Air Force Issues Mikey Weinstein Directive. Again.
Following a public relations debacle in which a low-level commander gave Michael “Mikey” Weinstein a short-lived “victory” in his attacks on religious freedom, the US Air Force reiterated to its commanders that they should not be directly dealing with Weinstein. Quoting retired US Army Chaplain (Col) Ron Crews:
Military officials have told him the days of Weinstein’s bullying are over. Air Force commanders, he says, are being told that when the MRFF founder calls, “tell him Thank you for the call and then send it up chain of command so they can start making correct decisions early on.”
Air Force JAGs — Weinstein was once one — published “Weinstein guidance” as early as 2010, advising commanders not to engage with or accede to external activists like Weinstein. Yet, commanders have continued to do so — and the Air Force has suffered the public relations hits as a result. The apparent unfettered access Weinstein had to Air Force commanders even drew congressional attention.
Crews expressed hope that some senior leaders wanted to “do the right thing” — which included ending the apparent perception the US Air Force was granting undue deference to Mikey Weinstein, or that he was using the Air Force as a tool in his personal vendetta against Christians.
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Regarding the complaints that Mr. Weinstein has been receiving from “Anonymous USAF Members” – once upon a time USAF commanders would rake their entire squadron over the coals for going outside their chain of command in matters like this. It’s been over 20 years but my commanders reminders still ring in my ears: “Go to your NCOIC, go to your OIC, go to your first sergeant, go to my XO, go to me, go to my commander, or go to social actions. Anything else will NOT be tolerated.” generally followed by a subtle reminder that the chain of command can become a noose if you actively try to circumvent it. Please don’t tell me these not so subtle reminders no longer happen.
If the chain of command is still meaningfully in effect then it’s painfully clear that either Mr. Weinstein is lying about his informants or he is suborning insubordination. Even a ‘nonner’ such as a former JAG knows that the chain of command is sacrosanct and he should be saying “Go to your NCOIC, go to your OIC, go to your first sergeant, go to your XO, go to your commander, go to his commander, or go to social actions.” rather than going to an outside agency for any complaints
Commanders found engaging with Mr. Weinstein should be held accountable for not following JAG direction and Mr. Weinstein should be investigated for willingfully attempting to broach the chain of command for every unit’s command structure that he has undermined.
The pattern is this: One person tells him something, and he coaches it into a complaint. He then socializes the “complaint” among his followers, and counts those who agree with him enough to be “counted.” Voila. Multiple “anonymous” complaints.
He’s a civilian. He can complain all he wants. The question is what the military chooses to do with those complaints. Here’s a question: What would it do if you complained? Think you’d get the same treatment?