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I don't think the intent of the letter was political. The letter was sent as a reminder to the force that we serve to support and defend the Constitution. This is something that, unfortunately, needed to happen because of the growing number of Servicemen/women who are engaging in direct (and often vulgar) criticism of senior military and civilian leadership on social media. There was also an active duty officer who organized and led a group of Soldiers to participate in the demonstration on 06JAN. There were also a number of reserve component service members present at that event. It is unclear as to whether or not any of them were involved in the rioting, but that is under investigation. In my opinion, we (current leaders in the armed forces) have failed to properly educate young service members on the fact that we DO NOT have the same rights to freedom of expression as our civilian brother and sisters. We are held to a higher standard. We can engage in politics, but MUST appear apolitical to the public while still serving. No matter who is elected as President, no matter whether we agree with their politics, he/she is still our Commander in Chief. We are obligated to follow all lawful orders. That is why this letter, and one from the Chief of Staff from the individual services as issued.
Sean, as I was reading your message a email came to my work email from JA and PA that was marked FOUO so not sharing but it covers what I would have expected on off base demonstration. Kind of late they should have sent it out back this summer when all that was going on. But very military written this is what you can do and this is what you can't do. Like you said no civics and I will add very little common senseSent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk