Posted on 08/12/2005 2:55:38 PM PDT by BROKKANIC
There may be the "Hawaiian word of the day" at Camp Victory in Iraq, but there isn't complete aloha for the shaka favored by Hawai'i National Guard soldiers.
The thumb-and-pinkie salute, a ubiquitous symbol of pride, heritage and greeting in Hawai'i, was banned at Camp Victory guard stations after a National Guard soldier mistakenly flashed a shaka to a senior officer instead of a salute.
The shaka ban, one of the first times Hawai'i culture has publicly bumped into regular-Army protocol in Iraq, is seen as humbug by local soldiers.
"Yeah, the story has gotten around. Kinda ridiculous," said one Hawai'i soldier who didn't want to be named because he could face repercussions. "The general is totally in the wrong by banning the shaka, when he should have smoked the soldier instead. A coupla hundred pushups would have been better than banning the shaka."
Lt. Col. Robert Whetstone, a public-affairs officer with Task Force Baghdad, said he was not sure who gave the order.
"I could do some digging and try to find out, but quite frankly, it's irrelevant," Whetstone said by e-mail. "Whether it involves a lieutenant or a general, we all must render proper military courtesy."
That means a proper salute — and not one followed by a shaka, something that is routine on the flight line at Hickam Air Force Base as aircraft are about to take off.
via Honolulu Advertiser
lol
Shaka Ban. Shaka Khan.
But we make a practice out of putting our hand over our heart in the common Iraqi fashion when there.
So, what's wrong with the Shaka?
Not like they're doing a Pig Luau in Falluja.
1. That general needs to just hang loose.
2. On the other hand...I didn't know Specialist Skippy was Hawaiian.
If the General ever gets out in the field.
We need a picture of the Hawaiian Punch dude!
Being retired military, I have mixed feelings on this. I spent 4 months in Hawaii, working with the Guard when they converted to F-15's. Great bunch of folks, even knew a few from before that - exercises in the Pacific. True, they are a bit more relaxed than the regulars - as they should be.
But, military protocol is very important. Still, I think the General (whom ever was offended) should have focused on that one person. Word would have gotten around, very quickly.
When I was a two stripper an O-6 got a great big piece of my behind. I had just left the chow hall, several "foreign" looking uniforms coming towards me. That was the first time I had seen "new" fatigues. Also the first time I had seen Army troops, which explains why I had never seen the "new" camouflaged fatigues. Even the rank insignia was camouflaged.
I completely missed the Eagle. That man was upset, to say the least. Funny now, but that was one of the top 5 butt chewings I ever got.
No Shaka, bro. You'll be home soon enough.
LVM
Hang loose-bro
"Not like they're doing a Pig Luau in Falluja."
LOLROFL
Agree! - What a pompous puke this general must be -
Are you sure it was the "shaka" and not the "shocker"?
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