Duty is a 24 hour Job

In a recent Washington Post article, a US Marine reservist and Iraq War veteran has been charged with misconduct after appearing at an anti-war protest while wearing a uniform. In addition, he insulted a superior and used offensive language when told that he was violating regulations by wearing the uniform. The Marine, CPL Lance Kokesh, stated in his defense that "This is clearly a case of selective prosecution and intimidation of veterans who speak out against the war," Cpl. Kokesh said. "To suggest that while as a veteran, you don't have freedom of speech is absurd." In regards to his participation in the protest, Cpl. Kokesh argues that he was not representing the military at the protest in Washington, and he made that clear by removing his name tag and other military insignia from his uniform. Mr. Lebowitz said Cpl. Kokesh technically is a civilian unless recalled to active duty and had the right to be disrespectful in his response to the officer. He called the proceedings against Cpl. Kokesh highly unusual and said the military usually seeks to change a veteran's discharge status only if a crime has been committed.

Sadly, CPL Kokesh is mistaken for serving in the military is a 24 hour a day/7 day a week job. We are accountable for our behavior both on and off duty whether or not we wear a uniform or not. CPL Kokesh can be, and will be, held accountable for his remarks towards his superior and for dishonoring a uniform whose honor, he knows full well he is to uphold.

There is freedom of speech and those in the military are allowed to participate in protests but there are also rules and wearing a uniform at an official protest is one one of them. Why? Because by wearing a uniform he is endorsing a Marine Corps position. CPL Kokesh's position, however, is not the Marine Corps position. Therefore, he should not have worn his uniform and should have worn his street clothing to represent his own opinion.

CPL Kokesh is also a member of the group known as Iraq Veterans Against the War which has been known for pulling publicity stunts and for distributing false information such as the so-called veteran who published a video on You Tube where he talked about US attrocities in Iraq which were later proven to be false. The soldier in question was also discharged while in basic training and never served in Iraq at all.