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Thursday, July 18, 2024

Has the UCMJ been rewritten?

 


The military under the Biden administration is embracing a more progressive and inclusive approach.

According to the UCMJ DoD Directive 1344.10 the display of political signage on your person, your uniform, your vehicle or home, except for a single bumper sticker, is prohibited on base premises, including on personal vehicles. Additionally, military families residing on base are not permitted to exhibit any political signs, posters, or banners in public view at their residences. It has always been a rule that this rule always be upheld while in the military, however, it appears that has changed. So, when did the UCMJ get rewritten?  

The military under the Biden administration is embracing a more progressive and inclusive approach.

Traditionally, insignia and patches on a soldier's uniform were indicators of their military qualifications and experience. However, in a move towards greater diversity and representation, the Biden administration has allowed for the inclusion of a "Pride Patch" on military uniforms during "Pride Month." This decision signifies a shift towards recognizing and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community within the military.

 The insignia on a soldier's uniform speaks volumes about their military journey. From current assignments to combat experience, these patches and badges are not just for show - they are symbols of pride and accomplishment. Elite units like the Ranger Regiment and Special Forces are revered, with soldiers proudly displaying their unit insignia. The Combat Infantryman's badge is another prestigious honor that infantry veterans wear with pride. These patches and ribbons serve as a visual biography of a soldier's service, showcasing their dedication and bravery. Each symbol represents a chapter in their military career, a story of where they've been and what they've achieved. While they may not be officially called "pride" patches, they are worn with a sense of honor and respect for the sacrifices made in the line of duty.

I've addressed the risks associated with a politically-influenced military many times over the years, but no one seems to listen to the warnings of such influence over military personnel.   A military that is swayed by political agendas poses a threat to not only a democratic society but can lead to a loss of freedom and creating of a dictatorship. Unfortunately, under the Biden administration, we are witnessing a rapid politicization of the military. I’ve heard from various warriors across the world how our American Flag was accompanied by the Pride Flag on many of our embassies and military bases around the world since 2011. Senior brass of our military doesn’t have the spine to stand up to this false DEI initiative to demoralize our military personnel to the detriment of our military and our nation.   It's clear that commanders seeking promotions or favorable assignments understand who holds the power and what they expect.

Case in point: The Stars and Stripes have recently uncovered yet another instance of political influence seeping into military affairs. The commander of the OSAN airbase in South Korea has given the green light for troops to wear a "pride morale patch" on their uniforms, both in public and while on duty.

According to a spokesperson for the commander, the patch symbolizes the Air Force's dedication to diversity, inclusion, dignity, and respect within their mission. It seems this commander is well-attuned to the desires of higher-ups. And he’s itching for a better billet to advance his career before retirement. Go Figure.

Personally, I'd prefer our Air Force to focus more on winning wars, but I suppose that's just the way I was brought up by an Army Officer. This "pride patch" doesn't hold a candle to the prestigious symbols of military achievement like Ranger tabs, Seal tridents, or campaign ribbons that actually represent valor and service in combat.

The Army troops at the air base are now able to show their support for diverse sexual practices with "pride" patches alongside their other military accolades. Quite the decision, commander.

Let's be clear: Wearing a 13-colored "pride" patch as a symbol of identifying with specific sexual practices or lifestyles is a political statement. Political statements according to the UCMJ Title 10 don’t allow for political statements while in uniform, right? Or has the UCMJ been rewritten, and no one told me? It doesn't contribute to a military unit's effectiveness, skills, readiness or cohesiveness. Instead, it signifies allegiance to DEI politics. Allowing such patches on military uniforms undermines the principle of a politically neutral military, crucial for a democratic society. However, Colonel William McKibban clearly sees the best way to becoming a general is to be politically correct and pray someone at the higher level notices he’s playing political ball and rewards him with a star for good behavior.    

While the Colonel plays politics with insignia the U.S. House of Representatives is playing with our tax dollars when it comes to the annual defense policy bill. Recently the House of Representatives passed its version of the annual defense policy bill, which includes provisions related to abortion rights and the treatment of transgender service members. That’s right instead of funding warfighting capabilities, personnel retention funding, and overall defense spending, they’ve decided it’s more important to allocate defense appropriation funding to controversial social issues that have the potential to complicate the passage of this crucial legislation. Now, the Senate Armed Services Committee will need to collaborate with the House to create a compromise version of the fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). How about allocating funding to maintain the Caisson Unit at Fort Myer Base which is historical in nature for the honor and dignity of those buried at Arlington cemetery, or how about replacing or refurbishing the run-down housing on various bases where warriors and their families live while stationed on that base. Or even better refurbish the barracks where our warriors live? Those expenses would be better used instead of paying for sex changes and abortions. I didn’t lobby for defense appropriation for so many years to have my work diminished by a bunch of social issue idiots looking to change the landscape of our military for their political ideology.

The House's bill authorizes a historic $895 billion in spending, representing a 1% increase from the previous year. Despite some bipartisan support, the legislation faced opposition from both Democrats and Republicans during the House vote.

 Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts from Pheonix University in Business Management, then a degree in Mass Communication and Cyber Analysis from Phoenix University, then on to Walden University for her master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology, her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. In her spare time, Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, pen and ink, Gouache, and pastels. As a political operative having worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 6 blogs that range from art to life coaching, to food, to writing, and opinion or history pieces each week. 

 

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