Or their careers can simply stagnate. For no reason other than some CSMs changed their minds. It's cowardly, pure and simple. The Army is sending a very bad signal here. I remember when visible neck tattoos were a controversy, but those guys who had them really wanted to serve, so the Army relented and changed the policy. Why do that when you're going to toss them aside as soon as it's convenient? What does that tell potential future recruits when the SHTF overseas again?
I agree. The decision says “We don’t care about you, and we don’t care about justice.”
That is a sure-fired formula for losing the best and the brightest. As one who helped in building the NightStalker Memorial at Ft Campbell, I guarantee you that this SSG who wanted to be a NightStalker aviator is a top notch soldier. Even those who DON’T make it are outstanding troops.
It is immoral...even hateful...to give permission to do something and then to punish your troops for doing what you’ve given them permission to do.