One of the mote thoughtful replies to Sen Kelly posting his fruit salad photo as a reply to so many WTF's were you thinking.
This is a post that is sure to ruffle lots of feathers. I welcome fellow alumni, friends, and neighbors to respond and critique.
Senator Mark Kelly posted this photo today.
Here's my response to his photo and earlier video. For the record, I drafted a response before President Trump or Secretary of Defense Hegseth weighed in. It wouldn't matter who said it or under which administration: Undermining civil authority and the legitimate chain of command is a serious issue. Even if unintended, his message reeks of sedition.
Senator Kelly,
As a fellow Kings Point graduate and Naval officer, I’m embarrassed by your recent video and this chest-candy selfie. Medals don’t give you license to blur the line on lawful orders. Acta Non Verba means deeds, not props.
Reminding troops they can refuse illegal orders is fine. Implying, without evidence, that the current Commander-in-Chief or Secretary of Defense is about to issue illegal ones is not. That’s the very conduct Article 94, UCMJ was written to stop.
10 U.S.C. § 894:
Any person who, with intent to usurp or override lawful military authority, creates revolt, violence, or disturbance against that authority is guilty of sedition. Punishable by death in time of war.
If one sailor, soldier, airman, or Marine hesitates on a lawful order because a retired O-6 turned senator hinted the chain of command can’t be trusted, the responsibility sits with you.
I served under Republican and Democratic presidents. The oath is to the Constitution, not to a party. When some on the left now qualify or refuse that oath because they dislike election results, it’s a five-alarm problem for good order and discipline.
Lead by example or step aside. The uniform you’re still wearing in photos deserves better.
Eric D. Rankin
USMMA ’91
USNR MMR (Ret.)