11-29-2013, 12:40 AM
cory Wrote:I don't think for one second there are any boards or anything on record that certain officers are being purged because they aren't willing to go along with the administration.
Cory / Guys:
Then where are these Officers who were so unjustly cashiered from the military? I have heard General ranking Officers say they retired because of Obama but so far not one has said he was thrown out of the Army because he disagreed with Obama policies and faced Courts Martial over such a disagreement. Yes, a Courts Martial. Why do I say this? Because a purge is involuntary. Being thrown out with prejudice via Courts Martial is also involuntary. G.O.'s, Officers, NCO's or EM's who decide to retire, resign their commissions, or ETS over Obama do so voluntarily. And that doesn't even come close to a 'purge' in historical terms (Stalin).
There is a huge difference between RIF boards and Stalinist purges. The last bunch of RIFs (although they weren't called that) happened around 93 and 94. Officers with 14 - 16 years had their records reviewed and if the board determined they were not competitive for promotion, they were told they could get out then with about a year's base pay as a separation pay or to stay in and see if they would be promoted -- and if they lost out -- they would leave with nothing. It sucked but compare that to any Stalinist purge of his Officer Corps where they were judged by politics, race, and religion, and if found 'guilty' of being an enemy of the Revolution or some such BS, were shot, hung, or sent to the Gulag and worked to death.
So, all I ask is that folks think real clearly before implying our military would conduct a 'purge' of its ranks. It demeans the military and diverts attention away from the main point trying to be made. A point that I am not sure exists because a bunch of guys got out due to Carter and Clinton as well. I am sure some did because of Regan and both Bushes.
Finally, G.O.s are approved by Congress individually. A Democrat Senate and President will select G.O.'s based on their competence but also based on how well they think that General will abide by their vision of the military. Sorry but that is how it goes, and has gone for over 200 years. BTW -- Truman relieved McArthur because McArthur disagreed with Truman's vision of the Korean war and Communist China. McArthur was retired and seen as a hero. What do you think happened to Generals who Stalin purged?
So, all have a good Thanksgiving!
LR1955