Is this man wrong?

[kevin1]

But I was working!

A Navy chaplain is being dismissed from the service for participating in a political protest while in uniform, a clear violation of regulations, but he contends that his actions were allowable because he was conducting a "bona fide" worship service at the time and therefore merely excercising his Constitutional right to practice his religion and is seeking reinstatement. Should the Navy reinstate him?





Your thoughts?

[david m]

isn't the ability to follow orders the most important aspect of military service?

sounds like he chose his ideals over his job. it's completely his right to do so, but it was a conscious choice that he made.

am i mistaken in thinking that chaplains are religious figures, not necessarily christians?

[burniegoeasily]

The waters get murkey.

[BenGarrett]

I've heard ministers, which might as well be what a chaplain is, blast Democrats while conducting a service and I've heard ministers blast Republicans while conducting a service.

There's a fine line between bonafide religious teachings that can be seen as political in nature and using the service as a front for political postering. I'd have to see the context of what's being defined as a "protest" before I could form a definite opinion.

[ipscshooter]

The guy isn't very bright. He knew the consequences of violating a direct order. He did it anyway. He could have left the Navy uniform at home and attended in civvies. Navy pension down the tubes.

[cr422]

Yeah he's dead wrong. The rule is meant to make it clear that the military defends the nation, not any particular political party or viewpoint.

Military personnel can be involved in political issues as long as they do so as civilians.

Not everyone here is old enough to remember when Ike had to resign his commission in order to run for president, but he did.

[Aught Six]

He deserves the boot. He'll probably do better for himself at some civilian Unitarian Church or something, or maybe one of the newer and more excitingcults taking root in this post-Y2K era.

[AJ52]

The UCMJ spells it out and he knew it!Chaplain or not he as any other military man/woman knows the consequences for this kind of action at least while wearing the Uniform.This chap deserves the Boot.A No Brainer

BTW - I'm only guessing he recieved a BCD(Bad Conduct Discharge) or similar for an officer.See how he explains that discharge thru out his life only because he couldn't keep his mouth shut.

[alsaqr]

That Chaplain is a nutcase. He violated a direct order from a superior officer.Hetrashed his career and his family is hurting.