[LTC ALLEN B WEST] I’m doggone sick and tired of hearing THIS about our military

One of the great things about having served – or still serving — in the U.S. Military is the opportunity to show your pride in your commitment. You normally see those displays on our vehicles with bumper stickers and other symbols. I myself have bumper stickers depicting my combat tour Divisions, 1st and 4th Infantry — as well as my Paratrooper wings. On my wrists I wear the bracelets of several young men who made the last full measure of devotion in Iraq and Afghanistan. And on the other wrist, my wife Angela had my Army Master Parachutist wings cast into a bracelet.

When I’m traveling, I love to see those vets wearing hats showing their service in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and all the way to our present conflagrations.

However, now it seems that pride in military service in America can lead to targeting by Islamic terrorists.

As reported by the Washington Times, “The military command in charge of protecting the U.S. homeland has sent a message to troops, warning them to hide family information from terrorist groups that are trying to frighten them. The memo warns against using “military slang” in public and decorating a home in military items — social conduct that might make troops a target for the Islamic State, the terrorist group also known as ISIL and ISIS.”

“U.S. Northern Command sent the “official use only” message as a reaction to the Islamic State posting the names of 100 American service members as targets for attacks. “These organizations are attempting to use our own personal information against us to create fear and anxiety among our ranks and within our families,” states the message, a copy of which was obtained by The Washington Times. “We all have a responsibility to protect ourselves and our fellow service members and their families. We must reduce our vulnerabilities through active and vigilant monitoring of the information provided via the Internet and social media sources.” One of the steps being taken is to issue “media use smart cards which detail safe online practices,” according to the message sent this month from Northcom’s command center at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado, to a long list of lower commands.”

One of the specific recommendations from USNORTHCOM reads, “Minimize your profile by blending into the local community. Limit outward signs of DoD affiliation … Vehicle stickers, home decorations, using military slang in public.”

So here in essence is the recommendation for our warriors and their families from USNORTHCOM, tone it down and lower your profile — hide.

And here would be my message to these savages: “If any of you attack our military or their families here or anywhere, you will be hunted down and killed. We are currently expediting concealed weapons permits for all active duty military and their families — as well as reserve component troops on active duty. Our men and women are not targets — YOU are, and anyone providing comfort and aid to Islamic terrorists will be dealt with appropriately.”

I am doggone sick and tired of being told to cower and retreat before this sick enemy. And the Muslim community that is so stridently demanding that “American Sniper” not be shown on college campuses and condemning our ally Israel had best speak up against this or be seen as complicit. I reject this notion of “lone wolves” — there are individuals who know who these people are and their intentions.

What insanity is this that ISIS issues the names of 100 American service members as targets and we issue “media smart cards?” Let me make myself very clear: I will not be taking the bumper stickers off my truck. I will up my own personal DEFCON status and be advised that my Florida Concealed Weapons License is accepted here in Texas.

Our military leaders should promote the idea that our troops are not victims and allow them to be properly armed and protected. We must be determined not to allow a horrible attack such as that against British Soldier Lee Rigby to occur here, or anywhere. Let us never forget how Nidal Hasan found himself on Ft. Hood, sadly in a “gun free zone” — no more!

Where is the commander-in-chief? Back when he was pandering to our military, he was out on installations, and the first lady and Dr. Jill Biden were all over the place talking about supporting military families — seen or heard from them lately?

You don’t fight this enemy with “media smart cards,” you KILL them.

We have the USCYBERCOM, so who is tracking these barbarians on social media and their internet activities? The essence of terrorism is to instill fear, intimidation, and cause people to alter their lives — hence why we are still taking off our shoes at airports. It’s time we stop with the Islamapologist mantra and make the terrorists and their supporters know fear and cause them to alter their lives. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio makes the politically correct decision to end the surveillance program — and just recently several female Islamic terrorist sympathizers were found. There is no place for niceness with this enemy.

The 21st century battlefield has no borders and boundaries. They want to target our troops and their families? Game on! Molon Labe.

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