In keeping with my word, here's more on this asshole and soon-to-be-former USAF major.
This is soon-to-be-former US Air Force Major Jason Watson. For reasons known only to himself, he chose to put on his uniform and take part in an anti-Trump political demonstration in which he stated how much he disagreed with President Trump and that he should be impeached and then imprisoned.
And of course the masses of drooling, mindless libtards are flocking to support him, singing his praises and crowing about how brave he was to do this.
Those of us who have served in the military understand why what he did was wrong, and those who never served won't. So for those of you who never served (and for those of you who did but still support this asshole) let me explain it to you.
When soon-to-be-former Major Watson assumed his rank in the Air Force, he swore to the following oath:
"I, (state your name), having been appointed a (rank) in the United States Air Force, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, Foreign and domestic, that I bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter. So help me God. (optional)"
Part of the duties of the office upon which he was about to enter included obeying all lawful orders and regulations, just as all members of the military are obligated to do. He knowingly and willfully violated one of those orders, that order being Air Force Instruction (AFI) 51-508/Political Activities, Free Speech, and Freedom of Assembly which states in Chapter 2 that Air Force members may not:
"Participate, while in uniform, in any activity such as unofficial public speeches, interviews, picket lines, marches, rallies or any public demonstration which may imply DAF (Department of the Air Force) endorsement of the cause for which the demonstration or activity is conducted. (T-0) Authorization to wear the uniform under certain circumstances may be granted in accordance with DoDI 1334.01, Wearing of the Uniform, as implemented by AFPD 36-29, 8 DAFI51-508 24 MARCH 2023 Military Standards, and DAFI 36-2903, Dress and Personal Appearance of United StatesAir Force and United States Space Force Personnel."
Soon-to-be-former Major Watson obtained no such permission to wear his uniform to that rally; therefore, by representing himself as a member of the United States Air Force he is in clear violation of the lawful regulation governing his conduct and wear of the uniform. He is therefore subject to punishment under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which is "Failure to Obey a Lawful Order or Regulation."
At this point one of two things will happen: the Air Force will give this asshole the opportunity to resign his commission and avoid a courts-martial, or they won't. They'll exercise their option to bring him up on charges and convene a courts-martial, the end result of which absolutely could be a reduction in rank to Airman Basic, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement at hard labor for a couple of years.
Considering the attitude and convictions of the current War Secretary, I don't see this asshole being allowed to resign and avoid punishment. I think Pete Hegseth is gonna tell the Air Force to make an example of him. And I think that's exactly what should happen.
Let me be clear on this: I fully support this asshole's right to voice his political opinions, and I applaud his courage and conviction to do so. BUT - and you knew there had to be a 'but' - doing so while in military uniform is unforgivable no matter what. When you join the military - and this is the part that civilians don't know and can't understand - you give up certain perceived rights. (There's a difference in 'perceived' rights and 'actual' rights; more on that tomorrow.) One of those rights is where, when, and how to voice your political opinions. Actually, the same regulation I quoted as to the wear of the uniform also says that military members are prohibited from display political signs/bumper stickers on their cars, and should refrain from voicing their political opinions at all. And this is done in the name of maintaining good order and discipline, a practice I agree with.
EVERYONE who joins the US military whether it be enlisted or as an officer does so voluntarily, and in doing so they agree to give up these perceived rights. If you can't handle that, then you shouldn't have joined.
By wearing his uniform to a political rally and voicing his opinion while doing so, soon-to-be-former Major Watson did two things: first, he brought disgrace on himself, the uniform, the Air Force, and the United States. Second - and most importantly (to me anyway) he violated the oath he took when he assumed his position as a commissioned officer in the US Air Force.
Any man who breaks his oath or goes back on his word cannot be trusted and is NOT worthy of admiration.
It's as simple as that.
Now I'm gonna sit back and see what the Air Force does with this asshole.
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