Posted on 01/13/2007 12:27:16 AM PST by csvset
A US Air Force sergeant who appears nude in the latest edition of Playboy magazine has been stood down from duties as an investigation begins.
Michelle Manhart, 30, is pictured in a range of poses, some while wearing uniform and striking a military pose, others while stripped naked.
The air force said in a statement her actions "does not meet the high standards we expect of our airmen".
Ms Manhart said she did not expect to be disciplined and defended the photos.
Ms Manhart, who is married with two children, appears in the February issue of Playboy's US edition.
In a six-page spread she is photographed in camouflage uniform shouting and holding weapons under the headline "Tough Love".
Other pictures are more explicit.
Dismay
She defended her decision to pose for the magazine, pointing out that she works in training air force recruits and has served her country since 1994.
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They picked me to train these individuals so if they elect to say I don't have [integrity] then that's their opinion
Michelle Manhart
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"Of what I did, nothing is wrong, so I didn't anticipate anything, of course," she told the Associated Press.
"I didn't do anything wrong, so I didn't think it would be a major issue.
"They picked me to train these individuals so if they elect to say I don't have [integrity] then that's their opinion."
Oscar Balladares, a spokesman for Lackland Air Force Base, denounced her actions in a statement.
"This staff sergeant's alleged action does not meet the high standards we expect of our airmen, nor does it comply with the Air Force's core values of integrity, service before self, and excellence in all we do.
"It is not representative of the many thousands of outstanding airmen who serve in the US Air Force today."
A Playboy spokeswoman said two serving women have posed nude in the past, both from the navy.
One was discharged a few months early in June 2000, while the first model was honourably discharged in 1998.
Other pictures are more explicit.
She must want out of the AF.
Not touching that headline with a ten foot probe.
You don't HAVE a 10' probe.
She looks outstanding to me.
She was very understanding of the Air Force's position, yet she held her ground well too.
She's cool.
Now ......... for the probe.
;-)
The pictorial's accompanying article mentioned the possibility of trouble for the brunette drill instructor. But when asked in the article whether it might get her in "hot water with Uncle Sam," Manhart replied: "I've been serving for 13 years, fighting for everyone's rights. Why wouldn't I be able to stand up for my own rights and participate in the freedoms that make this country what it is?"
Don't you give up some rights and freedoms when you sign up with the military? You have to do what's best for the military--not what's best for you. On the other hand, some articles indicated recruitment may be increased.
Based on comments made by her so far...I'd give her a naive rating of four stars. Having spent almost 30 years around the US Air Force in one capacity or another...I've met numerous types like her...and most end up in serious trouble because of their inability to make snap judgement calls. The AF is going to immedately attempt to put her out...based on "core values". My guess is that Playboy is going to front the legal costs and make them sweat in the courtroom over the next twelve months. Eventually, they won't be able cite congressionally-approved laws that support their situation and just admit it was a leadership decision...in which case they will pay off the gal with $250k for her and cover all of her legal costs. This is the sad trend of today's military and today's court system.
I just heard that Bill Clinton has contacted her about being one of his body guards. He wants her to be the one to hold and protect his special cigar case.
And if she does training, I"m signing up!
You mean attorneys always win?
I didn't see that in the article. And I'll bet she does not get a dishonorable discharge.
Sorry don't by it. The UCMJ will kill her. What she did goes against several articles. At the very least Article 134 will catch her for something.
Ironic, but I dunno if Playboy is allowed on bases anymore.
Nice abs. I wonder if Hef paid for chest.
I'm all for probing her. When can I begin?
Finally, a headline I wouldn't change on FR
;o)
Let her get out and then sue her for the training she used and abused!
She couldn't be a slut on her own time?
Don't get me wrong I love naked women but not abusing #unts.
I served my ass of in the US Navy.
I agree. dishonorable discharges are used for gross criminal violations, --murder, rape, treason, etc. She'll likely receive an administrative separation (if she gets anything at all) and still retain many veterans' benefits.
I'd like to play air force with her.
That's where she lays down and I carpet bomb her.
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