Impressed with LtGen Silveria

[McGNJ]

I've been quite impressed with Lt. Gen. Silveria's statements on the value of diversity and importance of respect at the academy. As a parent of a future USAFA cadet I found this article comforting and inspirational:
https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/14/opin...ent-why-diversity-opinion-silveria/index.html

 

[Wishful]

Maybe some of the current Cadets can comment on how the message has trickled down.

 

[c17hopeful]

I didn't know about the article until I saw it on Jodel. The last big thing most of us heard from him was the speech in Mitches

 

[jeffinNC]

I would really like to hear what the cadets think also? In my opinion I thought the general demonstrated poor leadership in his response a few months ago and then again now. He acted like a politician and that has no place in the ranks at any level. I was a police detective in a major city and I never would have heard my chief hold a press conference and give such a lecture without investigating first. It was pretty obvious it was a hoax from the beginning but the general knee jerked which is a sign of extremely poor leadership especially for a military 3 star general. My opinion of course. This did not leave a good taste in my mouth when I have a daughter and son wanted to attend in a few years. But fortunately leadership is rotated every few years. I truly believe he should apologize to the cadets he dressed down. And what about charges to the cadet that was dismissed for creating the hoax? He should have been charged with a hate crime if you follow the law. The general did not address that either.

 

[c17hopeful]

I would really like to hear what the cadets think also? In my opinion I thought the general demonstrated poor leadership in his response a few months ago and then again now. He acted like a politician and that has no place in the ranks at any level. I was a police detective in a major city and I never would have heard my chief hold a press conference and give such a lecture without investigating first. It was pretty obvious it was a hoax from the beginning but the general knee jerked which is a sign of extremely poor leadership especially for a military 3 star general. My opinion of course. This did not leave a good taste in my mouth when I have a daughter and son wanted to attend in a few years. But fortunately leadership is rotated every few years.

We all really appreciate the Supe, for the most part. I thought his speech a few months ago was well-said. He was simply making it clear that racism of any kind will not be tolerated here. And when it came out who wrote the things, he made it clear that the candidate would still be removed, because racism cannot be tolerated here. Of course, this is simply my personal opinion.

 

[jeffinNC]

I would really like to hear what the cadets think also? In my opinion I thought the general demonstrated poor leadership in his response a few months ago and then again now. He acted like a politician and that has no place in the ranks at any level. I was a police detective in a major city and I never would have heard my chief hold a press conference and give such a lecture without investigating first. It was pretty obvious it was a hoax from the beginning but the general knee jerked which is a sign of extremely poor leadership especially for a military 3 star general. My opinion of course. This did not leave a good taste in my mouth when I have a daughter and son wanted to attend in a few years. But fortunately leadership is rotated every few years.

We all really appreciate the Supe, for the most part. I thought his speech a few months ago was well-said. He was simply making it clear that racism of any kind will not be tolerated here. And when it came out who wrote the things, he made it clear that the candidate would still be removed, because racism cannot be tolerated here. Of course, this is simply my personal opinion.

You simply can not go around making speeches like this without some evidence. And even then it would have been out of line to call in the media and make a big spectacle making world news without facts or doing any preliminary investigation. I felt like I was watching a political speech even if it was a good one. The Supe never should have done that. Never in my opinion. I truly think he should be removed along with the one star who helped him write the speech. You never should knee jerk like this when the situation could ignite a political s...storm! He seems like a great guy but is simply not cut out to be a general. Those are strong opinions of mine and I can not remember when I felt this way about a current serving military leader.

16,

Thanks for your response. That does make me feel better about my daughter applying next year!

 

[c17hopeful]

I would really like to hear what the cadets think also? In my opinion I thought the general demonstrated poor leadership in his response a few months ago and then again now. He acted like a politician and that has no place in the ranks at any level. I was a police detective in a major city and I never would have heard my chief hold a press conference and give such a lecture without investigating first. It was pretty obvious it was a hoax from the beginning but the general knee jerked which is a sign of extremely poor leadership especially for a military 3 star general. My opinion of course. This did not leave a good taste in my mouth when I have a daughter and son wanted to attend in a few years. But fortunately leadership is rotated every few years.

We all really appreciate the Supe, for the most part. I thought his speech a few months ago was well-said. He was simply making it clear that racism of any kind will not be tolerated here. And when it came out who wrote the things, he made it clear that the candidate would still be removed, because racism cannot be tolerated here. Of course, this is simply my personal opinion.

You simply can not go around making speeches like this without some evidence. And even then it would have been out of line to call in the media and make a big spectacle making world news without facts or doing any preliminary investigation. I felt like I was watching a political speech even if it was a good one. The Supe never should have done that. Never in my opinion. I truly think he should be removed along with the one star who helped him write the speech. You never should knee jerk like this when the situation could ignite a political s...storm! He seems like a great guy but is simply not cut out to be a general. Those are strong opinions of mine and I can not remember when I felt this way about a current serving military leader.

Sir, with the respect I have for you as someone who is older than me and has more experience. The supe didn't speculate on facts he did not have. He simply made it very clear that racism, in any form, will not be tolerated. Which is a true fact.

 

[jeffinNC]

I would really like to hear what the cadets think also? In my opinion I thought the general demonstrated poor leadership in his response a few months ago and then again now. He acted like a politician and that has no place in the ranks at any level. I was a police detective in a major city and I never would have heard my chief hold a press conference and give such a lecture without investigating first. It was pretty obvious it was a hoax from the beginning but the general knee jerked which is a sign of extremely poor leadership especially for a military 3 star general. My opinion of course. This did not leave a good taste in my mouth when I have a daughter and son wanted to attend in a few years. But fortunately leadership is rotated every few years.

We all really appreciate the Supe, for the most part. I thought his speech a few months ago was well-said. He was simply making it clear that racism of any kind will not be tolerated here. And when it came out who wrote the things, he made it clear that the candidate would still be removed, because racism cannot be tolerated here. Of course, this is simply my personal opinion.

You simply can not go around making speeches like this without some evidence. And even then it would have been out of line to call in the media and make a big spectacle making world news without facts or doing any preliminary investigation. I felt like I was watching a political speech even if it was a good one. The Supe never should have done that. Never in my opinion. I truly think he should be removed along with the one star who helped him write the speech. You never should knee jerk like this when the situation could ignite a political s...storm! He seems like a great guy but is simply not cut out to be a general. Those are strong opinions of mine and I can not remember when I felt this way about a current serving military leader.

Sir, with the respect I have for you as someone who is older than me and has more experience. The supe didn't speculate on facts he did not have. He simply made it very clear that racism, in any form, will not be tolerated. Which is a true fact.

You realize that this created a world news event. You have to be careful and the general knee jerked. It felt like a political speech with him referencing several racial incidents around the country. I don't like when politics infiltrate the military like this. That is just what I see. Like I said I was an investigator and never should a speech have been given this early in the investigation. Again I am glad you like the general and that makes me feel great about sending/recommending my children attend the academy.

 

[AROTC-dad]

There was physical evidence of a hate crime. Whether fraudulent or not, the Super had a DUTY to take immediate action that such behavior, if perpetrated by racist cadets would not be tolerated.

What would you have him do? Be silent until the perps were apprehended? There is no guarantee that those responsible would be caught. This was a proactive action and in my opinion a good decision.

Even though it turned out to be a fraudulent crime, it was a teaching moment and I'm glad the General did it. The speech reassures parents throughout this great country of the ideals of the Academy. For a minority parent like myself it is very encouraging that someone like this is in charge of the institution.

 

[jeffinNC]

There was physical evidence of a hate crime. Whether fraudulent or not, the Super had a DUTY to take immediate action that such behavior, if perpetrated by racist cadets would not be tolerated.

What would you have him do? Be silent until the perps were apprehended? There is no guarantee that those responsible would be caught. This was a proactive action and in my opinion a good decision.

Even though it turned out to be a fraudulent crime, it was a teaching moment and I'm glad the General did it. The speech reassures parents throughout this great country of the ideals of the Academy. For a minority parent like myself it is very encouraging that someone like this is in charge of the institution.

I simply disagree-no harm in that. Not going to get into why you wait for the facts especially in a event like this. I do not like politics at ALL in there. The race thing should not be tolerated at all I agree with the Supe. But his speech sounded like he is running for office the way he was weighing into political hot button issues around the country. He should have zipped his mouth-he is a military leader-not a politician. I am very mixed on how he handled the situation. But it is nice to hear cadets and parents like yourself feel great about the Supe. Thanks for your son/daughters service!

 

[emwvmi01]

There was physical evidence of a hate crime. Whether fraudulent or not, the Super had a DUTY to take immediate action that such behavior, if perpetrated by racist cadets would not be tolerated.

What would you have him do? Be silent until the perps were apprehended? There is no guarantee that those responsible would be caught. This was a proactive action and in my opinion a good decision.

Even though it turned out to be a fraudulent crime, it was a teaching moment and I'm glad the General did it. The speech reassures parents throughout this great country of the ideals of the Academy. For a minority parent like myself it is very encouraging that someone like this is in charge of the institution.

I would take issue that the Superintendent has a reporting obligation to the parents. That conversation comes up a lot here and I think it is easy to forget that the vast majority of Soldiers/Sailors/Airmen and Marines are the same age as the cadets/midshipmen at the SAs. Yet you don't see a Corps Commander (another 3 star) call a press conference for every incident that occurs in their jurisdiction. Even when you see significant news items (Google Fort Bragg arrest for rape/kidnapping for an example this week). Now like all commanders, the Supe has an obligation to set the tone internally to his organization on issues of ethics and values to include equal opportunity as well as to maintain good order and discipline. But normally that is an internal dialogue. I am all for good messaging but this seems rather disjointed and I am really surprised given a commander's role in UCMJ that his counsel cleared the first statement or this follow on statement.

 

[jeffinNC]

There was physical evidence of a hate crime. Whether fraudulent or not, the Super had a DUTY to take immediate action that such behavior, if perpetrated by racist cadets would not be tolerated.

What would you have him do? Be silent until the perps were apprehended? There is no guarantee that those responsible would be caught. This was a proactive action and in my opinion a good decision.

Even though it turned out to be a fraudulent crime, it was a teaching moment and I'm glad the General did it. The speech reassures parents throughout this great country of the ideals of the Academy. For a minority parent like myself it is very encouraging that someone like this is in charge of the institution.

I would take issue that the Superintendent has a reporting obligation to the parents. That conversation comes up a lot here and I think it is easy to forget that the vast majority of Soldiers/Sailors/Airmen and Marines are the same age as the cadets/midshipmen at the SAs. Yet you don't see a Corps Commander (another 3 star) call a press conference for every incident that occurs in their jurisdiction. Even when you see significant news items (Google Fort Bragg arrest for rape/kidnapping for an example this week). Now like all commanders, the Supe has an obligation to set the tone internally to his organization on issues of ethics and values to include equal opportunity as well as to maintain good order and discipline. But normally that is an internal dialogue. I am all for good messaging but this seems rather disjointed and I am really surprised given a commander's role in UCMJ that his counsel cleared the first statement or this follow on statement.

Exactly! Who is clearing him to say these things! Or is he overriding his counsel and communications directors advise? The vice supe (one star) was instrumental in writing the original speech also. Just seems they are stepping into unneeded political issues. And yes keep it internal!!!!!!!! Instead all the media was called? Something doesn't seem right.

 

[Capri120]

I don't believe the Sup called a "press conference" to give his original speech. It was posted on the USAFA website and social media pages and picked up by the press, who are the ones that made such a big deal about it and tried to turn it into a political statement.

He wanted those under his command to understand his position as well as the Academy's.

As for "politician"...the Academy Sup, as a 3-star, is a political appointee of sorts and the spokesman for the Academy to Congress and the President to garner funds, manning, etc.

 

[Tex232]

I've been quite impressed with Lt. Gen. Silveria's statements on the value of diversity and importance of respect at the academy.

The importance of respect? Sure, that’s important. Diversity? No. Society’s current version of “diversity” is that we force various institutions (including the academies) to open their doors to students who don’t meet the same standard as everyone else, whether that be through affirmative action, quotas, etc. Basically, people who are for this kind of “diversity” are really only interested in what a person’s skin color or gender is, and they believe that should be the basis for their admittance to any type of program, military or otherwise. They don’t care whether someone meets the standard.

As for this incident, I won’t say that it was readily apparent that the incident was a hoax, so I’ll give General Silveria the benefit of the doubt on that. However I do agree that he should have apologized to the cadet corps after reprimanding them for the “racist” incident, once it came to light that this was a hoax. Once the truth came out, it was no longer a “racist” incident. Instead, he doubled down on comments that wouldn’t have even been necessary had this never happened.

Also, this kid was lucky to get away with disenrollment from the academy. My guess is had this not been a hoax, the perpetrator would have faced UCMJ action. This fraud should have been treated the same way.

 

[HuskyPilot]

I wish our leaders would focus more on character and morals and less on diversification of pigmentation and culture. Just my 2 cents...

 

[Vaquero]

HuskyPilot,

couldn't agree more! The word "diversity" comes from the same root as "divide" and the continued pressing of the diversity concept is dividing this nation asunder--which I believe to be the intended result.

 

[HuskyPilot]

I’m praying for the leadership at the USAFA. http://dailycaller.com/2018/02/15/air-force-michael-jordan/

 

[Tex232]

I’m praying for the leadership at the USAFA. http://dailycaller.com/2018/02/15/air-force-michael-jordan/

Wow, just read that article and couldn’t believe it. Honestly, it’s pretty sad when enlisted members are having to tell officer candidates how to dress professionally, and it’s even more disturbing that senior officers there are calling this kind of talk “offensive”.

This reminded me of something that was mentioned when I was at work today. The tech school course I’m currently TDY to is visiting a museum on base tomorrow as a class trip related to our coursework. Apparently in the past students were allowed to wear civilian attire, but recently a student (keep in mind these are AF officers) was called out by a retiree who runs the museum for sagging his pants. So now uniforms are required. If officers and officer candidates don’t know how to look even semi-professional, they should be shown the door.

 

[jeffinNC]

I’m praying for the leadership at the USAFA. http://dailycaller.com/2018/02/15/air-force-michael-jordan/

Wow, just read that article and couldn’t believe it. Honestly, it’s pretty sad when enlisted members are having to tell officer candidates how to dress professionally, and it’s even more disturbing that senior officers there are calling this kind of talk “offensive”.

This reminded me of something that was mentioned when I was at work today. The tech school course I’m currently TDY to is visiting a museum on base tomorrow as a class trip related to our coursework. Apparently in the past students were allowed to wear civilian attire, but recently a student (keep in mind these are AF officers) was called out by a retiree who runs the museum for sagging his pants. So now uniforms are required. If officers and officer candidates don’t know how to look even semi-professional, they should be shown the door.

I really can not believe what I just read. I do not want to pass judgement and knee jerk but if true as the article stated I really am hoping for an entire change of command. This Colonel, the one star, and the 3 star. After reading that I am just dumbfounded and want to leave it there.

 

[knownothing]

My two cents: I liked the Lt. Gen's speech. However, his subsequent appearances on the national morning shows, smiling and patting himself on the back, made me cringe. I thought it was so inappropriate, an unnecessary airing of dirty laundry, and unfair to the (innocent) cadets who were then thrust into the national spotlight for scrutiny. He didn't need to do that to be an effective leader, and I think his judgement was poor in that regard. Again, I liked the speech, but he got a little full of himself and took the focus from where it should be - not a public national conversation, as he writes about in his article but a private one within the academy which is his responsibility and jurisdiction.