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Marines forced to disarm before meeting secdef panetta

I know that some may not see this as a big deal. For someone in the military, it is huge. Carrying your personal weapon (whether a 9mm pistol, M-4, or M-16A4) while "in country" is standard. As a matter of fact, you cannot enter any messhall without a weapon. The level of distrust shown to the Marines that wanted to meet SECDEF Panetta is just another in a long line of disrespectful moves towards our military by the current administration. I understand if we are meeting the POTUS, we lay down weapons. His office is a political one and can sew discourse in troops that don't approve of his policies. However, the SECDEF is not a political office. In fact, he is overall responsible for voicing the opinions and needs of the very people that were required to disarm to meet him!
In addition, the General that gave the order to disarm is a pinhead. Many of our General's now-a-days are out of touch, snotty, 10 pound brain types who know nothing of the dirt we chew on the ground. Many of these men have not actually fought in combat. The most combat action they have seen is of the incidental type that happens to occur on their tours of the Area of Operations (AO). These men have read a few books, been to a school or two, and declare themselves "masters of the COIN environment". Sadly, history is repeating itelf in Afghanistan. Vietnam was THE demonstration of what happens when senior officers become involved in lower level decisions. Apparently none of our General's read that in any book.
So, what say you. Is it disrespectful for the SECDEF and Major General Gurganus to require the Marines to lay down their arms?
Marines told to disarm before Panetta speech – CNN Security Clearance - CNN.com Blogs

At least he didn't tell them to disrobe.
 
At least he didn't tell them to disrobe.

What in the world are you talking about? First your serve your country, don't join the military post and now this work of art.
 
What in the world are you talking about? First your serve your country, don't join the military post and now this work of art.

We all know what the "F" in SECDEF stands for.
 
If young men and women want to make the most of their lives, they should choose to serve their country instead of joining the military.

Good idea. So how do you think folks should "serve their country"? What happens when everyone (with whatever you are going suggest) wants to "serve their country" but . . . . not by going into the military?
 
Good idea. So how do you think folks should "serve their country"? What happens when everyone (with whatever you are going suggest) wants to "serve their country" but . . . . not by going into the military?

I'm one of the most pro-military folks here, but the idea that the only way you can "serve your country" buy joining the military is absolutely absurd. How about becoming a teacher? Doing social work? Entering civil service? Those are all ways in which folks can serve their country.
 
I'm one of the most pro-military folks here, but the idea that the only way you can "serve your country" buy joining the military is absolutely absurd. How about becoming a teacher? Doing social work? Entering civil service? Those are all ways in which folks can serve their country.

Did you read my question back? I said what happens if every one wants "serve their country" but . . . . not by going into the military. My guess, we bring back the draft. What do you think?
 
Of course it's feigned outrage. It's pretending you're mad about something which doesn't affect troop morale. It's pretending you're offended by somebody you personally or anybody within 300 miles of you is affected by. It's pretending you're offended about something so ridiculously insignificant it didn't even make it out of a blog. Actually it was so insignificant that the guy who actually relayed the order said it wasn't a big deal. I brought up the little Bush thing to point out how silly it is to get angry at these supposed jabs the civilian administration take at the soldiers.

You must be a go to guy/gal at the local parties as the neighborhood mind reader. Good on ya, at least you have a job.
 
I'm one of the most pro-military folks here, but the idea that the only way you can "serve your country" buy joining the military is absolutely absurd. How about becoming a teacher? Doing social work? Entering civil service? Those are all ways in which folks can serve their country.

These are excellent ways to serve your country. Probably the most important would be teacher, from the list you provide. They don't get paid nearly enough if you ask me. But I will never like it when someone puts down the soldier who provides safe haven for the teacher to teach. We all provide an important role to society. Belittling any of these roles is unconscionable.
 
"Marines forced to disarm before meeting sec def panetta"

Now we need a Rubicon River to cross. Are there any rivers around Washington DC?
 
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