As asked, are the rules for a soldier concerning free speech different than those of the civilian?
As discussed, they are. As asked, should they be.....
I think this is a tricky question. To become a soldier contracts are signed and oaths are taken stating that you vow to live as directed. I think this makes the soldier a different breed of person. I do not feel basic training is all about learning how to fight, but learning what it takes to fight. the military does not just train, it modifies. I believe this is why some soldiers have a hard time transitioning back to civilian life.
Unfortunately, as part of the modifications, when it comes to free speech, it is no longer speak what you believe is right, it is fight or flight. It is the soldier's unfortunate burden to have to decide if they need to express free speech, especially if it is against the government.
Is this right, should the rules for soldiers and their free speech be this complicated?! I would like to say no, it is not right, but as far as I know in military life free speech is only one of many rights that are given up. Like chapter 2 in Outspoken, asking for rights is an all or nothing choice for the soldier. What would you choose?
5 comments:
I DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR (OR AFFIRM) THAT I WILL SUPPORT AND DEFEND THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES AGAINST ALL ENEMIES, FOREIGN AND DOMESTIC; THAT I WILL BEAR TRUE FAITH AND ALLEGIANCE TO THE SAME; AND THAT I WILL OBEY THE ORDERS OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES AND THE ORDERS OF THE OFFICERS APPOINTED OVER ME, ACCORDING TO REGULATIONS AND THE UNIFORM CODE OF MILITARY JUSTICE. SO HELP ME GOD.
I am an American Soldier.
I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States, and live the Army Values.
I will always place the mission first.
I will never accept defeat.
I will never quit.
I will never leave a fallen comrade.
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills.
I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself.
I am an expert and I am a professional.
I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy, the enemies of the United States of America in close combat.
I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.
I am an American Soldier.
this is pre 2003
I am an American Soldier.
I am a member of the United States Army -- a protector of the greatest nation on earth.
Because I am proud of the uniform I wear, I will always act in ways creditable to the military service and the nation it is sworn to guard.
I am proud of my own organization. I will do all I can to make it the finest unit in the Army.
I will be loyal to those under whom I serve. I will do my full part to carry out orders and instructions given to me or my unit.
As a soldier, I realize that I am a member of a time-honored profession--that I am doing my share to keep alive the principles of freedom for which my country stands.
No matter what the situation I am in, I will never do anything, for pleasure, profit, or personal safety, which will disgrace my uniform, my unit, or my country.
I will use every means I have, even beyond the line of duty, to restrain my Army comrades from actions disgraceful to themselves and to the uniform.
I am proud of my country and its flag.
I will try to make the people of this nation proud of the service I represent, for I am an American Soldier.
I have to say sadly you hit the nail on the head so to speak...When u become a soilder your freedom of being a civilian are thrown out. You must obey and respect any decision or order you are given. However, i feel that had human beings we know the difference between right and wron gif the men and women are are risking their lives to protect us feel that there is something wrong then they should be able to express that feeling.
I see the point being made--but I think soldiers should have the freedoms that they themselves are fighting for...including freedom of speech.
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