raimius said it best. Remember too, that yo are also a citizen. Which means when November comes rolling by and it's time to vote, you have just as much say so in your vote as anyone else. And you are expected to exercise that right.
Wanna get me RILED up? Let's talk about all the people who complain about the president, congress, laws, etc... and yet they don't vote. Wanna REALLY get me RILED UP? Let's talk about military members who who talk about how they've always wanted to serve their country and to protect the constitution; and THEY DON'T VOTE. Obviously the RIGHT to VOTE as with anything means that you also have the RIGHT not to vote. Obviously, it can't be a right if it's forced upon you. However, I am not shy and will make it perfectly clear, right now. If we're discussing such things as politics in general, policies, etc.... and our like or dislike for such laws/policies; (Which you are indeed allowed to have feelings and opinions for); the first question I will ask is: "Who did you vote for?" or "How did you vote on that topic?" If you say you "Didn't Vote", then please walk away. Don't talk to me. Your opinion means absolutely NOTHING to me. Even if you happen to agree with me on the topic at hand. I do NOT respect your opinion or feelings.
I have seen way too many good people through the years give their lives, the ultimate sacrifice, so you and everyone else could have your rights. And the most important of ALL rights, is the right to vote and change those who are in charge. And if you don't vote; even with B.S. excuses like.... "All the candidates are the same..... I don't like any of them....... Absentee voting is a PITA.........." , then you SPIT on the graves of every American service man or woman who served before you and gave their life.
So, to the original poster. Yes, you are allowed to disagree. You can even disagree with the officers appointed over you. You are allowed to have opinions. However, there is a time when you are speaking when it's your personal opinion, and there's a time where you are representing the service and the uniform you wear. And because the "Press" cares more about sensationalism than they do the truth, you really need to stay away from them. Meaning, don't go to protests. Don't do things in uniform. etc... Usually, if you do all your disagreeing, complaining, biotching, etc.... "WITH THE FAMILY"; meaning your military family, then it's cool. You're also allowed to contact your congressman and senator and express your opinion. You're allowed to contact the president and express your opinion. Please, contact all of them. But if you do ANYTHING publicly, where the possibility arises where YOUR opinion can be CONFUSED with it representing the opinion of THE WHOLE MILITARY, then you've go a problem. You might say.... "That's just MY opinion", but if it becomes "public", there's going to be SOMEONE who sees/reads your opinion and says, "That's the MILITARY's opinion". That's where the line has been crossed. Because the "Military" has to support those appointed over them. Even if they disagree.
But your #1 means of agreeing, disagreeing, expressing your opinion, etc... is to VOTE. Next means is to contact your representative, senator, and the president with your concerns. If you DON'T VOTE or do these things, then personally; I don't want to hear why or any excuses. I have NO, let me say again NO respect whatsoever for you. Mind you, this is an academy forum. 99% of all individuals that these posts apply to aren't old enough to vote, or weren't old enough to vote during their last election. Well, you're aware of it NOW. You know when you'll be 18. Find out NOW about registering and voting absentee. About local elections and issues. About this November when the house is coming up for re-election. If you DON'T VOTE, then all your other arguments about expressing your opinions, feelings, etc... about the country means absolutely nothing to me. Maybe to others, but not to me. I can't respect someone who spits on the graves of military members who died to keep our constitution and rights alive for them, and yet they don't use/exercise those rights. Good luck. mike....