Special trust and confidence

The certificate of commission for officers in the armed forces of the United States of America reads, in part, "Know ye, reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and abilities of __(Full Name)__, I do appoint __Him/Her__, __Rank__ in the [branch of the military]."

It seems that special trust and confidence is being sorely abused all too often of recent, with two recent illustrations: Major Thompson USMC in the sex with Naval Academy students scandal and Captain (formerly Rear Admiral) Gilbeau USN of the "Fat Leonard" scandal. Are these outliers or are they indicative of deeper, more serious problems within the armed forces' corps of officers?

I would like to think these are separate, disgusting aberrations. But additional evidence argues against this hope: Air Force officers cheating on nuclear weapons proficiency exams; Army former Lieutenant General Lewis (aide to SecDef) using government credit cards at strip clubs; Army Major General Haight misusing government resources (and having an extramarital affair); and the reports that  hundreds are being investigated in the "Fat Leonard" scandal.

Something is seriously wrong.  For those of us entrusted with the moral and physical responsibilities of leading our men and women in uniform, the special trust and confidence stated in our certificate of commission means we must be held to a higher standard. When a commissioned officer fails to meet that standard, then the punishment must be - say again - must be commensurate with that higher standard.  Punishments seem all too light, meaning senior leadership is failing.

And all the services must critically review applicants  to ensure only the right type of individuals are considered for commissioning; train them in and demand of them the expectations and demands of the highest levels of behavior and performance of duty; advance only those meeting the highest of standards; and require them to self police their fellow officers, adjudicating and severely punishing those who fail to live up to the special trust and confidence granted them.

Only the best must be commissioned and entrusted to lead our men and women of the military into combat.  Anything less fails to meet the standard of special trust and confidence.

Honoring the fallen

  
Chief Petty Officer Finan arrived in San Diego this morning and it was an honor to serve as an escort with my brothers from the Patriot Guard Riders.

KIA in Iraq, the explosive ordnance disposal specialist was transported from the airport to the Bankers Hill area of San Diego.  As the procession made its way along Harbor Drive, we could see members of the Coast Guard saluting.  On each street corner on 5th Avenue in Bankers Hill and Hillcrest, there were uniformed members of the Navy saluting as the procession passed.  Throughout, law enforcement provided traffic control and escorts, with the fire department prominent in the procession.

In addition to the military salutes, civilians lined the street, some waving American flags and some with their hands over their hearts.

Here is a short video from Channel 10 San Diego.

Picture of CPO Finan, overhead picture of procession (by Faris Tanyos), and video obtained from Channel 10 San Diego website.

Copyright Scripps Media

Veterans from different eras

Military veterans from different eras have and are pursuing a virtually identical past time - motorcycling.

The warriors who came home from World War II, purchased bikes, and grouped together are not a lot different from those from the nation's recent wars who have followed suit.

They prefer to associate with those who share similar experiences, as well as unbounded patriotism.

The wording on t-shirt worn by one young vet captures it well.  "If my patriotism offends you, your lack of a spine offends me." 

The camaraderie they learned and depended upon while in uniform is found in their biker clubs of today.  

Along with the aforementioned camaraderie and patriotism, like their forefathers they believe in integrity, honesty, hard work, earning your way through life, straight talk, the Second Amendment, brotherhood, directness, freedom, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, standing for the National Anthem, saluting the American flag, honoring the fallen, and having a good time together.

Even though from different generations decades apart, the two groups of veterans are amazingly alike.  And we certainly need more of them. 

Quintessentially American

Nothing better conveys the image of American independence better than the motorcycle.  

Whether it is the solo rider on the open road.

A group ride.

The iconic imagery of the American biker is linked to independence, freedom, patriotism, and, perhaps, a bit of rebellion.

Today our young veterans are gravitating to the biker lifestyle, just as their forefathers did at the end of World War II.  What began in Hollister in 1947 continues today in locales like Sturgis.

More and more clubs are being organized by the veterans and active duty military, in which they share common values and the love of the open road.  

Seen at rallies and events across the nation, their leathers and vests are adorned with American flags, military insignia, service ribbons, combat action ribbons, rank insignia, and patriotic statements.

Multiple generations of warriors, from Viet Nam to Iraq and Afghanistan, roll alongside one another.  

The quintessential expression of American independence. 

Memorial Day 2016

Memorial Day 2016 will see thousands of bikers converge on Washington, DC to participate in Rolling Thunder.  Starting with staging in the north parking lot of the Pentagon (brings back memories of being one of the first in and last out of that lot during my time there 1993-1997).

Once the ride begins, it will be hours before the last bikes cross over the bridge into our nation's capital.

Along the route, the riders will pass Marine Staff Sergeant Chamberlain, nicknamed "The Saluting Marine."

Some will have ridden thousands of miles to participate in this uniquely American expression of patriotism. 

Like those in Run for the Wall.

Lest no one ever forget our fallen, POWs, or those for whom there is no accounting.

Lest we forget

Lest we forget.

 

A dangerous time for the nation

We all need to be concerned about recent reports stating the size of the active duty Army will soon be at the lowest point since before World War II.

All Americans should correctly look at presidents and politicians over several years and from different political parties as shouldering the blame for this situation.  We are told budgetary concerns are driving the lower, dangerous force levels and not mission ready aircraft and ships.

Smallest Navy, smallest Army, severely aged and inoperable Air Force aircraft, and half of Marine Corps combat aircraft not mission ready.  These are not the measures of a force in readiness to defend the nation.  

And our warriors are worn out and frustrated.  We are breaking faith with the less than one-half of one percent of the nation who voluntarily serve in our military.

Again, we are told this is a budget issue.

Feckless and reckless spending and equally reckless policies and decisions, by multiple administrations and Congresses, have not only created an enormous national debt, they have placed our military forces in a dangerous status.  A status of which others inimical to the country may choose to take advantage, much like what occurred leading up to World War II and Korea.  

This is indeed a dangerous time for our nation. 

The slippery slope of incremental increases in military deployments

It has been recently reported that SecDec announced that more members of our military will deploy to Iraq.  Astounding after Obama's unilaterally declaring the end of combat in Iraq.

 

Apart from the obvious contradiction, the more worrisome aspect is the slippery slope of incremental increases in military deployments that SecDef's announcement highlights.  Incremental increases by a president who ran for election and reelection on the promise of ending the war.  

And these orders ignore our own military history.

All of the past and current deployment orders, from presidential administrations led by both political parties, come without benefit of a declaration of war.  One need not have to think hard to draw the startling comparison of another long war fought without a declaration of war.

Vietnam also saw the slippery slope of incremental increases in military deployments, in spite of the worthless limits on troops touted by various administrations.  Then, as now, the real numbers were obscured by personnel accounting legerdemain.  For example, if only "temporarily" deployed, the count was not added to the troop ceiling.  Simply ridiculous.

Not only ridiculous, but dishonest and probably illegal.

If we are in a position that requires the use of military force, Congress must be called upon to declare war.  With the declaration in hand, the National Command Authorities then assign the mission to win to one of the combatant commanders, with the service chiefs providing the well trained and equipped forces requested by the combatant commander.  Then  the combatant commander fights to win.  (And without the widely reported interference by young inexperienced staffers assigned to the national security council.)

We have already begun the slide down that slope.  For example, Marine Staff Sergeant Cardin was killed in Iraq after artillery was deployed to assist our allies.  Most of the nation was blissfully unaware of this deployment.  And now more force protection assets will be required.  More aircraft are being deployed.  And then even more capabilities will be deployed because SecDef said only we can take on this mission.  So much for the end of the war in Iraq, as POTUS declared.  

Sadly, we have not learned from history.  Tighten your belts, because we are about to go down that same slippery slope. 

   

 

The real America

Southern California

26 March 2016

By rough counts, 280 bikers (many, if not most of them veterans) came together to escort fallen Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Louis Cardin home from his arrival at March Air Reserve Base today.  In a first, the hundreds of bikes were permitted to enter the base for this special mission.  

As the procession made its way south on I-215 from the base to Route 74, it was so massive that law enforcement essentially shut down a long stretch of the freeway, before it turned east towards the small town of Hemet.  As we rolled down I-215, each and every overpass was crowded with American flags, countless people, and even a few firetrucks and first-responders.  Some people in the vehicles heading north on the opposite side of the freeway had pulled off, with many standing and saluting the procession.

Continuing to roll through the small towns on Route 74, hundreds and hundreds of people turned out to pay their respects.  American flags were plentiful, with people noted for standing at attention, saluting, or placing their hands over their hearts in tribute to this fallen Marine. 

Old and young, men and women, children and grandparents.  These real Americans took time today to stand in the sun in a display of condolence.  They halted their cars along the road in both directions.  No one complained about the momentary disruption on a Saturday afternoon.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3We5epc_duI

No matter what politicians and others may say, middle America...small town America...is real and very patriotic.  These communities recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of their soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines.

The first-responders came out in force, from beginning to end.  As we rolled, law enforcement and fire departments helped stop and direct traffic, as they too honored Staff Sergeant Cardin.

Talking to one local resident after Staff Sergeant Cardin was safely delivered to the destination, I was told the procession "seemed to go on and on."  Funny, though, some were highly conspicuous by their absence.  I did not see one elected official in the procession.  

I did see ordinary people.  I did see men, women, and children.  I did see veterans, young and old.  I did see soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines.  I did see the Air Force Security Police saluting as we rolled by.  I did see riders of all races.  I did see the Patriot Guard Riders.  I did see the American Legion Riders.  I did see the VFW Riders.  I did see many military themed biker groups.  I did see flags flying from bikes.  I did see the Marine Corps Honor Guard.  I did see somber members of the community paying their respects to a fallen Marine.

I did see the real America.  

Honor, service, and sacrifice.

Saturday I will join what will undoubtedly be a large contingent of fellow veterans and bikers as we roll in the first of two missions to honor Staff Sergeant Louis Cardin, U.S. Marine Corps, KIA.  He was killed in combat last week in northern Iraq, in a war POTUS declared to be over.

I could write extensively about the political dimension, but choose not to, as it would dishonor my fellow Marine.  I write, instead, comparing those who send Marines to war and those Marines who go to war.

From POTUS to Congress to SecDef, the integrity deficit is profound.  Elected and appointed officials send our best and brightest to foreign shores to fight without the Constitutionally mandated declaration of war.  For far too long our young men and women have answered their country's call in these undeclared wars.  And often they do so in the shadows.  Case in point: the nation was unaware the Marines have an artillery battery from the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Northern Iraq until SSgt Cardin's death forced their hand.  And the official spokesmen have acknowledged that the "troop ceiling' number they tout is inaccurate.  Using phrases like "temporary assignment," the actual numbers of men and women going is harm's way are much larger.  Utterly shameful.  The lack of honor, integrity, and ethics is monumental.  Balanced against this ineptitude are the courage and commitment of the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines sent into harm's way.

These men and women embody what is best about our great nation.  All they ask, and have a right to expect, are competent leaders who will respect and honor their service and sacrifice, as well as their very lives.  These men and women stand head and shoulders above the elected and appointed officials, save some of those who have honorably served our nation in uniform and now speak out forcibly on their behalf.  

Not one of the average elected or appointed officials is worthy of the respect from those in uniform.  They do not embody the beliefs and honor of those in uniform.  Yet, they show massive disrespect by the manner in which the government treats them, including pay and benefits, and the ill performing VA.

May it be that not one more American serviceman dies for the corrupt politicians and appointed officials.

Colonel Charles Dockery, U. S. Marine Corps (Retired) remembered

Five years ago this week, Colonel Charles Dockery, U. S. Marine Corps (Retired) was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

Known by his nickname "Doc" and callsign "Buzzard," he was a Marine's Marine.  One of a few who earned both Combat Aircrew Wings as an enlisted Marine while fighting in Vietnam and Naval Aviator Wings subsequent to commissioning after earning his degree at Texas A&M (go Aggies!).

Doc was indeed a Marine's Marine and it was my great privilege to have served with him.  More importantly, it is my great honor to call him friend and mentor.

Raised in Texas, he played football and was known to get into a scuffle or two as a young 'un.  He was also known for his honor, integrity, courage, commitment, and relentless patriotism.  Rarely was there a Marine more suited to wear the uniform than Doc.

I remember the laughs and serious times we spent together, including getting lost on an LHA during a port visit, his incessant snoring those nights in Korea, his keen and somber advice to young Marines (officer and enlisted), sharing a beer at the Marine Corps Birthday Ball, and standing shoulder to shoulder, in the face of opposition, for what was right.  

Even after our respective retirements, we remained in close contact, including the annual telephone calls each November 10.  During our last call, we moaned and groaned about not being able to get into the fight with our brother Marines in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Later on that gray day he was laid to rest in Arlington, I went solo to the Marine Corps Memorial.

Finding a quiet bench under one the trees, I sat, thought about Doc, shed some tears, and attempted to come to closure with his passing.  Now five years later, I still hear the sound of his Texan drawl in the air.  I still see his stern glare, but behind it the smile of a friend. And every remembered sight and sound is of that simply outstanding Marine.

Doc, rest in peace, brother.

Semper Fidelis 

   

Marines embody honor and integrity

These Marines embody honor and integrity.

The video at the following link speaks to their mission.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yit37jz1l4&feature=youtu.be

Semper Fidelis

The first shoe dropped (Updated 12-7-15)

On the 74th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, this blog has been updated.

The first shoe dropped, as the Secretary of Defense announced that all military occupational specialities (MOS) will be open to women. This decision runs contrary to the Marine Corps recommendation that "front line," most notably MarSoc, infantry and artillery, positions be restricted to qualified males (note: not all males qualify for these assignments).  This recommendation came after an exhaustive, comprehensive, and realistic combat skills evaluation the Corps completed, which unequivocally demonstrated that gender integrated units performed worse on combat mission essential skills and tasks than did male only units. It must be highlighted that the evaluation was planned and conducted based upon significant combat lessons learned from our recent wars and therefore is not to be taken lightly.  Another telling indicator of the seriousness was the absence of Marine Corps General Dunford, current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and immediate past Commandant of the Marine Corps.

We can easily predict what will accompany the inevitability of the second shoe dropping: lowering of standards.  Specifically, progressive activists and others who have never served in the military will demand, and likely get, something along the line of "gender adapted" or "gender neutral" standards. This will be done to further their progressive "social justice" objectives by mandating assignment of women to heretofore closed specialities and units, not in order to meet any compelling military or combat necessity.  The issue at hand is not arcane or academic.  It is one of life and death and combat survival, which demand high standards.

And high standards have already come under attack, such as the arguments about the "equity" of the Marine Corps Infantry Officer Course Combat Endurance Test, which males and females have failed, though the female failure rate is almost total.  And the failures were not because of a lack of desire.  (By the way, when I attended The Basic School, there was neither an IOC nor a Combat Endurance Test, indicating hard fought combat lessons learned have been used by the Marine Corps to improve and make training and qualification even more rigorous.)  Failure came from inability to meet demanding combat proven standards.  As the Military Times reported, "By July 2014, only 20 female officers had attempted the course.  Only one made it through the Combat Endurance Test, and none made it to the end." The failure rate for males, at about 10% in recent reports, indicates that not all males can meet the standards.  Just as does the reported 75% failure rate at BUDS/UDT.  But high standards and combat effectiveness do not concern progressive activists, as they press for their vision of the U.S. military.

Once more the liberals are using the military as their social science laboratory, in order to advance their progressive views.  With SecDef's decision, they will now undoubtedly declare that since a MOS is open to women, it would be unfair to exclude women based on existing "male based" standards.  In the ultimate irony and hypocrisy, these folks will clamor for gender based standards designed for women, just after clamoring that it was sexist to exclude females.  So it can be predicted the standards will be reduced for females, which will then lead to some males declaring that the male standards are too high and they should be allowed to be evaluated against the new female standards.  Otherwise they will have standing to claim sex discrimination.  (Of course, the transgender Marine can choose whichever standards he/she decides are easiest.)  Thus, the requisite high standards will be lowered across the board, endangering those allowed into specialities and units that once required demanding standards be met and maintained.

What all the progressive activists miss is that combat, particularly ground combat of the grueling sort experienced for weeks on end during previous wars, is not the place to pursue their agenda.

Certainly, some women in our recent wars performed extraordinarily, admirably, and heroically on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan, with many wounded and killed.  The Lioness and Female Engagement Teams are excellent examples.  However, these few examples were not born from fully gender integrated units from the four man Fire Team up to the Infantry Regiment. Let alone special operations forces such as SEALs, Rangers, Combat Controllers, etc.  The best example of the impact of gender integration was the aforementioned Marine Corps evaluation.  The Marines took the right approach, by examining the issue based on combat unit mission performance.  This is how we organize and fight.  It is the ultimate team effort.  And the results were clear, male only units performed the combat mission more effectively and efficiently than gender integrated units.

In spite of the results, it is inevitable that second shoe must drop for the progressive activists to achieve their ultimate goal.

But the price for the failure of their agenda will be needless loss of life and combat mission failure.  But the progressive activists will not be around to take any responsibility for their part in this abysmal decision.  They will not stand next me and fellow Patriot Guard Riders at the foreseeable military funerals.  The progressive activists will not be publicly condemned.  They will not be sent to jail.  And they certainly will not be on the front lines, carrying a rifle, ill suited and ill prepared to take the fight to the enemy.