Best Defense

Thomas E. Ricks' daily take on national security.

Crimes, reliefs, gaffes — and a word to Admiral Bigmouth in Pearl Harbor going off

Peaceful dissent did a lot to build this country.

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The commander of a Marine aviation logistics squadron was booted.

The commander of a Marine aviation logistics squadron was booted.

A Marine colonel was charged with sexually assaulting a child.

An Indian frigate tipped over while being moved out of a drydock.

Next, I am not sure what to make of this: “On 21 November 2016, a LTC from 210 FA was found guilty of willfully disobeying a superior commissioned officer and a curfew violation. Punishment consisted of forfeiture of $4,438 pay per month for 2 months (1 month suspended), restriction for 30 days, and a written reprimand. This record of punishment was directed to be filed in the performance section of the OMPF.” I think that transparency is generally good, so I think we’d be a better off if the Army would simply disclose such matters. Anyone know what’s going on here? I’ve sent notes to 2nd ID units but haven’t heard back.

Finally, an advisory to Admiral Bigmouth in Pearl Harbor: Peaceful dissent did a lot to build this country. For example, Martin Luther King Jr. was on the front lines of patriotism, demanding that America live up to its stated belief that “all men are created equal.” Even if you disagree with Kaepernick, I think an apology is in order.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Thomas E. Ricks covered the U.S. military from 1991 to 2008 for the Wall Street Journal and then the Washington Post. He can be reached at ricksblogcomment@gmail.com. Twitter: @tomricks1

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