Let him make that defense. Can they add "Treason" to the charges against him? He didn't take an oath (at least, not one administered by the Army) to defend the Taliban. He DID take an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the UNITED STATES.

The military has been chickified for over 20 years. The Tailhook inquisition in '91 was the beginning. Pilots, especially fighter pilots, were never known for their polite demeanor-especially toward pretty (or closing-time pretty) women. But they were exactly the type of people you want behind the controls of a fighter plane in a dogfight. The largely-successful purging of them by the Tailhook inquisition has had a lasting effect.

Arrrggghh! No more Z-Grams!!!! Ever!!!

Speech in the military always is limited by its effect on good order and discipline. I still don't see how a bumper sticker violates good order, unless some thin-skinned pantywaist complains.

I don't remember whether or not people put political bumper stickers on their cars when I was in the USMC. I never did - didn't want to mess up the bumper. But are bumper stickers a violation of the Hatch Act?

Yes, Article 15 is the enlisted man's plea bargain.. And the dirty little secret is that the true standard of evidence at Article 15 is NO standard of evidence. I could award punishment if I didn't like the look of the Marine's haircut that day. If he thinks he's getting shafted he can request a court martial. Stiffer standard of evidence, but a LOT stiffer punishment if guilty.

I will agree that he showed bad judgment in re-tweeting an offensive message. But publicly acknowledging serving Chik-fil-A? Did some gay soldiers complain that they were offfffeeeeennnnnnnded?

When I was in commissioned in the Marine Corps I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution. I did not take a loyalty oath to the President.

I know my evidence is anecdotal, but it seems that when DADT was in effect gay soldiers were free to be good soldiers. Now that DADT had been repealed, they now feel free to be obnoxious gay activists. Is it only me?

I'm not sorry I've been retired for 15 years. What is the MSG's recourse if he feels "offffeeeeennnnnnnnded" by the gay soldiers' attitude or conduct? My guess? Zero.

True, but there are written guidelines for classifying information. If i condone this guy's leak, because it makes a democratic administration look bad, how can I condemn Bradley Manning - and I most certainly condemn him! I still think this guy should be held accountable. When you CHOOSE to violate a law - or to disobey an order in the military - you are given a chance to justify your decision in a court of law or a court martial.