Military Parade

[Pirata]

Sadly, this will become the next political football.

Having served and having marched in several parades both on base and in the community, if this comes to fruition I hope for two things.

1. It doesn't include hardware.
2. It doesn't become a political shit show at the expense of the troops.

When contrasted with the ridiculous goose stepping of the Russians and North Koreans, American marching has a simple, unpretentious grace to it.

Likewise, the snap of "Eyes right" and the resulting raised sword and turn to the commander is both a show of respect and resolve that the unit will perform its duty when called.

If done right, a parade would be a fitting opportunity to honor the women and men in uniform.

Having said that, IMO it is ill advised given the political environment. Hate to back down on things due to politics but sometimes it better to just let things go.

 

[HALL85]

Sadly, this will become the next political football.

Having served and having marched in several parades both on base and in the community, if this comes to fruition I hope for two things.

1. It doesn't include hardware.
2. It doesn't become a political shit show at the expense of the troops.

When contrasted with the ridiculous goose stepping of the Russians and North Koreans, American marching has a simple, unpretentious grace to it.

Likewise, the snap of "Eyes right" and the resulting raised sword and turn to the commander is both a show of respect and resolve that the unit will perform its duty when called.

If done right, a parade would be a fitting opportunity to honor the women and men in uniform.

Having said that, IMO it is ill advised given the political environment. Hate to back down on things due to politics but sometimes it better to just let things go.

I didn't serve, but this is exactly how I feel as well. We should always find ways to honor and respect our military. They have the hardest job in this country. The climate now is highly toxic though and they don't deserve to be politicized.

 

[Merge]

If done right, a parade would be a fitting opportunity to honor the women and men in uniform.

Having said that, IMO it is ill advised given the political environment. Hate to back down on things due to politics but sometimes it better to just let things go.

Agree completely. I actually don't think we do enough to honor those who have served / are serving... but I don't really Trust someone like Trump to do it right (as evidenced by his Trump branding - we know his style) - It would look far more like a propaganda fest than a gesture of honoring the service.

I am assuming military leaders don't love the idea either since they are most likely the ones who leaked this out to the press.

 

[shu09]

It's a silly idea. Not necessary and a gigantic waste of money.

 

[Pirata]

I am assuming military leaders don't love the idea either since they are most likely the ones who leaked this out to the press

Yes and no.

On the positive side it could be good for morale, Esprit de Corps, and recruiting.

On the negative side we have already mentioned the political

fallout. There is also a logistical consideration.

You can imagine the phone call that the commander gets at Fort Ord in California. " Commander, the president would like a company size unit to participate in the National parade for the military. Uniform has yet to be determined so please pack up dress blues, greens, and fatigues. Not sure about weapons but to be on the safe side you might as well bring those along too. We will be unable to provide Air Force transport and so you need to go commercial. I will forward you form DD6657 which will be need to filled out in triplicate....

 

[Pirata]

It's a silly idea. Not necessary and a gigantic waste of money.

I've heard figures of 12 million. If you consider that to be gigantic I'd be curious what word you use to describe the deficit .

The cost issue will be batted around as the usual political football.

It's hard to dissect which of the cost would be spent anyway, e.g., pay for the troops, fuel for the transports. Proponents of the parade will inflate the cost artificially to make their point.

I think the parade could be paid for with one less trip on Air Force One.

 

[Pirata]

 

[SPK145]

It's a silly idea. Not necessary and a gigantic waste of money.

Agreed.

This wreaks of a banana republic, third-world nation show of who has a bigger you-know-what.

 

[knowknow456]

Who doesn't love a parade? I cannot recall the last time we had a full blown military parade like the one being proposed. Does anyone remember?

 

[Merge]

Who doesn't love a parade? I cannot recall the last time we had a full blown military parade like the one being proposed. Does anyone remember?

Apparently it was post gulf war in 1991. I wouldn't have known that if not for an article this morning though.

 

[shu09]

Agreed.

This wreaks of a banana republic, third-world nation show of who has a bigger you-know-what.

Although this country has done it before (and France as well, which is where this idea apparently came from), this is something you'd see in China, Russia, North Korea, Iran, etc. Not the best group of nations to compare ourselves with.

 

[Pirata]

Who doesn't love a parade? I cannot recall the last time we had a full blown military parade like the one being proposed. Does anyone remember?

Grant's funeral.

 

[knowknow456]

Grant's funeral.

LOL before my time. Besides, that was a funeral + military parade. Unless we plan on burying a General, this will be a military parade only.

 

[SPK145]

You want to honor the troops, how about we parade them home from the bases we have in over 130 countries???

 

[HALL85]

You want to honor the troops, how about we parade them home from the bases we have in over 130 countries???

Or how about we give them the health care that they deserve?

 

[Pirata]

Grant's funeral.

LOL before my time. Besides, that was a funeral + military parade. Unless we plan on burying a General, this will be a military parade only.

I was just a kid at the time but I can still remember the precision of the 20th Maine.