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turbinetree

(24,683 posts)
Wed Jul 3, 2019, 06:26 PM Jul 2019

Pentagon Guidance to Troops in Trump's July 4th Event: Say I Love My Tank

Mother Jones obtained a guide for how the Defense Department wants military personnel to speak to the media.
Matt Cohen
Fellow

Tanks are rolling into Washington, DC, tomorrow for Donald Trump’s “Salute to America,” a revised version of the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration that the president promises will be the “show of a lifetime.” It will be a full-on military display, which—in addition to the tanks—includes “multiple flyovers,” military music, a Trump speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial to top Republican donors and political appointees, and, of course, fireworks. All of which has caused the National Park Service to divert nearly $2.5 million typically used to improve its parks to cover the costs.

Realizing this is will be a controversial event, the Pentagon has distributed instructions to service members participating in the shindig on what to do if approached by a reporter, and the advice is essentially this: Say you love your tank.

Since this is a military celebration, there’s sure to be plenty of military personnel in attendance—alongside hordes of reporters angling to get the inside scoop from service members about what they really think of this whole celebration. Not on Trump’s watch.

Mother Jones obtained a photo of a card that is being distributed to participating service members with instructions from the Pentagon about what to say—and not to say—when speaking with members of the media. The Department of Defense would like service members to be clear that they are “proud” on several levels. Under the overall messages, the guide suggests: “I am proud of my job and my vehicle/tank. I am glad to share my experience with American People.” It also proposes that they say: “I am proud to honor the Nation and the Armed Forces during this Independence Day Celebration.”

https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2019/07/pentagon-guidance-to-troops-in-trumps-july-4th-event-say-i-love-my-tank/

-snip-

That’s followed by “Dos” and “Don’ts,”—do “smile and have fun,” don’t “guess, lie, or speculate.” And the card closes with general tips for talking to a reporter. “Relax and speak to America,” it recommends.


"Relax and Speak to America"...................if I don't I can be brought up on insubordination charges, just a moment I have to pull out my cue card before I speak.............just relax............................, I'll say it for you..............FUCK HIM, and ......................the "guy" in the white house is a traitor, and still has bone spurs ..........................

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Pentagon Guidance to Troops in Trump's July 4th Event: Say I Love My Tank (Original Post) turbinetree Jul 2019 OP
I'm proud to be present Corgigal Jul 2019 #1
That, by the way, is an order. There will be consequences for any servicemember going on camera... Hekate Jul 2019 #2

Corgigal

(9,291 posts)
1. I'm proud to be present
Wed Jul 3, 2019, 06:30 PM
Jul 2019

at Trumps dog and pony show. I love being used for a fund raiser, my family hopes I get home in time to join them for dinner and the sparklers.

But it's not about me, no sir.

Hekate

(90,540 posts)
2. That, by the way, is an order. There will be consequences for any servicemember going on camera...
Wed Jul 3, 2019, 06:31 PM
Jul 2019

...to express disrespect.

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