Walter Mitty still runs the Civil Air Patrol

The Civil Air Patrol is a 501(c)(3) corporation.  It is Congressionally chartered, exactly like the Merchant Marine, the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Girl Scouts but the members are volunteers who have to pay a membership fee to belong. Adult members MAY wear quasi-military uniforms if they wish, but there is no requirement  But a problem is brewing with CAP.  Senior members may also wear quasi-military rank insignia if they wish.  They don't have to and it doesn't mean anything since everyone is a civilian, but some of the Walter Mitty types put on that little uniform and suddenly become legends in their own minds.  The greater probability is that they have never served on active duty in the REAL military and have never even come close to combat.  But some of these people think if they are wearing a plastic-coated (you can't wear 'real' military insignia) silver oak leaf and are constipationally called Lt. Col., they can give orders, demand that they be given the respect due to a real military officer from a subordinate, and have the authority to give orders to other Senior Members.

It is simply not true.  My problem is this.  I am an ex-combat Marine.  I will not wear a pretend uniform, I will wear rank insignia for one reason and one reason only: To lead United States Marines into combat and I will never honor a civilian with a military salute or any other courtesy reserved for warriors.

Finally the question was put to me:  Would you rather pay your dues, remain in the CAP and pretend to be a military officer like the rest of us and not raise any red flags when you see an obvious violation, or not.

Well, gosh....may I have a little time to think about it?

"The true danger is when liberty is nibbled away, for expedients, and by parts... the only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing." -~Edmund Burke

Follow me at http://drtom.posterous.com\
The FBI does, so you are in good company!  

Posted via email from Thus knowledge flows like water