USMA grad, a Communist?

And - a response from West Point
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He is entitled to his opinions, and is certainly entitled to express them (thank you, first amendment), but NOT while in uniform. Being a communist and ascribing to communist philosophy has not been illegal since the 1950s (and wasn't really, then), so other than dinging him for proselytizing while in uniform, I'm not sure what they can do (or even if they should). I'm more concerned at the sensationalist attitude of the article (with the potential reach of tens of thousands) than a kid wearing a tee shirt and holding a book (with a social media network in the hundreds). They certainly gave him the platform he was looking for!
 
Thanks for pulling the pin and dropping the grenade Buff! It's been so quiet lately on the "other" forums...:)

Actually, the DOD social media policy clearly states that opinions expressed by AD service members, outside the chain command, can be subject to scrutiny and discipline if they violate certain standards. He is clearly identified as an officer in the U.S. Army. DOD separates service members for espousing or supporting extreme right/nationalist positions, even if they do it while in a leave status and are not wearing a uniform.

A service member who espouses or supports extreme left wing philosophy should not be treated any differently...besides, not sure how being a communist aligns with "support and defend the constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic..."
 
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I won't repost the social media statements he made, but Google "Rapone Mattis" or "Pence" or "McCain". Any one of these comments alone are a violation of Article 88 of the UCMJ, so that's three counts right there.
Also, if as reported he is in Ranger school (or was), he is in a world of hurt. He has no access to social media or his electronic devices which are probably in a BOQ room and a footlocker at Ranger school. The first inclining he will have that something is wrong is when he is pulled out of the course and arrives with his instructors into the waiting hands of MPs who will probably already have warrants for all his electronic devices.
 
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eljay60 said:
They certainly gave him the platform he was looking for!
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Not sure this was the platform he was hoping for.

Saw this article that was advocating minor punishment if any, thought it was interesting that the author added an update after they saw the posts he made about Maddis, Pence, and McCain. I think that these personal attack posts will be what impacts this young 2LT the most, if by some chance he survives this my guess would be that he doesn't serve much past his initial obligation. I would imagine his file will have some interesting additions that will stick to him like glue. I have seen others get past over for much less.

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/t...n-punishing-lt-spenser-rapone/article/2635814

If the 2LT is indeed at Ranger School, he has no idea the fire storm that awaits him. If by some miracle he is given a platoon, I can't imagine how that will go for him.
 
Jcleppe said:
eljay60 said:
They certainly gave him the platform he was looking for!
Click to expand...

Not sure this was the platform he was hoping for.

Saw this article that was advocating minor punishment if any, thought it was interesting that the author added an update after they saw the posts he made about Maddis, Pence, and McCain. I think that these personal attack posts will be what impacts this young 2LT the most, if by some chance he survives this my guess would be that he doesn't serve much past his initial obligation. I would imagine his file will have some interesting additions that will stick to him like glue. I have seen others get past over for much less.

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/t...n-punishing-lt-spenser-rapone/article/2635814

If the 2LT is indeed at Ranger School, he has no idea the fire storm that awaits him. If by some miracle he is given a platoon, I can't imagine how that will go for him.
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I tend to agree with the author. The Article 88 charges are pretty serious, and there’s more than one.
In addition, as we both said, if this kid was in Ranger school he had no idea of the crap storm that was about to roll over him. I have to imagine that while he was in the field JAG was busy getting warrants for all his electronic devices, which most probably are conveniently located in US Army facilities. If this stuff is on social media more serious stuff may be on his devices which may now be in the hands of CID.
This kid will be lucky if he doesn’t serve time.
 
They probably don't need a warrant if his devices are located on a DOD facility...there is no reasonable expectation of privacy and agreement to search is implied once one sets foot on DOD property.

Article 134 charges would work also... a quick Article 15 hearing followed by an administrative separation board (ADSEP) and that will be the end of it. Then he can exercise all the first amendment rights he wants as a civilian...
 
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NTWLF ONE said:
They probably don't need a warrant if his devices are located on a DOD facility...there is no reasonable expectation of privacy and agreement to search is implied once one sets foot on DOD property.

Article 134 charges would work also... a quick Article 15 hearing followed by an administrative separation board (ADSEP) and that will be the end of it. Then he can exercise all the first amendment rights he wants as a civilian...
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Depends on COC and JAG, but with the social media statements about the POTUS, VPOTUS and SECDEF he will be very lucky if that is all.
As for warrants, been a while and rules have probably changed since I’ve dealt with this.
 
I am sure if he doesn't complete his initial obligation I would fully suspect payback for time not served will be required. I also agree getting him on article 88 is going to be the fastest and easiest way to get him out of service, but he could fight it and use it as a platform on his way out.
 
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If an SAF member knew this kid, I wish he/she would speak up and tell us about this guy.

This kid's political views are meaningless to me. It's his messianic arrogance that blows me away. A billion and a half people tried Communism and almost of them have rejected it. Vladimir Putin rejected it. The Chinese rejected it. Hermes and Louis Vuitton have stores on the same square where Ho Chi Minh rallied his people under the banner of Marx, Engels and Lenin. Did this pathetic kid really think that his displays would create a critical mass of support inside and outside the military. Didn't any of his fellow cadets or 2LT's ever pull him aside and say "Dude!?"

I thought I had seen the pinnacle of arrogance in Lt. General Flynn, former Director of DIA, taking cash from Kaspersky Labs and from the Turks while employed by the Trump campaign, not reporting it and thinking he would keep it hidden. Well, Lt. Rapone has exceeded Flynn's achievement. Even his callow youth doesn't explain it.

Here is President Trump's big chance to say, "Get that SOB out of the field. You're fired!"
 
Am I the only one who thinks the communism references are referring to the "authoritarian" nature of West Point and this all him putting a big middle finger to it now that he's graduated and done, OR just him being obnoxious and doing all of this for the ironic humor and not actually being a Communist? Something I'm missing?
 
Full Metal Bulldog said:
Am I the only one who thinks the communism references are referring to the "authoritarian" nature of West Point and this all him putting a big middle finger to it now that he's graduated and done, OR just him being obnoxious and doing all of this for the ironic humor and not actually being a Communist? Something I'm missing?
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Perception is reality regardless of intent.
 
Full Metal Bulldog said:
Am I the only one who thinks the communism references are referring to the "authoritarian" nature of West Point and this all him putting a big middle finger to it now that he's graduated and done, OR just him being obnoxious and doing all of this for the ironic humor and not actually being a Communist? Something I'm missing?
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There could be a slim chance that what you say is accurate, if it was not for the comments he has made about SECDEF, VPOTUS, and McCain, that I think shows a much deeper commitment to a cause other then just a middle finger. Not to mention his Mini Manifestos he seems to enjoy posting.
 
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