School Politics and the Army

PFC Smith · Post by **PFC Smith** » November 17th, 2006, 6:33 pm

As many of you may already know I'm a split-op soldier currently attending high school. Since I've been back I've run into a few problems at school concerning my uniform. Some of my teachers have decided that they don't want me wearing my Army uniform to their classes. I do it to help out my recruiters and because I'm extremely proud of the uniform. However, I've been denied entry into class because they say it violates the school uniform policy. School administration has been completely useless in resolving the matter so I decided to wear my uniform anyway and haven't been attending those classes since. However, it is hurting my GPA and I'm starting to question whether I'm right. Should I stay defiant or should I fold? What would any of you do?

BruteForce · Post by **BruteForce** » November 17th, 2006, 6:41 pm

I personally don't understand why you'd wear the uniform to high school anyway. You're not in a ROTC program (at school), I'm assuming? If not, ditch the uniform and wear it ONLY for those times you're on official duty.

..Just my .02

PFC Smith · Post by **PFC Smith** » November 17th, 2006, 6:54 pm

I'm still apart of the school's JROTC program but it Air Force. Its also a lot easier for me to help my recruiters while I'm in uniform.

RANGER513 · Post by **RANGER513** » November 17th, 2006, 7:00 pm

Just curious, but what state do you attend school in ?

Personally, I think the teachers are fucked up about not allowing you to wear your uniform. Perhaps someone needs to remind them that the life they enjoy was made because of men who have worn that uniform ! Fucking liberals. Glad to hear your proud to wear it. You should be.

Anyways, I'm not sure I would wear my uniform to school.

Just my .2

91W · Post by **91W** » November 17th, 2006, 7:35 pm

Asked the HH6 about this one, she is a high school teacher. Her response was, as messed up as the reasons are, is it worth putting your future in jepordy for.

You have to pick the fights that are worthwhile. As admirable as your reasons are I have to think that you should probably let it go. Your education is important and you should, as a soldier, be setting the example for the discipline to follow what you are directed to do by those over you.

PFC Smith · Post by **PFC Smith** » November 17th, 2006, 7:53 pm

I live in Maryland Ranger 513 and i see your point 91W, but it seems kind of sad to me that all that stuff I learned about fighting for my country and the people is a bunch of B.S. It seems as though no one appreciates what many of you have done and won't appreciate what I may be called to do. I love the Army, but I don't feel as patriotic as I used to when I joined.

91W · Post by **91W** » November 17th, 2006, 8:00 pm

PFC Smith wrote:I live in Maryland Ranger 513 and i see your point 91W, but it seems kind of sad to me that all that stuff I learned about fighting for my country and the people is a bunch of B.S. It seems as though no one appreciates what many of you have done and won't appreciate what I may be called to do. I love the Army, but I don't feel as patriotic as I used to when I joined.

You also have to look at it from the admistrators point of view. In high school you are required to be there. Also everyone in high school is entilted to an education free from a distraction. That is what they are trying to avoid.

That said I think it is BULLSHIT too. But then again there is alot of that and I cannot change all of it.

RANGER513 · Post by **RANGER513** » November 17th, 2006, 8:35 pm

PFC Smith wrote:I live in Maryland Ranger 513 and i see your point 91W, but it seems kind of sad to me that all that stuff I learned about fighting for my country and the people is a bunch of B.S. It seems as though no one appreciates what many of you have done and won't appreciate what I may be called to do. I love the Army, but I don't feel as patriotic as I used to when I joined.

Young man,

Do NOT let others dictate your Patriotic feelings. Soon you will be surrounded by men who share your own feelings and thoughts about this great country of ours. History is filled with United States citizens who loath the military..............and we provide them that opportunity to loath us with our blood. They are sheep, we are the sheepdogs. ( Read ' On Killing ' by Dave Grossman for input on this. )

Keep the faith. And thanks for answering my questions.

centermass · Post by **centermass** » November 18th, 2006, 5:11 am

Tenn-RGR wrote:I say wear that uniform and tell those fucking liberal fucking teachers to suck your fucking army cock!!!! Do not question yourself, stay the course. Thats what I'd do. I'd lace my fucking jump boots up and land, knee deep with my feet and knees together, in the ass of the first teacher I saw in that place. This is incredible that this is going on today.
This is so wrong the way they are treating you. You should be getting blow jobs from the female teachers and the male teachers should be asking if they can carry your class-A jacket (unless they're a vet)!!
Damn this pisses me off. WEAR YOUR UNIFORM AND TELL THEM TO FUCK OFF!!! AND GET BACK IN THOSE CLASSES THAT WONT LET YOU IN!! FUCK 'EM!!

And this is the kinder, more gentler version of Tenn-RGR :D

KW Driver · Post by **KW Driver** » November 18th, 2006, 9:51 am

don't ever cave, and always stand up for your beilefs.

that being said, why are you going to HS? what is the reason you are attending? to gain an education. to further your ability to advance yourself in life.

so, as to wearing your uniform in school. are you on duty at your school? no.

are you a recruiter? no? then it's not your job to so overtly show yourself as an example. you can set an example, by simply showing yourself to be who you are.

what does your chain of command at your unit think of you wearing the uniform to school? do they even know?

what are you doing while not in those classes? are you going to the office to tell the adminisrators that you have been denied entry to the classes and the opportunity to learn?

your responsability while in school, is to gain an education. period. you are creating a distraction for yourself.

Ranger Bill · Post by **Ranger Bill** » November 18th, 2006, 10:27 am

What does your JROTC instructor say about this situation?

rangerrg_c75 · Post by **rangerrg_c75** » November 18th, 2006, 11:09 am

Primary focus is to get the education. You can set an example in or out of uniform. Let the Recruiter's do their own job, your's is to finish HS. Your fucked if you don't!

Chiron · Post by **Chiron** » November 18th, 2006, 12:15 pm

rangerrg_c75 wrote:Primary focus is to get the education. You can set an example in or out of uniform. Let the Recruiter's do their own job, your's is to finish HS. Your fucked if you don't!

Agree 100%. Your goal is to graduate. You graduate with the best grade point average you can make, as it will be needed later on in life if you think about higher education.

It's not the uniform that makes the good soldier. Become a silent professional now and in your heart you'll feel better.

PFC Smith · Post by **PFC Smith** » November 18th, 2006, 6:38 pm

My JROTC instructor is happy that I'm wearing my uniform. He says it sets a good example for the other cadets and has personally tried to get my teachers to reconsider. My chain of command were the first to encourage me to wear my uniform to school. However I do agree that it is my main priority to graduate with the highest GPA possible. I thank all of you Rangers for your advice.

centermass · Post by **centermass** » November 19th, 2006, 6:18 am

OK.

I'm not getting this.

You attend Basic, but you're 17, still in HS and working on a diploma?

You're located at or near Ft. Meade, but you're in AFJROTC?

Most MS's in college if they've never been, usually don't attend (Basic) until between their sophmore or junior year, although that's generally the rule and not cast in concrete.

As for wear of the uniform, there are regs set forth and established that your instructors I'm sure are aware of that set forth criteria when and where wearing of the uniform is appropriate.

And though I'd like to say the same dialogue as the "fuck em" route, if it's not within the regs or becoming an issue, your MAI/DAI/SAI needs to work it at their level with the administration (Principal) to establish some resolution.

And although, this is echelons above you and not within the scope of your abilities, you need to keep your CoC informed as to who exactly it is that's giving you grief about it, that is, if you're within the regs of wearing the uniform at those times and locations.

While all of this is possible, call me Paul Harvey - I'm interested in hearing the rest of the story.........