If this zealot can't follow the rules, boot him out of the USAFA. NO means NO.

report 14 likes, 3 dislikes   like  dislike

Ms Zubeck please take the time to fact check Mr Weinstein's claims. For example his claim that Gen Schwartz's memo was never widely circulated at the Academy is NOT true. It went to leaders up and down the chain of command, the Dean of Faculty distributed it to the faculty during religious respect training, and finally the Commandant of Cadets sent it out to the Cadet Wing. Finally has Mr Weinstein ever produced for you any of the "362 clients" to interview besides the good Dr Mullins? Readers of the CSIndy deserve better investigative journalism. Ms Zubeck the constant manner in which you report on this subject gives one the impression that objectivity is no longer a part of your journalistic standard.

report 1 like, 15 dislikes   like  dislike

Ender, let's stop the quibbling here (and if you know anything about USAFA and it's Honor Code, you know what I mean by quibbling). Was Gen Schwartz's letter widely distributed at USAFA? Yes. Was it widely distributed in a timely manner, at the Supt's direction, as soon as received, uniformly across all USAFA organizations,with accompanying support of the policy by the Supt and other senior leaders? No. In fact, it WASN'T sent to all faculty, staff, and cadets until AFTER Weinstein's group called USAFA leadership out on the issue (WEEKS after the initial letter was signed by Schwartz) by publishing the letter on a COS billboard. This despite the fact that faculty received it second hand from others throughout the Air Force, some asked senior leadership to send it out USAFA-wide, and cadets assumed the role of Martin Luther by stapling copies to bulletin boards and on the office doors of leadership that had apparently chosen to just selectively ignore their Chief's guidance. Yes, Ms Zubeck checked all this and interviewed several involved and has all of the facts.

The Dean sent it to department heads who may or may not have shared it with their staff and then later included it in e-mails for organizational religious training after MANDATING that a lawyer and chaplain be present in every department as they discussed the issue. The letter was signed by Schwartz on 1 Sep and the training didn't occur until October. Implicit message sent by the delay? "We don't REALLY support this, but due to external pressure, we have to send it out to all of you so that we don't get fired. Wink, Wink, Nod, Nod. Get it? See you at the Prayer Breakfast! Look for e-Mails from the Chaplain from here on out, but we'll be there!"

report 13 likes, 1 dislike   like  dislike

And why is an e-mail from a lowly doolie to all of her/his classmates such a terrible offense? It's not worthy of court-martial, but it does signal the death of yet another canary in a coal mine that hasn't seen a consistent flow of oxygen in several years--despite the fact that Ms Zubeck, the MRFF, and others have been trying to drill relief vents for years.

If the training is so effective and the attitude that religious evangelizing is not an appropriate use of government resources so well-ingrained by senior leaders (who are supposed to MODEL that behavior based on Schwartz's guidance) then why in the world would a fourth class cadet think that sending an e-mail out, advocating reliance on her personal choice of fairy tale, is the proper use of the government e-mail system? She could've done the same thing on her Facebook page with no repercussions. She could've sent it to just her personal friends from her bible study with no repercussions, but she chose to send it to more than 1000 cadets because she knows what's best for all of them.

If another cadet had sent a pornographic photo or a message advocating support for Obama's re-election, they would've been slammed immediately by numerous recipients and reported to senior leadership. If someone had done the same with a message declaring all christians to be irrational primitives, they would have been disciplined immediately--and probably had a "blanket party" held in their honor that night, too, by their classmates that defend jesus christ. All but the blanket party would've been proper responses in the above cases. Government e-mail and networks are NOT the place for expressing, spreading, or advocating support of uniquely private, protected views like sexual proclivity, political belief, or religion persuasion. That's the law and that's what our Chief directs.

I don't care if she meant well. She did wrong and should be punished swiftly and publically--that's what a real teaching moment is. There wouldn't be an article about this incident if someone at USAFA in a position of leadership, immediately upon hearing about the e-mail, had sent another e-mail, cc:in all original recipients, stating clearly that this was wrong (regardless of message) and that the cadet would be punished appropriately. Better yet, one of her piers should've done the same immediately (and I hope a few did), but then they run the risk of self-identifying as non-christians (potentially) at an institution that overtly and unequallynsupports those whose who are christian. (It's a bad move, if you didn't know, to publically declare that you disa gree with your boss about something you know the boss thinks is an important part of his/her professional life)

By delaying, USAFA leadership equivocated. Organizations that do that, send the message that they ARE making a positive value judgment about the cadet's message and intent, and only encourage more misbehavior in the future.

report 14 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike

In and of itself, an E-Mail distributed by a lone Cadet at the US Air Force Academy which defies policy should not be a major concern. Correcting it would be a simple matter of a slap on the wrist and a cautionary statement.

Unfortunately this episode is just one of many puzzling Christian-Based issues that occur at America's premier service academy.

Given the number of regulation violations regarding religious freedom in the Armed Forces, it becomes imperative to source and rectify the many that have plagued the AFA for some years now.

Despite claims to the contrary, Cadets are exposed to heavy doses of what is called Dominion Christianity as practiced and proselytized by far right religious organizations such as Focus on the Family, The Navigators, New Life Church, Campus Crusade for Christ Military Mission, Officers Christian Fellowship and others.

Central to this sect's force majeure is a manic belief in what has come to be known as "The Great Commission" in which Jesus instructs his followers to go forth in the world and "make disciples" by spreading the Gospel.

"Making Disciples" has become a mainstay of Dominionism in the armed forces and service academies. Coercive and command centered proselytizing is commonplace and is conducted by elements of the chains of command down to senior cadets.

Central to Dominionist Christianity's agenda is world conversion and adherence to the strictest religious doctrines outside of Jihadist Islam.

To accomplish such an ambitious goal, Dominionism requires an obedient, all Christian armed force with the training, skill and opportunity to deploy and operate weapons of immense destructive power.

Like some stubborn infestation of a dread disease, Dominion Christianity bounces back from every occasion in which it has been identified and brought to the attention of elements of command. But, because of the number of active dominionists in the military, many in high position and rank, they have been able to continue, almost uninterrupted, their unconstitutional activities.

Adding to the already strong defense mechanisms in place to confound and deflect efforts to correct Dominionist activities are a number of officers and senior NCOs who simply don't want to see conflict in the military and despite not believing or participating in Dominionist activities have made a separate wall of defense by dismissing, out of hand, and turning a blind eye to the extremes to which Christian Dominionists have taken their efforts.

The CS Indy and MRFF have monitored events at the AFA which, taken as a whole, represent an indictment of those who would abrogate their oaths to the Constitution in favor of a festering and inordinately extreme sect of Christianity.

The answer is awareness, knowledge and ability to stay in the face of such aggressive religiosity. As a supporter of MRFF and a former Air Force Officer and rescue pilot, I will continue to be a thorn in the side of Dominionists and stand with all those who cherish, support and defend our constitution.

report 15 likes, 1 dislike   like  dislike

BirdManBlue & richardbk8 I'd love to sit down with you both and learn who shot President Kennedy. If Ms Zubeck did interview any of the "362 clients", why has she not cited them as sources -- even as anonymous sources? Apparently there are journalistic lines even Ms Zubeck won't cross. Gen Schwartz's memo was broadcast widely. It appears it was just not broadcast in a manner or timing of your or Mr Weinstein's liking. Beaming out an e-mail in a milli-second doesn't ensure compliance. Leaders at the Academy developed a broadcast plan for Gen Schwartz's memo long before any billboard being put up. Some leaders decided to use the e-mail method. Others decided to use it in training. But the memo was never, not “never widely circulated”. If I read you both correctly, I surmise you’re both in the camp of “put their heads on a pole” for violating religious expression guidelines -- even if just once. This is a position Mr Weinstein has clearly broadcast – see his Army War College video and listen to his Red Bird Radio interview. If so, so much for the principle of the punishment should fit the crime. Ain’t free speech and America grand? Fortunately the Academy has not abandoned the law of proportionality.

report 1 like, 14 dislikes   like  dislike

And, of course, if it doesn't suit your world view, Ender, then it probably never happened or never was REAL problem anyway, right? Damn sad about all of those dinosaurs perishing in the flood 6k years ago isn't it?

report 10 likes, 1 dislike   like  dislike

Ender loves to distract us with his filibustering and quibbling, but this is not about him. I'm waiting for him to say an MRFF hacker sent the email from the freshman cader.

This incident is yet another case of the half-hearted efforts at USAFA to correct a wrong that has done significant damage to my alma mater for more than 20 years. Most of the leadership sat on the Chief's memo last year, and we are seeing the consequences.

In my four years teaching at USAFA, the "Big 3" (LtGen Gould, BGen Clark and BGen Born) consistently sent a message to staff and cadets of being annoyed, instead of determined to fix things in a serious manner whenever MRFF legitimately raised a concern.

During my cadet days, my AOC and his cadet hacks were determined to get my squadron to join them and attend the New Life Church. I was personally told by my AOC that being Catholic was not Christian when I was a sophomore and had to put up with him until my senior year. Back then I had thick skin ad was too busy trying to graduate. I understood the gravity of the problem when I was stationed in Korea and read what happened to Mikey's kids during the time "The Passion of the Christ" was released. I also went on to witness other shenanigans on active duty.

New cadets look up to the "Big 3" and can tell when these senior leaders are encouraging this defiance of placing religious beliefs before a lawful order from the highest ranking officer in the Air Force. The majority of those who disagree prefer silence out of fear of retribution. Most cadets are focused on surviving a rigorous curriculum too.

I have no problem with "slap on the wrist" punishments for first-year cadets, but the bottom line is that this incident could have been prevented if the leadership had taken the problem of unwanted religious proselytizing seriously from the beginning. I've said this before: dominionists make up roughly a third of our armed forces, a minority last time I checked, but only if the other tho-thirds stands up to them.

It took Mikey Weinstein to risk his and his family's safety, reputation and professional goals to bring this out in the open, and I applaud him and my fellow MRFF members for continuing this good battle. We will rest when the problem is fixed. Even if 1 out of 4,000 cadets is harassed for their beliefs, it is still a problem. All members of the military know what resources they have available to accommodate their beliefs, and those who don't are being helped by MRFF to get a support system.

Don't believe for one second the hype that this is an anti-Christian movement, atheist plot, a liberal agenda, a secular conspiracy, or anything else you have read from the reactionaries who support the dominionist agenda at all levels our our society.

A proud graduate of USAFA

report 12 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike

Gents no arguments about the 2005 days -- things were out of balance. But listen to yourselves. All of your illustrations are from back in the day. If we were in 2005, I'd dare say the freshman cadet would not of been "counseled". I'd dare say Operation Christmas Child would have been handled differently as well. But both were handled appropriately and proportionally to the offense committed here in 2011/2012. And to USAFA Red Tag, have I said this is an anti-Christian movement, atheist plot, a liberal agenda, or a secular conspiracy? You gotta admit the reference to President Kennedy brought a slight smile to your face. Listen to ya alls rhetoric and compare this to the current reality at USAFA. It’s hard not to draw the conclusion that you're slapping a dominionist conspiracy on the Academy just to keep traction in your larger political desires for “freedom from religion” in the public square. If you really love the academy as you claim, get current on today’s reality at the Academy. To say the leaders sat on Gen Schwartz’s memo is simply not true. They acted appropriately given the current health of the Academy on this subject and the policy changes that have taken place and enforced since 2005. I know old wounds die hard.

report 1 like, 13 dislikes   like  dislike

Wow, this article is full of no surprises. Ender posts his ignorant ramblings yet again. He doesn't work there or live there or is even affiliated with the military. Just a wannabe who thinks this issue with proseletizing doesn't exist because, wait for it, because he isn't even there to personally see theses issues first hand. As a USAFA grad and current member of the staff here, I can attest to this harassment and undue religious influence. Ender, crawl back to your cyber hole and your game of World of Warcraft.
Also no surprise is the pathetic response by the leadership here. How long will they ignore the edicts of the Chief of Staff? How long will they continue to allow victims to suffer? Apparently, the resiliency day on Thursday meant absolutely NOTHING to them. Ender, you obviously have no idea about this since you are in no way a part of USAFA, but just a troll. They can get up on stage, spend huge amounts of dollars on a musical, and spout the party line about preventing suicides. What of the cadets and faculty and staff at USAFA who feel completely assaulted by this email? If we have any more people killing themselves because the leadership sits idly by and does NOTHING about this religious intolerance, the blood is on their hands. Hear it again, the blood is on your hands USAFA leadership.

report 9 likes, 1 dislike   like  dislike

Okay ben kenobi show me the "blood" that has been spilt since Gen Gould (did I get his rank right?) took over, the careers ruined, the families destroyed, the locusts that have descended upon the innocent. Wow and I'm accused of going over the top. Dr Mullins had his day in federal court and couldn't prove that he was "assaulted" or "harassed" for not attending the National Prayer Luncheon. And the judge gave him every opportunity to do so. Perhaps you can do better than the good Dr. Oh and yes I've read the transcript. It's all there in black and white where the judge personally interviews Dr Mullins. Here's your opportunity to lay out all the injustices you've personally endured and recount your personal sufferings since Gen Gould took the helm -- I mean stick (you've got me so flustered). I'm all eyes for any of you to point out a current AOC who is "pushing" New Life on cadets. I'm all ears for any of you to tell your story of how your career was tanked because you didn't believe the right thing or god. If it can be collaborated, I'll become your biggest advocate. Heck, I'll even send a donation to Mr Weinstein. If your careers were tanked, I'd wager they were for a consistent pattern of poor student feedback on your teaching or your social skills were -- well let's just point folks to your own words in this comment trail. Let the readers judge for themselves. Oh and ben kenobi thanks for trying to get to know me better. It's like you've read my biography. You've certainly spiced it up. Why the hatred for WoW? How do you know I'm a troll and not an ogre?

report 2 likes, 9 dislikes   like  dislike

Mr./Mrs.? Ender, it seems to me that garnering information from military sources is difficult at best. Especially so if the military is said to have, in some fashion, violated policy, SOP or regulation. In my military experience I found it difficult at best to get clear, concise answers for touchy subjects from what I deemed to be readily available sources. Sadly, due to many circumstances this is not often the case. Chains of command frequently close ranks to deflect inquiry and protect individuals that may have erred. The military can be a good old boys club whenever and wherever senior officers and NCO's feel it necessary to cover up, diminish or pooh pooh certain events. Often the cover up is far reaching and betrays the innocent to preserve the comfortable nests in which conspirators hunker down.

Such a case has transpired at the AFA. In 2005 Christian Dominionists were visible and their acts palpable. Following some external pressure the Dominionist operation simply went underground but continued their cabal under wraps while constructing deniability.

Many of us interested parties have come to know about Christian underground activities from the many complaints received from cadets and permanent party personnel at the AFA and from personal inquiry. To disclose any of their names or cases would be tantamount to Christmas for our Dominionist friends.

So, while it may be easy now to conclude that no improper Christian proselytizing is taking place, you can be assured that seething just below the surface our Dominionist friends are stirring the pot. In addition some very strong shields are in place behind which one could hide a lot of misdeeds.

Now, it is safe to say that MRFF's actions may have caused the worst offenders to back off a bit and some minor attention to the concerns of complainants undertaken, such as the prayer circle. But deeply instilled in the leadership from Gen. Gould to Gen. Born and others an unshakeable dedication to militant Christianity exists.

Christian Donionism is the inexorable march to religious supremacy for a growing number of adherents to whom military domination and religious domination are synonymous. Christian Dominionism is very attractive, indeed, to senior personnel who are used to getting their way. I can tell you that it is very easy for even a loose association of such officers to wreak havoc on the Cadet Wing. But when a number of dedicated operatives, such as I have witnessed at the Officer's Christian Fellowship level coordinate a planned exercise to place a number of subordinates in (wink and nod) mandatory events such as the recent National Prayer Luncheon which was basically a tent revival, it becomes plain that they can pretty much have their way with impunity.

There is a phrase which has become very popular with Dominionists. "The first amendment guarantees freedom of religion not freedom from religion." Of course that isn't true but to those who would aspire to Christian Theocracy it is a marching order.

report 7 likes, 2 dislikes   like  dislike

Just keep flapping your gums, Ender.
Zero credibility.
Zero experience.
Zero service to my country.
Zero patriotism.
You might as well be a terrorist.

report 6 likes, 1 dislike   like  dislike

Hunger Games.......You say "Good thing we are a one mistake Air Force! Lets kick the freshman out!" Irrespective of what the writer calls a first year cadet in the article, I have a hard time believing you are in the Air Force when you call a first year cadet a "freshman." The proper address is "Doolie" or 4th Classman.

report 4 likes, 1 dislike   like  dislike

ben kenobi so you're going to chose the path of personal attack instead of taking the opportunity to support your claims of "blood on their hands," "harassment," or "assault"? If you are currently serving on the faculty at USAFA, may I suggest counseling to work through your pain? You clearly have quite a bit of anger built up and no outlet other than making unsubstantiated claims that USAFA leaders ruined your life. You and the rest of the crew in this comment trail strike me as the kinda disgruntled Airmen who firmly believe the world has dumped on them and fail to account for their own short-comings that led to the dump and fail to be satisfied with their notable achievements and pay. You all are probably a bunch of O-5s, O-6s or civilian equivalents who believe you deserve a higher rank or recognition. And ben kenobi you've certainly studied Mr Weinstein's playbook -- pick only those facts that support your narrative and attack the personality of those who raise thoughtful questions that inconvenient or to difficult to explain away. I'm surprised you haven't called me a cretin yet -- one of Mr Weinstein's favorite names to call folks who dare to ask for credible, substantiated evidence for what is claimed. If I recall correctly, didn't King George consider Thomas Jefferson a terrorist? Thanks for the compliment. Now anytime you're ready to demonstrate some moral courage to make things right feel free to step up like a real American hero and "blow the whistle." Till then be a professional Airmen and stop trying to trash people's service because you aren't getting what you want or think you deserve. Finally you may want to find a new handle. I don't think George Lucas had your temperament in mind for Ben Kenobi. Just one citizen soldier's opinion.

report 1 like, 7 dislikes   like  dislike

I have been reading these comments back and forth. I am in the military, I am at USAFA, I DO work with cadets and I am a client of the MRFF. First and foremost, if anyone thinks the MRFF is lying or somehow making these things happen to better the political clout hitting the USAFA, then they need to see a shrink. I took years of religious intolerance and abuse before contacting the MRFF. IG/MOE/Chaplains/Commanders were all USELESS. I ended up being labeled a dirt bag and a liar during all of this and then told they were working to kick me out because I could not "shut up and color". Did I mention I am NOT a hardcore Christian? I refused to be forced to attend religious services, fought back when I was told to find "Jesus with my chain of command to better my career" and in the end, it was not until the MRFF helped me that I saw any change at all. Sadly, its too late for me in that enough damage was done to me/my career that my time is coming to an end soon. So, let me speak from experience on this ok?
The issue with the cadet sending the email, is that they should be punished. Not spoken too, or counseled but punished. No.. not to end their career or crush their academic dreams... but to make an example and show the zero tolerance policy on pushing religion on others. Because that's exactly what it is. The cadet may not have meant it, but, if the USAFA was doing their job and making it clear what is accepted/expected than this would not have happened.
Secondly, the email from General Schwartz took over 13 business days to be sent to my specific department by the commander of our area. That means, NO ONE got it from my commander when it had been sent down and told to be disseminated immediately. General Schwartz, made it clear to be sent to EVERYONE... immediately. That is an ORDER from THE General. I got a copy forwarded to me from a friend from another base the same day it was sent down by the General. Another from Japan the next day. So why did USAFA refuse to send it out even when ordered to do so? No one has a clear answer because NO ONE will talk about it. Actually refused to be questioned about it. Some were caught lying about it and then lying about what they said... to hide the fact they lied. When you allow people in a chain of command, to think that being stationed at a specific base makes you "god like".. you lose any ability to ensure professionalism and accountability. This is a problem at USAFA. Anyone here will tell you "this is not the real Air Force". No AFI or regulations apply here because there is always "interpretation problems" that allow someone to do whatever they want and get away with it. Worse off, leaders here will read a regulation or AFI and decide that they "dont like it" and re-write it specific for USAFA and negate the very reason for having AFI/regulations. Sound like a fair and balanced system? Does it sound like counseling someone really does anything? Do you expect a military academy to actually teach military structure or how to negate the regulations? Think about it for a second. The mission at USAFA may be unique but that does not allows it to function anyway it sees fit.
As for if someone thinks I am disgruntled, the fact is I am in some ways. But it is not for a lack of trying. I have worked hard my entire life, am in a executive program in college (graduate level), earned dozens of awards BEFORE I began fighting back against specific people who were abusing their power. I focus my time to care for my family and balance my work like any airman should do. Do I feel cheated? Yes. Did I exhaust every avenue to find a solution? yes. Did anything happen? NO. Did the MRFF help? YES. Did I blow a whistle? YES. But I couldn't not have done it without the MRFF. The MRFF has never been trying to destroy religion in the military but simply keeping the religious playing field EVEN so everyone can practice faith in their own way without being persecuted. And yes, they will fight tooth and nail to hold someone accountable who abuses other people based on religion.
As for the comment on a "one mistake air force", this is a true statement. However, it will never apply to cadets unless the error they make is so bad it cannot be handled/washed under the rug and hidden. The cadets are not bad people and are the future leaders of our military. They need proper guidance without political power plays, need to be taught how the "real air force" works without bias and learn that they need to be punished when making a mistake but can learn from it and never do it again. It is also important to remember that even though we all have rights as humans and as Americans... being in the military puts you on track with the UCMJ. The UCMJ is a completely different world and while freedom of speech is a great thing... the military does NOT have the luxury to say or do whatever we want on that premise because you can put the military at risk or yourself. After all, if we were all allowed to do whatever/whenever we want.. no one would follow orders because they would not have too. Why do we do it? Because we get punished if we don’t and we have to remind ourselves that we committed to serve the military.
OH, and BTW, I have been interviewed as an MRFF client, in various ways. Considering what has happened to some of the clients who tried to fight on their own... very few actually step into the lime light because they will literally be ridiculed or ruined within days. No, it’s not a conspiracy. It’s a fact. They have to think about their families or career before they do anything. How would you react?
Now, I am all for legitimate conversations so feel free to post and we can share information or points of views as much as you would like. I do not attack anyone personally unless they begin it first.

report 7 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike

A10Guy thank you. Your story sounds compelling and at the same time driven by past pain. As a result I can't help but wonder how your pain is coloring your judgment on how USAFA currently handles mis-steps regarding religious expression. For example back in the day the cadet who sent the e-mail more than likely would not have been "counseled." Today the cadet is "counseled". The punishment fit the crime. How current was your personal experience of religious intolerance? You certainly are entitled to your opinion on how USAFA should have beamed out Gen Schwartz's memo immediately. My point remains that is was sent out. I've never disputed MRFF has ferreted out buffoonery on occasion. My concern is Mr Weinstein's "ends justifies the means" strategy and tactics where facts are often stream-rolled, ignored, mocked, or recast in MRFF's favor in order to keep the MRFF story line alive. His strategy and tactics certainly keep him in the press. The cost however is for those who follow this subject must sift through the BS to get to the heart of matter. But as I have said before I admire Mr Weinstein for his mastery of political theater. My point is "putting their heads on a pole" for religious expression is not, nor will it ever be Constitutionally supported. Unless you find away to get it categorized has "hate speech." The punishment must fit the crime. The punishment you and MRFF are asking for does not honor the Constitution, as MRFF claims to do, nor does the UCMJ support it. What would you have liked to see happen to the cadet? Spell it out with support from case law and the UCMJ. Those who tanked your career for the causes you describe should and must be held accountable. I suspect the senior academy chaplain, CH (COL) Robert Bruno was not on watch when these things happened to you. Have you spoken with him? No need to answer this question. Just a thought from a citizen soldier.

report 0 likes, 6 dislikes   like  dislike

Hi Ender,
I apologize for my delay in writing a response. I had one drafted and submitted but it was only on the site for a few minutes before it disappeared. I have contacted the csindy staff to see if it was flagged or removed. Rest assured I will do my best to find out what happened to my post and correct it. Now, onto your questions…
My religious intolerance issues have been ongoing for years. Starting with basic comments about how I needed to attend church (the RIGHT church mind you) and other items… then ranging to threats of me and my family. Yes… threats. Of course, when you drag someone’s family into an issue of this nature, it will always cloud someone’s judgment in some regard. However, I was optimistic and dismissed everything to ensure I was being a good leader and not rocking the boat. My family paid the price. I almost lost the few things that really make life worth living. My loving family and friends. I come from a poor state, poor family and had a rough childhood. I made a promise to be a better father and husband than had ever been shown to me growing up. However, even when you are the exact type of airman/leader the USAF publishes/expects you to be, there are always people who are not happy with how you are. Mine came from my “stubborn nature” in that I refused to be pushed into religion in any form. Col Bruno is nothing more than a puppet for USAFA, just like the people that came before him. My faith has always taught me that no one who has to constantly tell people that they are “a man/woman of God” or any man/woman who allows other people or politics to rule their way of spreading the wealth of religion should consider themselves legitimate leaders of faith. Col Bruno may have good intentions but his position and his actions are always subject to the whims of others. It was his church services that had told us to “attend the services offered on base to alleviate the issues we were having”. My wife went to one meeting and left in tears because she was ganged up on by other members because she did not agree with the things they were saying. She is not a radical religious member or anything. She went to school for religious studies, knows almost every form of religion and text in existence today and simply had a different point of view. That’s the problem with society in today’s business based economy. They do what they are told to avoid ruffling feathers because someone might be upset. But that’s why we need the MRFF. The MRFF and other entities simply try to ensure everyone can practice their religion (or no religion) without persecution of any form. The only way they can keep people from being targeted is to keep pressure on the military and continuing to hold people accountable. They have a purpose. In the military I am sure you can see how younger members (cadets or active duty) are very impressionable and can be forced to think or act a certain way very easily. We are taught to respect/fear rank and if it demands we do something very few choose to stand up and say no. As for the cadet being counseled, it is not very clear on what counseling is. This cadet has been through meetings, briefings, power points and emails expressing what actions are acceptable and what is not acceptable. They knew better. To say they did not is simply trying to group them all into being children who know no better and need to be coddled. They are members of the US military and future leaders who need to know that rules are not flexible. There are certain UCMJ actions that COULD apply, if needed. Failure to obey order or regulation, Solicitation etc etc. However, none of those need apply to the extent of discharge or removal from the Academy. This is where the “interpretation/rule bending” comes into play.
USAFA has a tendency to say that they “are not the real Air Force”. The rules/regulations that govern how we conduct ourselves and function seem to never apply to USAFA. Commanders across the board will look at these AFI/Regs and literally re-write them just for this base, because they don’t like them the way they are. They call it interpretation. Every rule, every reg, every AFI is apparently open to interpretation if you have the proper rank. This lets them do whatever they want without being held accountable unless it is something so grossly negligent that they simply can’t escape it. While this may seem good in some cases because every unit is different, overall it diminished the abilities to function when needed in settings that don’t allow this type of leadership. After all, if the rules are written a certain way and allowed to be ignored or changed, then what’s the point in having any at all? Look at Iraq and how the Air Force had a 96.4% mobility rate. That means at any given time, the Air Force in Iraq was 96.4% ready to fly. What’s the rate here in the USA? Last time I head, it was roughly 60% on a good day. Think about those numbers for a second. When the only job you have is to do your job, without any extra stuff being thrown at you, our military can function amazingly well. It just needs less politics and people who only think about how to get themselves promoted.
As for your statement about the Constitution… how does that apply? I don’t think anyone mentioned it and I know I never mentioned the cadet being kicked out or anything like that. If you truly believe in the Constitution, then you either misunderstand it or think that interpreting it (like so many lawyers and politicians are doing) is ok as well? The Constitution has lost so much of its meaning and purpose because it keeps being tweaked or amended. While the world is changing, so are our needs as a society but you cannot make everyone happy and if you try, you lose the value and purpose we all need as a country. No one is denying the cadets rights but trying to ensure the cadet does not violate anyone else’s rights, either on purpose or by accident. I appreciate your sincerity about my leaders who should be held accountable. I do not think that anyone will ever be held accountable. Don’t get me wrong, USAFA is not a place where only bad people reside. It has great leaders and bad leaders alike. Ender, do you work on base with Col Bruno? Are you Col Bruno? This may seem like odd questions but for a citizen soldier you seem to have a very dedicated point of view in support of a place that you claim to have no affiliation or contact with. More so when bringing up Col Bruno and his services. I am not saying he does not deserve respect or appreciation so please doesn’t take it that way. It just seems odd to me. Thanks for keeping the posts civil.

report 5 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike

You don't have to dig too far back to find incidents of intolerance at the Air Force academy. In 2010, for example: http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,584886…

Students placed a large wooden cross on a circle that had recently been dedicated for the earth-centric faiths at the Academy. Now, I don't think that the official policy of the USAFA is to promote this type of behavior, but it certainly is interesting that this type of activity seems to be a recurring theme at the "Premier Military Academy" (which for the record, is USMA West Point, check the rankings.... not the football rankings, the Academic ones....). Which begs the question, "Why are so many in-your-face evangelical christians concentrating at the Air Force Academy?"

report 5 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike

Citizen soldier. Just as Christians call themselves soldiers. Clever. You don't have to be ashamed that you have no affiliation with the military or USAFA. I'm ok as long as everyone knows you don't bring anything to this fight but talking points lifted from news articles.
We can't reason with you who can't see or use reason.
When everyone is against me at the AFA, it's impossible to approach anyone with my run-ins with harassment.
In the same way the AFA has swept sexual assault under the rug here, the religious minority and non-believers also get swept under the rug.

report 3 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike

Many people see things that happen at USAFA (AFA) everyday and simply can not do anything about it. Threat of your career being hampered, your family suffering from your actions and many others things are/can be used against you. The few that stand on their own are destroyed by those in power. We have been called "insurgents" before. Imagine that? How would anyone feel that wears the uniform, protects the American way of life, raises a good family and is called a insurgent or terrorist simply because they think or believe differently then those in charge? I once compared the SS units from WWII Germany to some of the leaders I have dealt with and sadly, there were undeniable similarities in the thoughts and attitudes of these people. No, they are not Nazis (I hope not anyways) but that does not mean that the way people are treated by them is not as horrible in some ways. How would you feel, if you took a stand and were told that your career and life were going to be difficult if you continued forward with your accusations? It makes 99% of people run away and hide. I have watched young airman and older members alike, be brought into rooms with 2, 3 or 4 leaders and ganged up on. They call them "witnesses" but all they do is pressure you into thinking or acting differently and if you don't, they assign you paperwork in such mass quantities that you can never recover from it. No promotions, No new assignments and more than likely... separation. When I questioned the methods, I was clearly labeled as the outsider and told to ignore what I saw because its standard operating procedure. Now, take that environment and move it into a crowd of cadets who are being groomed to run the military. Think it has an impact? Of course it does. The effects of this "USAFA is the best place in the universe" has been going on long enough. Its even something retirees utilize. I watched a young mother, maybe 28 years old park in a handicapped spot at the commissary. An older woman, late 50's probably, walked over and told this young girl to move her car because she did not have a real handicap. A verbal fight ensued. When I got over to intervene the old woman literally told her "My husband was a pilot and he graduated from this Academy. You better move your car or I will get you permanently banned from this base!". I decided I had enough and made it clear that the young woman had a handicap tag and has every right to park in a handicap spot and if the old woman wanted a spot, she should arrive earlier in the day. Did this deter her? NO. This woman continued to spout some very ugly things at both of us and told the woman that she was nothing more than an enlisted wife and she did not deserve a parking spot so close to the commissary. The argument ended when the younger woman gave up and simply left because she was in tears over the entire event. That day will stay in my mind forever because the amount of entitlement that comes from some of the people at USAFA seems to be only rivaled by Occupy Wall Street Members.
There may be no good answer. But I think USAFA should still be a special duty assignment only... no first term airman of any kind. Have a rigorous selection process, much harder than in the past and hire more civilians to handle the work load. I know it sounds harsh but if you filter the tainted water long enough, pure water can make it through without being tainted. Maybe if that was in place, the cadet (and others) would not be in the situations impacting the base.

report 3 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike

ben kenobi you are on a whole 'nother level. Enjoy your star wars space experience. shear modulus if you've ever walk the grounds of the circle you'd know the general public has easy access to it. Anyone from off campus could have put those rails together. Given MRFF's proven political theater tactics, it would not surprise me if one of MRFF's clients did it. A10Guy thanks for taking the time to lay out your experience. No small thing and its appreciated. If I understand you correctly, you’ve already blown the whistle and you’re already known. But you have not spoken with CH (COL) Bruno directly about these injustices. Am I correct in my understanding?

report 0 likes, 1 dislike   like  dislike

ben kenobi, I don't think that Mr. Ender is a terrorist, but I would not be surprised if he is a member of the "counter-insurgency" instituted by Gen. Born. He has all of the characteristics of a seasoned professional propagandist.

report 2 likes, 0 dislikes   like  dislike