Spenser Rapone is a former Army Ranger and Infantry Officer recently separated from the military for speaking out against its imperialist violence. No one likes to deploy; no one likes to be separated from their friends and family to go inflict violence on human beings. There is only one reason that his insubordination was tolerated. ARMY LTC JACOB SWEATLAND MAY HAVE A FETISH FOR WATCHING LITTLE GIRLS GET UNDRESSED. May 29, 2018 Admin. The honor code as West Point says, a cadet does not lie, cheat, or steal nor tolerate those who do. Where this was determined to come up short was in asking a cadet a question the answer to which could lead to their being disciplined, particularly dismissed from the academy, and forcing them to choose between lying (their honor) or severe punishment. This site is owned and operated by Bright Mountain Media, Inc., a publicly owned company trading with the symbol. It is not clear if he had the ability to attend Ranger school while serving in the Army Rangers or if he attended and failed. Toward the end of his deployment, he learned West Point fulfills a certain quota of enlisted soldiers every year. I was still idealistic, he said. I figured maybe I could change things from inside.. And even if youre not in combat, youre supplying the bullets, youre supplying the food, to aid in the war effort. Being a devout Communist in the military is not enough to bring charges, or an administrative separation, but it is good for promotion, especially in the United States Army. WATERTOWN, N.Y. (AP) The images Spenser Rapone posted on Twitter from his West Point graduation were intentionally shocking: In one, the cadet opens his dress uniform to expose a T-shirt with a blood-red image of socialist icon Che Guevara. As I said, this is a peculiarly West Point idea that puts the onus on the superior to not ask really uncomfortable questions. Point grad talks about ouster from Army Marine staff member suffers self-inflicted gunshot wound at Home of the Commandants. Rapone is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and is serving as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Armys 10th Mountain Division, though he is currently at Ranger School. Its a big question, but how do you see soldiers organizing now? WATERTOWN, N.Y. (AP) The images Spenser Rapone posted on Twitter from his West Point graduation were intentionally shocking: In one, the cadet opens his dress uniform to expose a T-shirt with a blood-red image of socialist icon Che Guevara. Whatever happened to that communist lieutenant? The Army There were no red flags of any kind.. Ten thousand students are enrolled in the program; 55 percent are black, 40 percent are Latinx. He completed the Ranger Assessment and Selection Process, and received an assignment to I tried to submit a conditional resignation, saying I wanted to leave, and asked for a general discharge. But he wasnt accepted to West Point, so Rapone enlisted in the Army. I asked CDT Rapone what made him thinkit was okay to reply to a direct question from an officer with a response like that, and he replied, Well you dont have the rightto barge into an office and interrupt a conversation you dont have anything to do with!. Looks like the Commie Cadet is well on his way to become the first Army General who advocates the overthrow of the American Government. When theyre faced with those situations, they might find the courage to resist, or find a way out. A former member of the 75th Ranger Regiment-turned West Point graduate and infantry officer has -for better or worse- put his far-left wing ideologies on display during his graduation from the US Military Academy in May of last year. The content of this webpage may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written consent of Bright Mountain Media, Inc. which may be contacted at info@brightmountainmedia.com, ticker BMTM. That didnt faze me too much, but my family was worried, and began to get alt-right trolls trying to dox me and find their information. Believe it or not, there are laws against those who advocate the overthrow of the Government. West Point released a statement after Rapone posted the photos, saying his actions in no way reflect the values of the U.S. Military Academy or the U.S. Army. And U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican, called on the secretary of the Army to remove Rapone from the officer ranks. Spenser Rapone (Twitter) Rapone was an infantry officer in the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, N.Y. His other than honorable discharge, which is highly unusual for a West Point graduate in a circumstance such as this, also may block him from many veterans benefits despite his years of service, including in combat. A LOT. Rapone graduated from West Point as a member of the class of 2016, but before entering the Academy he served for two years as an 11B Infantryman in the 75th Ranger Regiment, deploying to Afghanistan in that capacity. Yesterday, this sworn statement surfaced. U.S. government destroying the dollars value through inflation. Rapone is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and is serving as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Armys 10th Mountain Division, though he is currently at Ranger School. Deciding he could no longer stomach the immorality of US imperialism, he spoke out against the reprehensible actions of the military in September 2017. If youre able to articulate what that will do to you as a human being, and how youll be forced to live with that and thats not scare-mongering, its speaking to what they will actually have to execute as a soldier in the US military that can at least plant the seed for them to grapple with these questions. The set up is that Heffington is in his office grading papers. Former Army Ranger and Afghanistan veteran Spenser Rapone received an other than honorable discharge after he posted images taken at his 2016 graduation from the United States Military Academy at West Point. While waiting for the verdict, I was told I couldnt say anything publicly. Copyright 2023 PopularMilitary | All Rights Reserved. At worst, however, Cadet Rapones statements bespeak either a severe mental or psychological disorder, or a genuine commitment to values and ideals wholly at odds with those of West Point and the Army, he added. Rapone was an enlisted man who served briefly in 1st Ranger Battalion, was, according to reports, booted out of that unit, applied for a West Point appointment via the Military Academy Prep School from former Democrat Congressman Jason Altmire, graduated West Point and was commissioned in 2016. From there I began to realize the issue was a structural phenomenon that one good person cant effect change when the system is inherently wrong. Im having trouble even processing this exchange. The former West Point cadet who called himself Commie Beebop on Twitter rejoined civilian life without an honorable discharge. He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 and was assigned as an assistant machine gunner in Khost Province. Good riddance. That was accepted, and I got issued an other than honorable discharge. It doesnt happen. Playing the denouncement game toward those soldiers isnt politically viable, nor does it make much sense. Rapone, who was previously enlisted as anArmy Ranger and served in Afghanistan before attendingWest Point and becoming an officer, told the Associated Pressthat he was reprimanded for conduct unbecoming an officer, and an investigation concluded that he advocated for a socialist revolution while insulting senior military officials. During the interview, he expressed patriotism and looked just like a top-notch candidate. Eventually I was pulled out of the field and went through the different legal channels. While in the 1st Ranger Battalion he completed at least one deployment and Air Assault School before going over to the United States Military Academy in New York. I was deployed for most of the summer of 2011. We saw people hijack helicopters within the ranks to drop propaganda flyers over military bases. No one likes being in the military, in the moment. That is crucial if he were to pursue benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Take a look at the photos that accompany this article, dear reader, and try not to reach for the barf bag. The idea of an avowed communist subverting important military units and functions from within has the potential to be catastrophic., SEE ALSO: Spenser Rapone, West Point alumnus, riles with pro-Kaepernick Communism Will Win photo. SO PROUD ARE THEY OF HIS DESPICABLE BEHAVIOR, THE ARMY DECIDED TO REWARD CPT MORENO WITH AN HONORABLE DISCHARGE. Join the Truthdig Newsletter for our latest publications. And those views only hardened during his studies of history as one of Top brass at Fort Drum accepted Rapones resignation Monday after an earlier reprimand for conduct unbecoming of an officer. Rapone said an investigation found he went online to advocate for a socialist revolution and disparage high-ranking officers. That said, we also need to do some de-programming with soldiers I myself had to go through it and its going to take a lot of patience. Spenser Rapone It didnt take me long to realize that my experiences did not reflect that in the slightest.. Whatever happened to duty, honor, country?. Even while still a cadet, Rapones online postings alarmed a West Point history professor, who wrote Rapone up, saying his online postings were red flags that cannot be ignored. Rapone was disciplined but still allowed to graduate. This launched a separate investigation back at West Point: hundreds of cadets who were even remotely associated with me were interviewed, and they were asked about their politics. Prior to West Point, the New Castle, PA native enlisted in the Army where he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 54th Infantry Regiment at Fort Benning for basic training and infantry training in 2010. Even some of the true believers who claim they enjoy it or relish it deep down, they know what theyre doing. Spenser Rapone tells how he discovered that the military he joined wasn't what Hollywood and commercials had made it out to be. Robert J. Naughton Protected Corrupt Naval Officers Who Imprisoned a Navy Chief in a Military Mental Hospital, United States Military Academy West Point. Spenser Rapone Template:TOCnestleft Spenser Rapone was a US Army officer and Democratic Socialists of America member. I say again, this is a sworn statement, something you only go to the trouble of filing when you want punitive action taken against someone. Less than a year after Rapones images drew a firestorm of vitriol and even death threats, the second lieutenant who became known as the commie cadet is officially out of the US Army with an other-than-honorable discharge. The narrative that a conscription army is the only thing that will produce war resisters is flawed and ahistorical. A glaring example of that is that many of the politicians who claim to be staunch patriots and support the troops want to privatize the VA. Aside from that, reaching active-duty soldiers? WebLatest news and commentary on Spenser Rapone including photos, videos, quotations, and a biography. Copyright 2023 RedState.com/Salem Media. Rapone also explained that his time inAfghanistan as an assistant machine-gunner in the volatile Khost province in 2011 spurred an interest in radical social change, starting with the military. And those views only hardened during his studies of history as one of the academys Long Gray Line.. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, West Point removes Confederate monuments, including Robert E. Lee, Worthy prof motive -- a salute to an NYU legend, West Point should reconsider KKK plaque on science building: congressional panel, US Army teaching Critical Race Theory to West Point cadets: report, summed up the fallout in yet another tweet Monday. Army officer 'socialist organizer' Spenser Rapone gets Yes, there were attempts to create military labor unions. Oh, it just hit me, the military probably considers Communism as a religion and is therefore protected in the military like the Muslim religion. Does anyone remember Army Major Nidal Hasan and the Foot Hood shooting November 5, 2009? Rapone previously served as an enlisted infantryman before enrolling at West Point in 2012. Spenser Rapone He enlisted as an infantryman out of high school in 2010, and deployed to Afghanistan in 2011. Despite his growing disillusionment with the military, he applied and got in. So, one key is articulating antiwar in terms of the structural phenomena we witness: how war is profitable, how its designed to be endless. (Courtesy of Spenser Rapone via AP), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. To bookmark your favorite articles and follow your favorite authors, please, Now you can personalize your Truthdig experience. We have to talk about the picture that caused this whole situation for you. You posted it with a hashtag, #VeteransforKaepernick. He has also been known to contribute to the left-wing think tank, The Hampton Institute. Im one of six children from, at the time, a single-income family. Why are we not surprised? I was told this would initiate a show-cause board, which is where you show why you should be retained, or you show why you should leave on their terms. The misunderstood and persecuted young genius shouts truth to power by cobbling together ideas and quotations popping up in chat rooms or on Facebook walls, certain that his provocative and shocking proclamations will, based solely upon their vehemence and sarcasm, demonstrate both the profound sincerity and the unassailable correctness of his viewpoints. https://t.co/c3SW0QJsBl https://t.co/c3SW0QJsBl, My eyes are seriously about to roll out of the back of my head. Note here. I would encourage all soldiers who have a conscience to lay down their arms and join me and so many others who are willing to stop serving the agents of imperialism and join us in a revolutionary movement., Rapone said his journey to communism grew out of his experiences as an Army Ranger in Afghanistan before he was accepted into the US Military Academy. ALL HE WANTS IS A FAIR JUDICIAL PROCESS. Right now Im starting to wonder what the f***ing f*** is going on because Rampone should be braced at attention and saying yes, sir a lot. As to how to reach soldiers, you need to meet them where they are. We were bullies in one of the poorest countries on Earth, Rapone said. Can you talk about the repercussions afterwards, not only from the military, but the right-wing media, your family, etc.? here for reprint permission. He was nominated out of high school by then-US Rep. Jason Altmire in 2010. Right: Army Private First Class Spenser Rapone receiving his "Ranger Scrol" patch after completing Ranger Assessment and Selection Program in 2011. Also, approximately one month ago, I walked out of my office during Deans Hour to find CDT Rapone lying downperpendicular to the wall in Thayer Hall, with his legs stretching out across the hallway. On the other hand, many people reached out and showed me support. From his various online rantings and posts, it appears that CDT Rapone is an avowed Marxist, which is completely out of line with the values of this nation and its Army. It is uncertain whether or not Rapones career -or at least experiences at Ranger School- will be hindered upon the discovery of his activities by Army officials. Before, soldiers would feel hesitant about saying blatantly racist or sexist things. His expulsion came after a viral tweet showing him clad in uniform, fist raised displaying a I replied Okay, thats one person. Abbott for Political Stunt While Ignoring Biden's Inaction, Marble Halls & Silver Screens With Sarah Lee Ep. Spenser Rapone is under investigation after tweeting photos of himself support communism while in uniform. Still, the troubling question remains- how many other Spenser Rapones are in military service, particularly ones who can keep their mouths shut? WebSpenser Rapone, a former US Army Ranger and Infantry Officer, was kicked out of the military for posting a photo of himself at his West Point graduation ceremony with an antiwar sign under his hat. On the other hand, many people reached out and showed me support. But what happens is that because in the US our civic religion is patriotism, folks who at one time had nothing but hate for it they couldnt stand being in the field, waking up for [physical training] when they get out, theyre placed on a pedestal as a veteran. Spenser Rapone Spenser Rapone If the former is true, he is dangerously unbalanced, and therefore not suited to military service. Spenser Rapone The thread has since been deleted. Plus, Colin Kaepernick risked his career to support a cause. I sat on those photos the first one of Communism will win inscribed in my hat, the second one of me wearing a Che Guevara shirt underneath [my uniform] from the time I graduated in May 2016 to September 2017. The content of this webpage may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written consent of Bright Mountain Media, Inc. which may be contacted atinfo@brightmountainmedia.com, tickerBMTM. It was during Rapones 2016 USMA graduation that he posed for photos of himself wearing a Che Guevara shirt under his uniform and the message Communism Will Win pasted inside of his dress cap. 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