't have objective views anymore.

 

[GenMarshall]

It should be that only those who have served get the right to vote, or at least run for office. We're the only ones who have actually put our asses on the line in the first place. Go read Starship Troopers.

A Starship Trooper universe?! As much as I like the Mobile Infantry, I really don't like that kind of authoritarian spartan government. Reserving the right to vote just for the military is just as wrong as not letting African Americans and women the right to vote. Excuse me if you precive me as being a liberal on this, but I strongly support universal suffrage (Specifically adult suffrage) irregardless of race, creed, vet or non vet, etc.

On the other side of the coin, If there was a draft, I'd be the first one in the Air Force, Navy, and/or Coast Guard office.

 

[Death_Machine]

I;ve almost wished we'd take AWAY the right to vote from the armed forces. they are brainwashed...for good reason!...but they don't have objective views anymore.

Perfect example of my point. This guy just pissed all over those who fight/fought & die so he can be an ass & say whatever the hell he wants.