Marines Discharge Sergeant for Facebook Posts (Other-Than-Honorable Discharge)

AP ^ | 4-25-12 | AP

[tcrlaf]

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- The Marine Corps said Wednesday it has decided to discharge a sergeant for criticizing President Barack Obama on Facebook.

The Corps said Sgt. Gary Stein will be given an other-than-honorable discharge for violating Pentagon policy limiting speech of service members.

The San Diego-area Marine has served nearly 10 years in the Marine Corps. He has said he was exercising his free-speech rights.

The discharge will mean he loses all benefits.

[tcrlaf]

Remember when Soldiers who criticized the President were CELEBRATED by the media, even the FAKE Soldiers??

Funny how things change when it's a DEMOCRAT they dare ti critic, isn't it?

[Gay State Conservative]

If the Sargent published the statements I've heard that he did and clearly identified himself in these forums as an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces then I'm not sure I disagree with this...with ANY President,even Osama Obama.I wonder if he received any kind of warning beforehand.

[CharlesWayneCT]

Active-duty military can’t openly criticize their command chain, including the President.

I would however be curious to find out if Bush was more lenient in punishment for this type of violation, if it even happened.

Facebook is an accident waiting to happen for anybody stupid enough to post personal stuff to it.

[notaliberal]

How about the US muslim soldier in uniform being interviewed recently on al jeezera criticizing the US soldiers and the US. I didn't hear anything about him being discharged.

[Secret Agent Man]

Depending what discharge it is, he may not be able to be armed either.

[jagusafr]

So, sounds like he rolled over: under two different circumstances, he’s entitled to a discharge board: he’s an NCO and a UOTHC is recommended. My suspicion is that he was offered a court martial and made a deal for administrative discharge, to avoid a federal conviction. From the statements I’ve heard attributed to him, he was foolish to post such stuff. Some things can’t be ignored and continue to enforce good order and discipline. Sorry, Sergeant.

[Drill Thrawl]

Obama’s and Holder’s people have special dispensation.