The US military told its service members not to participate in the near-viral “ice bucket challenge” while wearing a military uniform:

“ALS Association is a national non-profit organization,” [Army spokeswoman Tatjana Christian] wrote. “As such, participating in this event is subject to concerns about implied endorsement.”

The ban due to “implied endorsement” is interesting, given how many other things the US military has apparently endorsed — from a homosexual activist group, to Mikey Weinstein, and even the New England Patriots. Current Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Marty Dempsey famously sang when he endorsed ThanksUSA, a “national non-profit organization” — just like the ALS association.

A variety of senior military leaders and other troops had already participated, though videos and articles were removed with the new edict.  It is unclear what, precisely, distinguishes the ALS group from others, but the DoD has spoken.

ADVERTISEMENT