National Security & Defense

unhappycamper

(60,364 posts) Thu Feb 27, 2014, 10:06 AM Feb 2014

Fort Carson soldier's selfie could land her 2 years in prison

http://gazette.com/fort-carson-soldiers-selfie-could-land-her-2-years-in-prison/article/1515459

Fort Carson soldier's selfie could land her 2 years in prison
By Tom Roeder and Andrea Sinclair Updated: February 27, 2014 at 5:12 am • Published: February 26, 2014 | 7:00 pm

Fort Carson leaders launched an investigation into a "selfie" photo of a soldier posted online with a note that said she was hiding in her car to avoid saluting the flag. The soldier's Instagram image went viral Tuesday, drawing a storm of criticism.

Pfc. Tariqka Sheffey, of Fort Carson's 43rd Sustainment Group put the image on her Instagram account with a caption that read, "This is me laying back in my car hiding so I don't have to salute the 1700 flag, KEEP ALL YOUR 'THATS SO DISRESPECTFUL/HOWRUDE/ETC.' COMMENTS TO YOURSELF cuz, right now, IDGA FFFF (acronym for I don't give a 'expletive')."

Fort Carson officials say soldiers caught not saluting during the 5 p.m. retreat ceremony for the lowering of the American flag are subject to an "on the spot correction" - essentially a loud, one-sided discussion with a sergeant.

It's one of two events per day that require soldiers to stop what they're doing - even pull over and get out of their cars - to salute the flag in an act of tradition and military courtesy.

5 replies

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Fort Carson soldier's selfie could land her 2 years in prison (Original Post) unhappycamper Feb 2014 OP

Pull over and get out of their cars? Stargazer09 Feb 2014 #1

She should probably be put in jail NV Whino Feb 2014 #2

Two years in jail seems somewhat excessive. SheilaT Feb 2014 #3

It won't get to either of those. Angleae Feb 2014 #5

I had no idea what she meant by "1700 flag" ... I wondered if this was some new or Common Sense Party Feb 2014 #4

Stargazer09

(2,132 posts)

1. Pull over and get out of their cars?

Reply to unhappycamper (Original post)

Thu Feb 27, 2014, 10:45 AM

Feb 2014

The Air Force never required that. Pull over, yes. Sit quietly, yes. Get out, stand at attention, and salute, no.

If I'm at the base around retreat, I am mindful of the time before I go outside, too. Especially if the weather is bad, or I have a hyperactive toddler with me.

In my experience, the only people who actively run outside during reveille or retreat are those who love to hassle others for not being as "patriotic" as they are. The rest of us just want to avoid being stuck outside for several minutes while being stared at by everyone who stayed inside.

With that said, if I am outside during those times, I absolutely respect all of the courtesies. And yes, I judge those who are outside and ignore the music.

NV Whino

(20,886 posts)

2. She should probably be put in jail

Reply to unhappycamper (Original post)

Thu Feb 27, 2014, 10:56 AM

Feb 2014

For being stupid enough to post that.

SheilaT

(23,156 posts)

3. Two years in jail seems somewhat excessive.

Reply to unhappycamper (Original post)

Thu Feb 27, 2014, 11:36 AM

Feb 2014

I'd think a dishonorable discharge ought to suffice.

I never get over how many people post things they clearly shouldn't and then are quite surprised when there are consequences.

Angleae

(4,490 posts)

5. It won't get to either of those.

Reply to SheilaT (Reply #3)

Fri Feb 28, 2014, 12:20 AM

Feb 2014

Article 15 possibly. Have her immediate superior chew her up one side and down the other definately.

Common Sense Party

(14,139 posts)

4. I had no idea what she meant by "1700 flag" ... I wondered if this was some new or

Reply to unhappycamper (Original post)

Thu Feb 27, 2014, 11:42 AM

Feb 2014

old terminology I had never seen before, some specific designation of the Stars and Stripes.

It took me a while to figure out that she meant 5:00 p.m.

D'OH!

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