Cadet Project

[momoftwins]

A cadet has prepared this video for a class. Thought you'd like to see it. She'll actually get credit for all of the hits it receives. So, pass it on...

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

[Zaphod]

Nicely done. :thumb:

I'll refrain from commenting on the "good" Senator.... :mad:

[bruno]

A cadet has prepared this video for a class. Thought you'd like to see it. She'll actually get credit for all of the hits it receives. So, pass it on...

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

Well- it was well done from a technical standpoint but I'm a little surprised that a project done as part of a class at the military academy would be so blatantly political and disrespectful of a US Senator (and I'm a fan of Gen P and don't think much of the Senator or his political compatriots). Cadets are US Army personnel and it seems to me that whatever their personal views probably shouldn't be publicly disparaging them as part of their duties.

[Soylent]

Given the fact that she's getting credit for all the hits and it's a mass media course, I doubt that the purpose of the video is to disrespect the senator. I would imagine that the purpose is to showcase the changing defintion of "mass media" and what is now part of the media.

[The Commissioner]

Given the fact that she's getting credit for all the hits and it's a mass media course, I doubt that the purpose of the video is to disrespect the senator. I would imagine that the purpose is to showcase the changing defintion of "mass media" and what is now part of the media.

Assuming she is getting credit for hits, why didn't she try to go viral by filming herself in lingerie dancing seductively in front of a mirror or something similar that will guarantee hits? A video like her's wasn't solely intended to attract hits. It's a political statement that left me asking for my 2 minutes and 47 seconds back. :rolleyes:

[VMINROTChopeful]

Assuming she is getting credit for hits, why didn't she try to go viral by filming herself in lingerie dancing seductively in front of a mirror or something similar that will guarantee hits? A video like her's wasn't solely intended to attract hits. It's a political statement that left me asking for my 2 minutes and 47 seconds back. :rolleyes:

wouldn't it be a violation of the honor code if a WP cadet were to dance in front of the mirror for hits?

"A cadet will not lie, CHEAT, or steal..." <-- j/k :yllol:

[bruno]

Assuming she is getting credit for hits, why didn't she try to go viral by filming herself in lingerie dancing seductively in front of a mirror or something similar that will guarantee hits? A video like her's wasn't solely intended to attract hits. It's a political statement that left me asking for my 2 minutes and 47 seconds back. :rolleyes:

I guess I have to agree- the class may be about the role or extent of the media- but the content of this video is a political one and it really doesn't seem appropriate for a graded exercise for a class at the military academy. Great teaching point I suppose for the "P"- what are the limits of expression for an army officer in the age of an all pervasive media? We are citizens but in uniform, on duty or in any capacity where we can be construed as being representatives of the Army- we owe respect even to the congress members who we absolutely disagree with.

[Soylent]

Perhaps it is an example of what not to do. I don't know, I'm just trying to see both sides.

[SemperExcelsius]

This seminar builds on previously developed research and analytical skills necessary
to understand American public policymaking. The key objective of the course is to familiarize
cadets with current literature on how mass media (to include newspapers, TV journalism, radio,
and the arts) affects the political process from elections and public opinion to the process of
governing and policymaking. The course will also devote about one third of the semester to
exploring general issues concerning the relationship between the military and the media.

/\ /\ That is what the course catalog from USMA says... I don't really see how the video fits into the course curriculum though.

[zachogden]

I thought it was funny.

[Zaphod]

Well- it was well done from a technical standpoint but I'm a little surprised that a project done as part of a class at the military academy would be so blatantly political and disrespectful of a US Senator (and I'm a fan of Gen P and don't think much of the Senator or his political compatriots). Cadets are US Army personnel and it seems to me that whatever their personal views probably shouldn't be publicly disparaging them as part of their duties.


While I would agree in theory, I tend to cut them some (in fact, A LOT OF) slack when the politicians throw an equal measure of respect out the window and begin using the military as pawns and props in their political games.

It would be one thing if the Senator(s) were simply asking the General some tough questions (which I'd expect them to). It's quite another when all they are doing is grandstanding and using the general as their toy.

[Antoinette]

I liked the video. Thanks for the catalog description of the course, SemperExcelsius. I think the video is entirely appropriate for this course...the student showed a stark contrast between two realities: Iraq and Washington. A contrast that she will be faced with her entire career as an American who serves in the miltary. She explored the use of a powerful media outlet (youtube) and expressed an opinion in order to elicit comment. Your opinions of her video are probably helpful for her to assess the impact of her video.

I personally am very glad to see this type of course at West Point. The criminals in Iraq have mastered the use of all media outlets. The impact of media outlets on civilian/military perceptions is something even our platoon leaders need to understand and utilize.

And Commissioner, I think the catchy title, "General Petraeus Gets Demoted", is all she needs to increase the number of youtube hits...her gender is irrevalent.

[LineInTheSand]

So lets get this straight, the demotion was not because the Senator called him an Admiral....that in fact would be quite the promotion! :wink::thumb::cool:

[Antoinette]

Now wait a minute...a cadet made the video...a cadet at West Point...think Army...think Go Army!...now you get it...Admiral is definitley a demotion from GENERAL!! :shake:

[LineInTheSand]

I try not to think "Army" for very long, for fear that my IQ may suddenly drop. "Army Strong" doesn't extend to neurotransmitters!!! :eek: :yllol:

[Antoinette]

Not conceeding anthing here, but I do think you Coasties need to be smarter that the average - you keep us safe - thanks!

And thanks for spending some of your precious brainpower on an Army video (that made you think, BTW!) :biggrin:

[bruno]

I personally am very glad to see this type of course at West Point. The criminals in Iraq have mastered the use of all media outlets. The impact of media outlets on civilian/military perceptions is something even our platoon leaders need to understand and utilize.


Truly- it's a media dominated world and it is awfully important for officers and nco's to be able to understand the speed at which their actions can circle the globe- and to act accordingly. A couple of stupid pictures can literally change national policy (Abu Ghraib for example) and everyone needs to understand that. I suspect that kids understand this far better already than do old fuds like myself- "you tube" "facebook" etc... gets professional looking coverage on the street in minutes. The days of waiting for Walter Cronkite to get a sanitized version of the news out are long gone. So it is a good course for a budding Lieutenant to take. I still question the choice of the topic- but the course itself sounds pretty relevant.

[LineInTheSand]

Also important to remember who controls the purse...and how much funding is needed...you want a "happy" Congress. :rolleyes:

[The Commissioner]

While I would agree in theory, I tend to cut them some (in fact, A LOT OF) slack when the politicians throw an equal measure of respect out the window and begin using the military as pawns and props in their political games.

It would be one thing if the Senator(s) were simply asking the General some tough questions (which I'd expect them to). It's quite another when all they are doing is grandstanding and using the general as their toy.

Politicians "grandstanding" in front of the military? That's as old as politics itself. I'm not surprised General Petraeus could maintain the poker face in front of his interrogators because he knows how the game is played. And that is the key point: the game is to show respect, no matter how disrespectful the players.

[Zaphod]

I'm not surprised General Petraeus could maintain the poker face in front of his interrogators because he knows how the game is played. And that is the key point: the game is to show respect, no matter how disrespectful the players.

Oh, I hear ya.

Just once though, I'd love to see a platoon of Marines stage a landing on one of these congressional committees and to do so in a loud, groteque, military manner. Bring in Naval gunfire support and even a few airstrikes from the USAF in a display of interservice cooperation. :biggrin::thumb:

[VMINROTChopeful]

Oh, I hear ya.

Just once though, I'd love to see a platoon of Marines stage a landing on one of these congressional committees and to do so in a loud, groteque, military manner. Bring in Naval gunfire support and even a few airstrikes from the USAF in a display of interservice cooperation. :biggrin::thumb:

that would be funny! :shake:

but seriously, i think that the military, especially officers or officer candidates should show respect for all the institutions of government, including the judiciary, congress, and executive, no matter their personal feelings about the people in those groups. a lot of problems in the 3rd world start when their military leadership disrespects the government of a country and then nasty stuff happens- coups, revolutions and other things.

[LineInTheSand]

By "disrespect", you mean lobbing off heads and insurections.


There is a reason civilian leadership of the military helps people sleep a little better at night.

[Zaphod]

There is a reason civilian leadership of the military helps people sleep a little better at night.

Indeed, and I wouldn't have it any other way. :smile:

It's sad, however, when the Service has to play by the rules, but the other side doesn't because it MAKES the rules. :mad:

[VMINROTChopeful]

the video is gone from youtube- i wonder if her chain of command thought it would be bad to have it associated with USMA?

[Zaphod]

Either that or the "good" Senator got his pretty pink panties in a wad. Funny how they seem to be able to dish it out but not take it, eh? :rolleyes:

[USNA2012Dad]

Momoftwins,

Can you give us any insight was to why the video was removed? Was it pressure from her school directly or from pressure from the senator (through the school)?

Were the cadet's first ammendment rights trampled upon? I think so.

[Zaphod]

Were the cadet's first ammendment rights trampled upon? I think so.

Careful..... :eek:

While I can certainly appreciate the sentiment, wearing the uniform doesn't always mean you have the same rights as others.

It's neither right nor wrong, but it is what it is...

[USNA2012Dad]

[QUOTE=Zaphod;21358] wearing the uniform doesn't always mean you have the same rights as others.[QUOTE]

Huh? How do you lose rights when you swear to protect the nation?

[VMINROTChopeful]

wearing the uniform doesn't always mean you have the same rights as others.

Huh? How do you lose rights when you swear to protect the nation?

It's right here:

Federal Law (Titles 10, 2, and 18, United States Code), Department of Defense (DOD) Directives, and specific military regulations strictly limit a military active duty person's participation in partisan political activities.
DOD defines "partisan political activity" as "activity supporting or relating to candidates representing, or issues specifically identified with, national or State political parties and associated or ancillary organizations."
...
For the purposes of political activity restrictions, DoD defines active duty as: Full-time duty in the active military service of the United States regardless of duration or purpose, including:
Full-time training duty;
Annual training duty; and
Attendance, while in the active military service, at a school designated as a Service school.
What Active Duty Members Can and Cannot Do
...
Cannot - Participate in any radio, television, or other program or group discussion as an advocate for or against of a partisan political party, candidate, or cause.


EDIT: probably can argue though wether or not this applies to the video

[momoftwins]

As I've mentioned, she's not my daughter. I don't have any info on why the video has been removed.

[momoftwins]

As I've mentioned, she's not my daughter, but a friend. I don't have any info on why the video has been removed. I'm disappointed, though.