Air Force Poster Child Experiences Tyranny in America

I was moved watching Air Force Captain Nicolas Aquino's video above, where our United States Air Force had him make a video about the cyber warfare career field, and where he discussed how important freedom was to him.  He shares that he is a first generation American, and that his father was arrested by the military in Paraguay and his family was then exiled from the country.

The Naval Post Graduate student was living in Monterey, California when a neighbor called the police on him for "suspicious" activity.  The problem is Captain Aquino was on his own property, in his own house, when his suspicious activity was called into the police.

When the cop showed up, Captain Aquino identified himself, provided ID, and informed the officer that he lived in the house.  That didn't keep him from being taken to the ground in a choke hold by the cop, and it didn't keep Captain Aquino from later having a warrant for his arrest issued.

According to a local NBC affiliate, the sheriff's deputy reported that he subdued Captain Aquino because he was not being cooperative.  Aquino was then charged solely with "resisting arrest."  Tyranny in the modern police force can be easily seen by asking two simple questions.  Cooperating with what and why?  And resisting arrest for what?

A nation that empowers armed men to arrest anybody who doesn't cooperate with any demand, is not a free nation.  The sheriff wrote in his arrest report that he considered pulling his weapon on Captain Aquino.

Captain Aquino was told by the Naval Post Graduate School that he could not return to class until he got this matter sorted out with the local police.

I believe Captain Aquino is well on his way to learning that tyranny is alive and well in the United States, and that the evidence increasingly shows that we are not served and protected by our law enforcement or the men with guns to include our military, but rather we Americans are increasingly occupied by them.  We are an occupied people.

The good news?  Freedom, like the video above says, is not free.  It's not free because it takes great Americans and great officers to put skin in the game to continually earn it for themselves and for others.  I hope Captain Aquino is ready to go the distance, though if he does I predict he will learn about the character of his peers in uniform.  He will learn how his words are valued when they come to reinforcing the illusion of character, but if he continues to go the distance he will learn that making those words a reality is not condoned.  I hope I am wrong.

One thing I am sure he has learned, is how easy it is for the police state to leverage your military service against you, while they violate your rights.

The Constituion in Crisis

With all the things going on today, this 1987 PBS piece from Bill Moyers, "The Secret Government: The Constitution in Crisis" is illuminating.  It's interesting to note how "The Enterprise" has grown.  While this video is well worth watching, I hope military officers will not throw up their hands.  Rather, I hope they will find the resolve to ensure that, unlike Lt Col Oliver North, they are steadfast to our Constitution and our nation rather than oath breakers who simply look like patriots when in uniform.

This video should be required for all military officers.  When those above, even the president, order you to violate the Constitution, you have a duty to disobey.

This lesson is more important today than it was in the 1980s.

Operation Just Kidding & Air Force Bankruptcy

UPDATE:  The Air Force was quick to do the right thing.  Good on our service leadership.

Reports are now flowing of multiple individuals who were granted early retirement (TERA) only to be told days later, that a mistake was made, and that they are not actually approved to retire after all.

This in the service that preaches people and resiliency, and excellence in all we do, and is struggling with suicide in the ranks.  The situation in the service has deteriorated to the point where normally risk averse people are screaming on social media and demanding accountability.  They are asking why nobody has been fired over the embarrassing force management incompetence.

The force management program was unleashed upon airmen immediately prior to the Christmas break.  Some thought the timing was a sick joke, but leadership explained it was done to give airmen the ability to share information with their families, and to be armed and able to make tough life decisions.

Since that initial release last year, the service has issued conflicting guidance, changed guidance, removed guidance and taken a "strategic pause."  In that time, airmen have been denied voluntary programs for spurious reasons.  For example, several continued majors with more than fifteen years have been told they were ineligible for TERA due to active duty service commitments, despite clear force management guidance that stated commitments and year groups did not apply to continued officers.

Most airmen, however, remain in the dark about their status as the service blows through deadline after deadline.

And now, after the pauses, the changes and the mayhem, Operation Just Kidding has been launched like a cherry on top of an incompetence sundae.  Airmen are being told that their retirement approvals were mistakes, and told they are no longer approved to retire.  One can only imagine the stress in their households.

The psychological roller coaster ride would likely rival Six Flags.

One lesson is no doubt clear to airmen.  Their service preaches excellence, but can't get basic bean counting right.  Their service preaches accountability and gives them an Article 15 for missing a doctor's appointment, but doesn't punish those in charge who damage mission and people for years to come.  The biggest lesson is that the Air Force cannot be trusted at its word, and you cannot take anything the service says, even the important stuff, at face value.

The incompetence is staggering.  The Air Force is legendary as the service of managers rather than combat leaders.  It's the home of bean counters.  Carl Builder describes the Air Force wing in the Pentagon as projecting almost corporate power similar to a Fortune 500 company.  And yet the service, armed with databases and codes and flags, and spreadsheet software is unable to make basic force management programs work.  Why is that?

As a side note, years ago I tackled a cultural comparison of Enron and the Air Force in my master's thesis.  It raises some interesting questions and is worth a read, I think.

I feel bad for the airmen and their families having to endure this goat rope.  But mostly I'm embarrassed and concerned.  I'm concerned, because this debacle has ensured skilled airmen will run for any door they think leads out of the service (even if it turns out to be an entrance into a labyrinth), and talent will gush from our ranks for decades.  Like a service in shock, where the blood gushes from the body leaving the remaining blood to try to keep vital organs from dying.

Sadly, what once used to be a "sinking ship" portrayal of only a particular squadron or two, is now the way many people paint the entire service.

People will not stay past their initial commitments, and this will lead to manning and capability challenges far into the future.

As people run for the doors, like creditors and investors running from Enron, the house of cards begins to crumble and the result is not good.

Good luck to airmen now and in the future.  I hope somebody in the chain agrees that telling people no, right after you told them yes, is absolutely unacceptable.  Reverse this.  Let them go then correct your vector and stop embarrassing us.

Insane Base Policy Endangers Service Members

Another tragedy unfolded at Fort Hood today, as one or more individuals with weapon(s) shot multiple individuals.  I don't know the details, the motivation, and I will not speculate.  I will, however, note that Fort Hood, like every military installation I have encountered, does not allow military members to carry weapons onto base in their vehicles.

This story demonstrates, as such shootings always do in "gun free" zones, the simple truth that criminals are not deterred with weapon bans.  When an active shooter situation occurs, such dangerous and backward policies only succeed in leaving innocent Americans disarmed and vulnerable.  Such ridiculous base policies nearly guarantee that the body count of dead and injured innocent Americans during such tragedies, will be higher than would be the case if service members could protect themselves when tragedy strikes.

It is incredibly unfortunate that Americans are not allowed to exercise their second amendment right to keep and bear arms, a right that shall not be infringed.  But it is a right infringed routinely in America.  Even for military members, engaged in the business of lethality and defending their nation.

Service members in Texas, like everybody else, can carry weapons in their vehicles anywhere in that state without so much as a permit or license.  But they must remember to take their constitutionally protected tools of defense out of their vehicles when they go to work to Fort Hood, or Randolph, or Lackland, or Dyess, or Laughlin, or Sheppard, or NAS Corpus Christi, and other locations across the nation.  They must then hope that they and their family members are not murdered by those who do not disarm when they go through the gate.

It is a sad irony that a military installation is so dangerous to innocent Americans.  Shelter in place is not a solution, anymore than a herd of antelope freezing deters a lion.  It is insane.

Policies that disarm service members and their families on military installations are stupid, unconstitutional, and life threatening.  They need to be ended immediately by every installation commander who cares about the lives of his or her service members and their families.

It's a real shame the first Fort Hood massacre didn't make that clear.

Drone Trailer

DRONE TRAILER TV-Version from FlimmerFilm on Vimeo.
I noticed that Brandon Bryant is featured in this documentary, and I'm sure it will be very interesting.

Naomi Wolf - the Anti Tony Carr

The keystone of the Fascist doctrine is its conception of the State, of its essence, its functions, and its aims. For Fascism the State is absolute, individuals and groups relative.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/benito_mussolini.html#OrlyVqCKRPpBt1Za.99

The keystone of the Fascist doctrine is its conception of the State, of its essence, its functions, and its aims. For Fascism the State is absolute, individuals and groups relative.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/benito_mussolini.html#OrlyVqCKRPpBt1Za.99

"The Keystone of the Fascist doctrine is its conception of the State, of its essence, of its functions, and its aims.  For Fascism, the State is absolute, individuals and groups relative."

- Benito Mussolini

The keystone of the Fascist doctrine is its conception of the State, of its essence, its functions, and its aims. For Fascism the State is absolute, individuals and groups relative.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/benito_mussolini.html#OrlyVqCKRPpBt1Za.99

A military buddy of mine shared this video.  I loved Naomi's documentary on the End of America.  I liked this updated version even more.  This exceptionally valuable talk from a Jewish American, daughter of Holocaust survivors, New York City dweller immediately reminded me of my disagreements with Tony Carr.

While Tony holds the view that none of our American rights in the Constitution should be protected from government if that government thinks it is acting in accordance with the fifty-one percent will of the people while ignoring or violating them, Naomi defends our imperfect Constitution against those who would demean it.  While Tony thinks the name of Hitler should not be mentioned in public discourse, Naomi rightfully recognizes that it is vitally important to discuss recent history where a western nation fell to fascism "legally."

Naomi discusses how the most successful mouth pieces, in media or religion, or the law, perhaps those with credentials from Harvard Law School, are used in the effort to destroy free nations such as America.

Principle and character matters so much more than liberal or conservative, or professed views picked from a salad bar, with the unstated goal of being popular with the masses to organize John Q. Public according to one's own power hungry agenda.

This video above is a must watch for those who take their oaths to our Constitution seriously.  It is absolutely a must for those who serve as officers in our Air Force, or in any other branch of the military.

I Long For Home

I can understand Crowe's character in Gladiator, in as much as he is ready after a career to stop battling and to return home to grow crops.  My gray hair tells me it's time.  The military life has meant more than twenty-five years away from my home.  When I finish my service and return home, it will be an emotional event.  I will certainly sing, hallelujah. 

WeAreChange.Org Interview on my Appeal to the Fifth Circuit

Tony Carr - an OPR Made Flesh (Prequel)

Tony Carr, ala John Q. Public, has informed me that the debate we were to have (debating Tony's view that it is okay for government to violate constitutional rights, and that no rights in the constitution are inviolate but that somehow cutting military retirements is a breach of contract) is now off the table.  Tony has banned me and unfriended me on social media, only to take me back like a high school girlfriend, roughly a half dozen times since we have been corresponding.

Is the breakup for real this time?

I think it is.  After all, I really messed up on this one.  Can I have a mulligan?  No, there are some things we do that are just too serious.  So what was it?  The straw that broke the camel's back came in the form of a response on his JQP Facebook page.  Tony posted that military people who have killed the enemy in combat are mentally unhealthy.  Tony, of course, never killed the enemy during his career so I figured he would be open to a different perspective.  I happened to strongly disagree with his insinuation that I, and a great many others I know, are somehow mentally defective because we did our nation's bidding at the tip of the dagger.

My disagreeing with Tony somehow then got translated into me bringing up the irrelevant topic of killing and mental health, rather than me responding to a comment he made introducing that topic, and Tony then pronounced my view (that military professionals can kill the enemy without becoming mentally defective) as somehow offensive.  And he did this on his social media page which purports to discuss martial matters through debate.  Tony deleted my "offensive" comments, then the next day posted a black and white photo of a military aircraft dropping bombs on people below.  I remarked that I hoped that image didn't offend anybody on his page, and he then banned your humble blogger.  Tony then posted about how he had removed me, after his long and gracious and ever so thoughtful determination that I was just one heck of a bad guy with my crazy views.  It's a familiar narrative that I have heard from others who removed my ability to disagree with them and present a differing viewpoint.  A trend item, if you will.  There is a discussion to be had, but some views are just not tolerated...

After Tony removed my ability to respond on his page, scores of my fans from the Digital Clown Show (known as flyingsquadron.com) joined in on the thread, and commented about how I had been banned on that forum too.  Tony certainly shares an audience, and some moderating principles, with the always entertaining and yet saddening Digital Clown Show.  It is a shared audience to say the least, and Tony's opinions are held in high regard by the high ranking, as well as the average guy in the trenches.  He is gifted in the art of politics, or as he calls it, "consensus."

Ever since I read Tony's first blog post about how he was incredible, and destined for flag officer rank, but chose to turn it down and get out, I have been corresponding with, and carefully evaluating, his opinions and his character.  I have some very strong opinions about Tony, yet those wouldn't be worth sharing in the realm of ideas, if it weren't for the fact that he enjoys a significant pulpit in the digital discourse.

For those reasons I look forward to sharing what I have learned from my interactions with Tony, in as academic a manner as I can muster.  Tony has already made me aware that if I stray one bit and slander him, that there are some great lawyers in his neck of the woods.  I explained to him that the term he was looking for was "libel" rather than slander, and I'm expecting some tuition to be sent my way since I have educated Tony quite a bit over the last year in basics of the law.  Tony also let me know that he might call my commander if he deems my comments over the line, in our online discussion and debate over ideas.  That for some reason stirs yet another memory, and I thought it was interesting to note how his thread quickly resulted in some disparaging me because of my civil suit against a couple Border Patrol agents.

So many dots to be connected in this discussion of public service.  It's an important discussion, and friction produces light.

At any rate, I think Tony Carr provides an outstanding opportunity for discussion when it comes to officership and public service.  He provides a wonderful case study of words, which he is ever so gifted in employing, and how those words relate to tangible reality.  Put another way, I believe Tony Carr is a living, breathing, embodiment of the Officer Performance Report (OPR).

When clowns across the internet run their pie holes, only after banning me from the discussion, I will respond to them on my new Facebook page - Martial Matters.

SECAF Nailed It - Character is the Center of Gravity

Recently the Secretary of the Air Force emailed airmen the following:

To All Airmen,

Following is a very important message from General Welsh, CMSAF Cody and me regarding Core Values in our Air Force. I ask each of you to read it, internalize the message and rededicate yourself to our Air Force and our Core Values.

Respectfully,

Deborah Lee James
-------
To the Airmen of the United States Air Force:

Being an Airman is more than a job. When we voluntarily raised our right hands and took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, we became members of the profession of arms. Underpinning that profession is the sacred trust given to us by the American people. To meet their expectations, we must build our lives and shape our service on the foundation of our core values: Integrity First, Service Before Self and Excellence In All We Do. Throughout our history as a service, Airmen with tremendous moral courage have taught us there is no replacement for virtue, character, dignity and respect. Today’s Airmen—active, Guard, Reserve and civilian—must continue this tradition.

When Airmen fail to live up to our core values, the reputation of all who serve is tarnished. We must have the strength of character to do and say the right things at the right times, always with diplomacy, tact and respect. Being a wingman does not mean protecting those who lack integrity or fail to uphold the core values; it means not tolerating them. You are accountable not only for your actions, but also for failing to take action if you see bad behavior.

Today we challenge each and every Airman to reaffirm their commitment to our core values by finding new ways to live these values each and every day. This reaffirmation will strengthen the trust between Airmen, and our commitment to one another. It also reassures the American public we are worthy of their trust.

Thank you for representing the Air Force so well and exhibiting pride and courage in our service. If you have questions about our core values, please seek out guidance and assistance from people who can help: commanders, first sergeants, chaplains and inspectors general are available to provide counsel and advice. Because of who we are, and what we do, Integrity, Service and Excellence carry special meaning for all of us. Always remember that it is an honor to be called “Airman.” We must earn that honor, every day.

Deborah Lee James
Secretary of the Air Force

Mark A. Welsh III
General, USAF
Chief of Staff

James A. Cody
Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force

Emails can't magically fix organizational problems, nor should they be expected to.  But they can help, and this message is helpful, in so much as airmen trust that leadership means what it says.  That's a problem if airmen can't walk into an MPF without seeing dozens of "Integrity" and "Courage" posters on the wall, before witnessing their leadership act completely out of step with the hallway pictorials.

Deeds not words.  That is where the rubber meets the road, and certainly when it comes to displaying the courage and character the Secretary instructs us to remember is required to earn the honor of being public servants in our air service.  Anybody can talk a good bar game.  Principled action is required - and action in this department is very difficult and does not win friends.

Still, words are important, and our new Secretary has nailed the most important issue plaguing our service from top to bottom.  Character.  Some lament that our serious issues are a leadership problem, bristle that guidance like this comes from the top in such an imperfect organization, and point the finger at the top.  Their criticism isn't without merit.  But in my view, we have less a leadership problem and much more a followership problem in our service.  When those of us in the trenches do the right thing and act as professional public servants, regardless of any impact to our careers or convenience, then our organization will improve, and the next generation of leadership will be plucked from our ranks.  Be the Air Force you know the nation deserves.

So if you care about our service and our ability to make good on the investment the taxpayers provide, then take this email to heart and elevate your service.  Mentor your peers who advise you to "play the game."  Share with them that what we do is not a game, it's deadly serious and important.  It's a profession.  This email from the Secretary can help in that endeavor.  Pay particular attention to words used like courage, character, profession of arms, sacred trust, constitution, and honor.  

Then live it, regardless of what others around and above you do.  Service.