I only have this comment. “ The directive was not to be seen in, Uniform reading materials, not that you could not read them!
You could be seen reading anything you wish but not in Uniform. What you you think of a soldier reading the Communist Manefesto in Uniform at the bus stop? Some would think that this person was not with our Republic and will not defend our Nation when needed, some may think he is just expanding his mind! The Uniform expresses that you are an American that will defend it’s people above all costs! This is not about the content of a publication in hand, it is about the public display! All can complain all they want to, but, I remember my oath when becoming a valiant soldier designated to protect and defend the the Great Nation we call our home. And not to desecrate that Uniform in anyway. It’s only clothing but it is the heritage of all that came before you and those that have provided life liberty and freedom of all those trusted in your care!”
Unfortunately the worldview of a large swath of enlisted and reservists does not comport with taking the oath to heart as you obviously did.
Call it what you will, but most are there for the freebies or whatever they can milk out of it nowadays. The exception are people who want to really make a difference.
Or maybe it’s just that I’m cynical after seeing too much of it.
I spent 20 years in the Air Force, and while I can see your point, 50 years ago, I would say you were right. In this day and age of total PC, there is a chance that it is ALL about the content of the publication. I suspect it would be a real touchy situation, if they told him to stop reading the Koran. Would the brass have the stones to do that?
Public display my arse! I served 24 years and read lots of conservative books while I was in uniform. I remember eating lunch in uniform at teh BX reading “See I Told You So” by Rush Limbaugh. I’d do it again if I had the chance. Reading a book my Mark Levin or David Limbaugh is NOT desecrating anything. Good grief!
Take your comment and stuff it where the sun don’t shine. I wore the uniform, too. And I read any damned thing I pleased while I wore it.
“ The directive was not to be seen in, Uniform reading materials, not that you could not read them!
You could be seen reading anything you wish but not in Uniform. “
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Do you have a link to such a directive or order? I think this is pure BS!
The idea that a book you are reading would desecrate the uniform is beyond fantasy. I was in uniform in countries all around Europe. I have pictures of my best friend, in uniform putting his hand on the breast of the Den lille havfrue in Copenhagen. And, other photos of friends (in uniform) wasted and up to their waste in Trevi Fountain. There was many of times a shipmate was so drunk we had to carry them back to ship. I saw one shipmate in uniform on his back giving Deutsche Marks in his teeth to a stripper with a boa around her neck. Were they desecrating the uniform? In the land of reality, there is no such thing as desecrating the uniform. The only thing that happened to our uniform was the vomit we spewed over it (which is what I think should happen to rules made by self-righteous control freaks).
What you you think of a soldier reading the Communist Manefesto in Uniform at the bus stop?
I would commend the young warrior for practicing Sun Tzu’s principle of “Know your enemy and know yourself.”