BREAKING: @SecDef Lloyd Austin has directed a service-wide stand down to take place in the next 60 d

[soothsayer]

Link to tweet

?s=21


Tara Copp
@TaraCopp
·
Feb 3, 2021
BREAKING: @SecDef Lloyd Austin has directed a service-wide stand down to take place in the next 60 days. Each military branch will schedule a stand down to allow each service to have "needed discussions" on extremism in the ranks

Tara Copp
@TaraCopp
The order came from a meeting Austin held today with @thejointstaff @USNavy @usairforce @USArmy @USMC - "This is a leadership issue," said Pentagon spox @jo

[Nevilledog]

1. Good.

[MagickMuffin]

2. What exactly does a Stand Down mean?

I understand (I think) about the reason for it, evaluating the extremism among the various services. But I don't understand the stand down.

[bamagal62]

3. Me either.

[FreepFryer]

4. Technically, removal from active duty. I read it to mean there will be a vetting service wide.

And Russian propaganda will call it a New McCarthyism.

[orangecrush]

27. What do they call

Poisoning the opposition candidate and beating down dissenters?

[lunatica]

47. Nevelny calls it the time of Putin the poisoner

and also Putin the underpants poisoner.

In case you don’t know Nevelny was poisoned through his underpants.

[lagomorph777]

82. Navalny calls Putin "The Poisoner Of Underpants" - deliberately demeaning Putin.

[Hortensis]

88. Great! Putin set himself up and is paying for what

probably amused him to approve. Russia undoubtedly has talent of its own, but I wish we could gift Navalny a few Lincoln Project ads anyway.

[thucythucy]

56. "Business as usual."

[Hassin Bin Sober]

31. Tucker Carlson will put on his best dumb/concerned look.

[NYC Liberal]

33. No need to put it on; that's his default look.

[BobTheSubgenius]

44. Resting Dolt Face.

[lunatica]

48. He does have an unfortunate face

No matter how he tries he just can’t make it look manly. Poor him!

[KentuckyWoman]

69. Oh he looks like a man

Not a smart one, but a man. Edit. Well, a male human.

[lunatica]

70. To me he looks like a wayward child with a protruding lower lip

defiantly sticking to his lie no matter what. A face his mother is probably quite familiar with.

[KentuckyWoman]

72. Haha, yes I can see that.

[Miguelito Loveless]

5. Kind of like a "time out"

to focus on a specific issue. The last example I remember was the Navy having one after a series of aircraft carrier mishaps, and the Fleets were ordered to stand down and review safety practices.

[Aviation Pro]

8. Suspension of normal operations

....

[msfiddlestix]

18. Yeppers, that's how I took it. I don't remember a "stand down" called during my dad's

service time, but somehow I feel like I've heard this term before in the military to mean suspension of operations.

[OhNo-Really]

23. Twitter thread discussion

Link to tweet

More details

[OhNo-Really]

28. The American military's extremist problem

https://theweek.com/articles/833960/american-militarys-extremist-problem

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the DHS, the agencies responsible for gathering information on and investigating domestic terror groups, once had task forces focused specifically on far-right-wing terrorism. In 2009 the DHS released a report on right-wing terrorism that highlighted the threat of far-right groups recruiting veterans to their extremist causes.

Thank Conservative politicians and media outlets jumped on the report, decrying it as an unfair assessment of both conservative groups and disrespectful toward American veterans.

The backlash was so severe that the then head of the DHS, Janet Napolitano, publicly apologized for the report and dismantled the team responsible for tracking far-right threats.

[happy feet]

40. I remember this

And look where we are today-no surprise

[OhNo-Really]

46. Why elderly are important

We are walking modern history sources. My memory remains sharp.

[wnylib]

73. That's why some cultures value and respect their seniors.

For their life experience and accumulated wisdom.

[OhNo-Really]

89. Some yes. US media run by corporations mold attitudes Youth rules

I think today’s youth will dismantle the us oligarchy

[wnylib]

90. Yes, I think today's youth shows a lot of promise.

[Jerry2144]

10. Operations halted

Most operations halted and as many members of the command as possible get into one space and discuss the issue. Members aren’t allowed to miss it unless approved in advance such as standing watch, being in the hospital, already approved leave.

[Tommymac]

11. Kinda like a mandatory All Hands Corporate Meeting.

Everyone stops working their normal job and instead goes to the meeting to listen and discuss the topics management provides.

You know - those 3 hour bore-fests on Friday afternoon that we all hate...

[IronLionZion]

15. go off duty or relax from a state of readiness

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stand_down

This tweet is very early in the process. News articles should provide more details soon.

[Stand and Fight]

74. Veteran here. That's not what it means.

It means a suspension of normal activities to focus on a specific issue or group of issues. These are typically mandatory.

[MicaelS]

67. Means no active duty or training regime. n/t

[Stand and Fight]

75. Wrong. See above.

[matt819]

6. And every one of these needed discussions must be recorded

If not, you can be damn sure that many will include presenters who roll their eyes or make the point that they don't believe what they're saying but are doing it because they are required to. Also, to identify the extremists among the troops who consider extremism - aka their white supremacy, Islamophobia, and anti-Semitism - as their Christian god-given right.

Also, as onerous as it might be, every single active duty service member, from the newest private to 4-star generals, must be, for lack of a better word, googled for extremist memberships and sentiments.

[qazplm135]

53. have you served?

because you have a very warped view of the military.

There are white extremists in every facet of our society, military included.

EVERY. facet.

There are no more white supremacists in the military than anywhere else, less in fact, because, as someone who not only just retired, is African American, and an attorney who knows every claim made in every command I served and what was done about them, if a presenter "rolled their eyes" or indicated "they don't believe what they are saying" in any way during a presentation like this, they'd be out of the military by the end of the quarter one way or the other.

[LiberalFighter]

61. I hope so!

[MyMission]

62. The military knows it has a problem with domestic extremists, white supremacists

https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2021/01/14/the-military-knows-it-has-a-problem-with-domestic-extremists-white-supremacists/

I have close friends and family who have served. I see a problem with many former military, with regard to extremist views, and not just because a significant number were involved in the insurrection. One close friend, former military, recently severed contact with me because I approved of friends and family turning in the insurrectionists. He took it personally, although I know he was not in Washington I suspect he knows some who were.

Sadly, the fact that former military were involved to such an extent is troubling to me, and to many who believed our military was better than that. When bad/extremist/racist behavior exists within a group, it tarnishes that group.

I greatly respect and appreciate those who have served. Police have been called to task for their racially motivated behaviors, yet the culture remains. Not all Leo's are racists, but enough are (without consequences) that it has tarnished people's perceptions. The light has now been shined on the military as well.

Yes there are racists in every facet of our society, but to see first hand how it has permeated our military raises concerns and doubts. Most people hold our military to higher standards, and are disappointed and discouraged to learn they could become insurrectionists.

Here's another link to an article I just read about a recent event on a naval vessel. The person who admitted to the act said it was a joke. It wasn't funny.

https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/military/story/2021-02-02/navy-investigates-noose-found-on-black-sailors-rack

I am glad these issues will be addressed, and I hope they can be corrected.
Thank you for your service.

[qazplm135]

65. America has a problem with it

and the military has zero tolerance for it while recognizing some are hidden in there. That's not the same thing as suggesting that the problem is so bad in the military that you need to record presentations because so many will be openly dismissive of stopping racism.

[MineralMan]

7. A "stand down" is just stopping normal activities for some reason.

It sounds to me like they're going to be issuing new regulations regarding extremism to all personnel. A stand-down will ensure that everyone gets the message and hears it.

The new regulations will go out from the Pentagon to all base commanders, who will pass them along to the rest of the officer corps. Then, the new regulations will be read out aloud to everyone at every installation. Attendance is mandatory.

It's not a normal thing. It is only used when there is a serious issue that affects everyone in uniform.

[Beachnutt]

12. Ban fox news on all military property first thing

[Mickju]

21. That is an excellent idea!

[orangecrush]

30. Great idea.

[lunatica]

50. And ban Rush Limbaugh too and

every shock jock on the air.

[Ferrets are Cool]

57. ALL hate radio

it runs constantly.

[onetexan]

77. +1 K&R - Sec. Austin has been taking excellent first actions so far - a great pick for this role

Far right radio is so prevalent now it's oversaturated the airwaves. The FCC has turned a blind eye past 4 years, as we know why. Now there's gotta be crackdown to take them off the air given all they're doing is fomenting hate and disinformation

[uponit7771]

58. +1,

[sarge43]

76. Yes. That should have done years ago. n/t

[Roisin Ni Fiachra]

78. Yes, and yes to the other great suggestions in this sub-thread.

The last thing our country needs is for our military personnel to be fed a steady diet of lies and hate from malicious propagandists, who are dedicated to fomenting a fascist overthrow of our government, and installing Trump as dictator for life.

[SKKY]

13. Lloyd Austin is a good dude. He was one of those high-ranking officers...

...who seemed to calm the room whenever he walked in, and put everyone around him at ease. I suspect he will be a fairly consequential SECDEF.

[gibraltar72]

14. In my profession we called it a discussion about your future with the company.

[LudwigPastorius]

64. Otherwise known in the South as a "Come to Jesus" meeting.

[DemoTex]

16. Well .. my wife was called by the DoD today ..

Two projects that she is a consultant for have been put on indefinite hold. But since it is pro bono work on her part, it is not a financial issue for us.

[JackInGreen]

17. Incoming- the sweet tinkling chime

Of chevrons and collar insignia hitting the ground.

[msfiddlestix]

19. good. I was hoping to hear something to this effect, go into effect when he was appointed.

what will be interesting, and we'll probably never going to hear about it. but still.... it would be interesting to see the effect of this order. how much will be learned, what kind of impact it will have the culture of the military etc.

[liberalla]

20. "Extremism in the ranks"

So glad this getting serious attention! It's going to be difficult to root out. Thank you Lloyd Austin.

[lindysalsagal]

22. Wondering if the leadership aren't the problem...

And also why this has never happened to confront sexual offenders....

[Evolve Dammit]

24. Long time needed. Hope they focus on white supremecy, religious extremism and the oath. n/t

[Hekate]

25. Good

[CoryTrevor]

26. Wonder if this includes the Space Force

[Hermit-The-Prog]

32. I think that would be a Float Down, instead of a Stand Down.

[jaxexpat]

35. There is no down in zero G.

Nor up, either.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

41. Down in this case refers to activity and standard duties, not gravity.

[jaxexpat]

80. This response is satire. Do not adjust your set. You're perusal may be omitted with advantage.*

Okay...... so not moody feelings either?
Or getting, like jazz jamming some heavy riffs or ferocious love making or prior to getting Robin Williams' funky?
Or post peak, comin' down agains?
Or throwing, as prior to fighting or betting?
Or one of the 4 football possession nominatives?
Or leaving somewhere, like goin' on down the road and that lonesome highway?
Or a grassy area where horses race or rabbits play?
Or where sailors pass get to the sea in ships?
Surely it's exactly like Monday mornin' comin'. I mean, what a way to start a week.

*All credits to the writer of the preface to Aleister Crowley's Book of Thoth.

[marble falls]

84. Can anyone hear you stand down in space?

[CaptainTruth]

39. Maybe a Float Around?

[lunatica]

51. Aimless float?

[rickford66]

29. Had one in the Navy

Stop work at the base while an investigation was done for a couple hours.

[MasonDreams]

34. What about the Guardians of the Galaxy? Who will protect California from the space lasers?

[CentralMass]

54. I am Groot.

[qazplm135]

66. whoa! Language!

You got some acorns on you pal.

[DallasNE]

36. The Place To Start

Is removing the source of misinformation that causes the radicalization of members. And here I am talking specifically about Fox News. Get rid of this bad apple as it is rotting the barrel.

[wryter2000]

37. Amazing

This is so needed! Can we investigate ICE next?

[Yeehah]

38. Lloyd Austin does not fuck around

I worked for the guy and he is the nicest guy in the world but he will not tolerate any bullshit!

[WhiskeyGrinder]

42. Discussions, eh? And then?

[MyOwnPeace]

43. I thought the Navy

underwent something like this a few years ago after several collisions within the Pacific fleet:

https://www.defensenews.com/naval/2017/08/21/amid-accidents-and-sailor-deaths-us-navys-top-officer-questions-readiness-of-japan-based-ships/

[BobTheSubgenius]

45. Can't wait to hear what the chicken hawks have to say about this.

Soft on...you name it. Terrorism. Traditional enemies. Personal values within the forces.

They'll find something to be against, some way to be against it.

[Ligyron]

49. I spent but 4 years in the Army back in the late 70's.

But how this was received and put into effect on a battalion level depended very much on the Battalion Commander. It would be given a nod and a wink at the places I was stationed at.

"Oh, we don't have any of them there White Supremers in our command. Yeah, we looked real hard too. Ain't that right MSG Bubba?" "No sir, not a one of those rascals did we find anywheres."

[Roisin Ni Fiachra]

52. General Austin was a great choice for Defense Secretary.

Thank you, President Biden!

[CentralMass]

55. I wonder if there are any connection to Flynn or his brother.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

59. Good

No need for this kind of crap in the military.

[Lock him up.]

60. Start with switching off all TV sets broadcasting FUX NOIZE...

on ALL ships, at ALL AF bases around the world...

They are now catapulting the propaganda for the QRazy confedeRates.

[Vivienne235729]

87. TOTALLY AGREE 1000%

[LudwigPastorius]

63. ...and the "needed discussion" from the brass should be,...

"If you are a Proud Boy, Klansman, or Nazi, or otherwise unable to fulfill your oath to the Constitution, you will be discharged on the basis of being psychologically unable to perform your duties."

[ecstatic]

68. Wow. And yet QOP leaders refuse to stand up to the extremism/ conspiracies

The cancer comes from the top.

[moondust]

71. Army used to have "race relations."

Enlisteds got off work one day a year to attend a race relations group meeting led by an NCO to openly discuss race issues. If they still have those they could probably add extremism to the discussion topics and make them an ongoing yearly thing.

[The Jungle 1]

79. Our military does not trust the loyalty of our soldiers. This is huge.

[stillcool]

81. "loyalty"? Like Trump "loyalty"?

it's huge alright.

[The Jungle 1]

83. Pig boy trump is only loyal to himself.

Our military leaders are afraid of a military coup. That is the reason I say this is huge. My guess is the leaders intend to remind the troops of their oath.
America is in a bad place. Thanks trump you filthy pig.

[Blue Owl]

85. K&R

[mountain grammy]

86. Good.

Same needs to be done for every police force in America.