Stuart Scheller for President

[f6john]

He knows what integrity means.

[Rams]

He knows what integrity means.

Relieved of duty, he'll most likely be forced out.   His career as a military officer and leader has been sacrificed.   He'll make a great civilian leader.   

Rams

[old2soon]

      I had mentined in another post he has some Very LARGE brass ones!  He Has MY VOTE should he decide to run. WE alredy KNOW what ever he said Will be Swept UNDER the rug.  But on the other hand we that have Served could NOT speak out while still Serving-lest ways NOT in Public nor for "the media". I was NEVER interviewed while Serving but we had a fall back line we were Ordered/Encouraged to recite-I can neither confirm no deny those allegations. You know-political triple speak. Used to be double speak-inflation doncha know.  While I have zero say in the matter he should have an Honorable Discharge-NOTHING LESS!  RIDE SAFE. p s thinkin that under the rug thing the hole under that rug gotta be bigger then that copper mine out west! 

[Rams]

     I had mentined in another post he has some Very LARGE brass ones!   He Has MY VOTE should he decide to run. WE alredy KNOW what ever he said Will be Swept UNDER the rug.   But on the other hand we that have Served could NOT speak out while still Serving-lest ways NOT in Public nor for "the media". I was NEVER interviewed while Serving but we had a fall back line we were Ordered/Encouraged to recite-I can neither confirm no deny those allegations. You know-political triple speak. Used to be double speak-inflation doncha know.   While I have zero say in the matter he should have an Honorable Discharge-NOTHING LESS!   RIDE SAFE. p s thinkin that under the rug thing the hole under that rug gotta be bigger then that copper mine out west!  

I'm betting he'll be retired unemployed soon and hope to see him on some ballot.

Rams

[old2soon]

     Just read where he resigned his Commision. He stated-I don't want Anything. He also stated that the Senior Military Needs to Take Responsibility for the Afghanistan debacle. RIDE SAFE.

[Rams]

Stuart Scheller Resigns Commission After Being Relieved of Command for Afghanistan Remarks

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/stuart-scheller-resigns-commission-after-being-relieved-of-command-for-afghanistan-remarks/ar-AANSwAY?ocid=msedgntp

Marine Officer Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller said on Sunday that he is resigning his commission after being dismissed from command over his remarks about the U.S. troops withdrawal from Afghanistan.


"I'm currently not pending legal action and I could stay in the Marine Corps for another three years, but I don't think that's the path I am on. I'm resigning my commission as the United States Marine effective now," he said in a new video posted on his Facebook and LinkedIn accounts. "I have forfeited my retirement, all entitlements, I don't want a single dollar."

Scheller also recalled that his boss asked him about what he was trying to accomplish by posting a video criticizing the Afghanistan withdrawal.

"Now it was a very tough question for me and my response was I want senior leaders to accept accountability," Scheller said. All I asked for was accountability of my senior leaders when there are clear, obvious mistakes that were made. And had they done that I would have gone back into rank and accomplished what I wanted."

Towards the end of the 10-minute video, Scheller warned of the consequence of going after stability and money, which, he said, can make a person "a slave to the system."

"I don't need a single dollar. I just need every single person that's willing to go back outside the wire every single day to wear a blue collar, and just go into work every single day and feed their families," he said. "Those are the people that I need. Follow me and we will bring the whole f****** system down."

This week, Scheller gained widespread attention after demanding accountability and criticizing senior military leadership for their handling of the U.S. troops withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Scheller pointed out mistakes made throughout the evacuation process in a four-minute video posted on social media on Thursday, shortly after the ISIS-K bombing outside the Hamid Karzai airport in Kabul that killed 13 U.S. service members and many Afghans.

His video went viral and sparked controversy, with some commentators praising Scheller's notes about the operation and others criticizing him for calling out his senior leaders while in uniform and urging him to resign.

"Stuart Scheller would make a better Secretary of Defense than Lloyd Austin," wrote Representative Matt Gaetz, a Florida Republican, in a tweet.

Donald Trump Jr. weighed in, as well, saying it was "disgrace" that Scheller had been relieved.

Scheller wrote in a Facebook post on Friday that he has been relieved due to the public criticism made after his clip went viral.

In a response to Newsweek, Maj. Jim Stenger, Marine Corps spokesperson, stated:

Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller was relieved of command by Col. David Emmel, Commanding Officer of School of Infantry-East, due to a loss of trust and confidence in his ability to command.

This is obviously an emotional time for a lot of Marines, and we encourage anyone struggling right now to seek counseling or talk to a fellow Marine. There is a forum in which Marine leaders can address their disagreements with the chain of command, but it's not social media.

Meanwhile in China the state-controlled Global Times said the Scheller story showed the "low morale" in the U.S. military.

Newsweek contacted Scheller for further comments but didn't receive an immediate response.


Reference the bolded sentence, I'd say they (the Chineese) are correct.   If you were being used as cannon fodder, wouldn't you have low morale?

Rams

[Jess from VA]

I greatly appreciate (beyond measure) his words and deeds, but it is a shame to lose his career, and retirement.  (And retired lifetime health benefits too.  He says he will not file with VA, but he will always be eligible to do so).

He says he is resigning with no adverse action against him pending.  I wonder if he was told this was the only way no action would be taken against him?  (other than being relieved of command, which is not insignificant)

He will not talk to the press until separated.

I would take him for president in a heartbeat.  His inexperience in national or party politics would only make him a stronger candidate (just like someone else).

 

[old2soon]

I greatly appreciate (beyond measure) his words and deeds, but it is a shame to lose his career, and retirement.  (And retired lifetime health benefits too.  He says he will not file with VA, but he will always be eligible to do so).

He says he is resigning with no adverse action against him pending.  I wonder if he was told this was the only way no action would be taken against him?  (other than being relieved of command, which is not insignificant)

He will not talk to the press until separated.

I would take him for president in a heartbeat.  His inexperience in national or party politics would only make him a stronger candidate (just like someone else).

 

           All good points. Last line-ya reckon?  RIDE SAFE.

[3fan4life]

I'm not sure about President just yet.

It's not that I think he couldn't do a good job, I just don't think that he could get elected.

I do hope that he runs for Congress in a district against an incumbent Democrat.

That's an election that he can win and I'm even willing to send him a campaign contribution.

A couple of terms and he'll lock in a pension to replace his military one and he'll get free healthcare for life.


Then with some experience maybe he'll have a winning shot at the White house.

[carolinarider09]

I greatly appreciate (beyond measure) his words and deeds, but it is a shame to lose his career, and retirement.  (And retired lifetime health benefits too.  He says he will not file with VA, but he will always be eligible to do so).

He says he is resigning with no adverse action against him pending.  I wonder if he was told this was the only way no action would be taken against him?  (other than being relieved of command, which is not insignificant)

He will not talk to the press until separated.

I would take him for president in a heartbeat.  His inexperience in national or party politics would only make him a stronger candidate (just like someone else).

 

           All good points. Last line-ya reckon?  RIDE SAFE.

    AGREED!!!

[Rams]

I'm not sure about President just yet.

It's not that I think he couldn't do a good job, I just don't think that he could get elected.

I do hope that he runs for Congress in a district against an incumbent Democrat.

That's an election that he can win and I'm even willing to send him a campaign contribution.

A couple of terms and he'll lock in a pension to replace his military one and he'll get free healthcare for life.


Then with some experience maybe he'll have a winning shot at the White house.

Apparently, brilliant minds think alike.     

Rams

[f6john]

I'm not sure about President just yet.

It's not that I think he couldn't do a good job, I just don't think that he could get elected.

I do hope that he runs for Congress in a district against an incumbent Democrat.

That's an election that he can win and I'm even willing to send him a campaign contribution.

A couple of terms and he'll lock in a pension to replace his military one and he'll get free healthcare for life.


Then with some experience maybe he'll have a winning shot at the White house.

I don’t disagree but I seem to remember another guy who probably couldn’t get elected.

[Rams]

According to his bio, “Lt Col Stuart P. Scheller graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor in accounting.   That's all I have found out up to this point but, what I do know is Senator Sherrod Brown comes up for re-election in 2024. and Congresswoman Joyce Beatty of the third district and Marcy Kaptur of the 9th district come up for re-election in 2022.  The 11th district is now vacant.  Congressman Tim Ryan represents the 13th district, the 15th district is vacant.   I'm not sure (now) Mr. Scheller is from Ohio but, he'd make a darn fine addition to our and Ohio's leadership.   

Rams

[Jess from VA]

I would love for him to run (and win) anywhere.

For his service to country (and attitude),  I would love for him to have a happy life.

I wonder if anyone could have both?

[3fan4life]

Ohio is a good conservative state.
He should have an excellent chance at getting elected.

I hope that he decides to enter the political arena.

I believe that he still has much to offer this nation.

[Rams]

Marine who spoke out about Afghanistan withdrawal says he expects to be jailed

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/marine-who-spoke-out-about-afghanistan-withdrawal-says-he-expects-to-be-jailed/ar-AANZsLe?ocid=msedgntp

A Marine who claimed he was "relieved from duty" after going viral for criticizing military leadership over the withdrawal from Afghanistan now speculates he might be court-martialed and "will probably do some jail time."

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A Marine who claimed he was "relieved from duty" after going viral for criticizing military leadership over the withdrawal from Afghanistan now speculates he might be court-martialed and "will probably do some jail time."

Stuart Scheller, who claims now to be a former lieutenant colonel, has been posting regular updates about his dissenting stance that led to his alleged removal from the military, saying in a Wednesday update to a video he uploaded to social media on Aug. 27, "The Marine Corps will assign an investigating officer. Most likely a Colonel."

Scheller's initial video posted last week came just hours after 11 Marines, one Navy sailor, and one Army soldier were killed during a terrorist attack in Kabul near the airport. The United States scrambled to evacuate as many eligible Afghans and U.S. citizens from the country before the Aug. 31 deadline for military forces to exit the country. Scheller said in the video that he knew at least one person who was killed in the Kabul attack.

"Once the investigating officer finalizes his recommendation, the Marine Corps will decide if they should pursue court-martial," Scheller claimed on Wednesday, adding that if it does go to court-martial, "I will be found guilty and will probably do some jail time. This will provide me a valuable opportunity to read, write, and contemplate."

The Marines confirmed Scheller's "situation is currently under investigation" but declined to provide further details to the Washington Examiner on Wednesday, according to Capt. Sam Stephenson, a spokesman for the Training and Education Command. "The Marine Corps is not providing any additional information regarding Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller. His situation is currently under investigation and being handled appropriately by his chain of command, and therefore, we cannot comment further."

As Marines decompress from the gravity of events in Afghanistan over the week, it is important for those struggling to speak with their fellow Marines, their chain of command, or seek counseling," Stephenson added.

Scheller's updated claims come less than 24 hours after he addressed Gen. David H. Berger, the commandant of the Marine Corps, on Facebook, saying, "I understand you want to court martial me."

On Wednesday, Scheller added, "General Burger isn’t allowed to comment on the situation or else it will appear as 'undue command influence.'"

Scheller said he was asked by his commanding officer to be evaluated by mental health specialists on Monday and claimed he complied with the order. On Tuesday, he issued his written request for a resignation to the secretary of the Navy.

I would expect a Court Martial with at least an Other than Honorable Discharge and maybe some brig time.   Most folks may not understand that but, from a command perspective, he's gonna get hammered.   That has not changed my opinion of him based on what I do know.   I still hope he runs for office.   Of course, that could change but..................  

Rams

[Jess from VA]

That article is not well written.

He remains a Lt Col until his resignation is accepted, or he is convicted at a trial with a punitive discharge.  Officers can only receive a dishonorable discharge DD.  The (not quite as bad) bad conduct discharge BCD may only be awarded enlisted men.  

An Under Other Than Honorable Conditions (UOTHC) Discharge can ordinarily only be awarded from an administrative discharge board, which is being fired from military service under DOPMA (federal labor law for military members), not from a criminal court martial where you can get a punitive BCD or DD.  They will not do an administrative discharge for him, since he has already applied to resign his commission.

Even if convicted and jailed, he would remain a Lt Col because, unknown to most, officers and enlisted, convicted and receiving a punitive discharge with prison time are always held on active duty during all confinement, so that they remain subject to the UCMJ, and all lawful orders (and serve their time in a military prison).  Enlisted may be reduced in grade all the way to E-1, but officers are not reduced in grade.  Only at the completion of the prison tern is the court ordered punitive discharge then executed, severing military service and rank.  (And all military convictions with punitive discharges are reviewed in automatic appeal.)

If an investigating officer (IO) has been appointed, then it sounds like an Art 32 pretrial investigation has been ordered by his General Court Martial (GCM) convening authority (likely a 3 or 4-star), which is a requirement before convening any general court martial.  (an article 32 investigation is essentially a one man grand jury)  (I conducted 25 Article 32 pretrial investigations on active duty)

The IO does the investigation, collects records, conducts a hearing, takes any testimony, allows the accused to speak (and an attorney is assigned him), and then writes a report of facts and law and recommends a trial, or no trial.  The GCM convening authority is not bound by the IO recommendation whether to charge or not.

He has been referred for psych eval, and that eval will be competed before any Art32 is competed.  It will be considered by the Art 32 IO.  Assuming he is considered normal, it would head off any insanity or diminished capacity defense, if a trial was to be held.

Col Scheller has already submitted a resignation, which will travel through the system (and be delayed if an Art 32 is being conducted).  

I suspect he has violated some rules (lawful general regulations) proscribing making public statements in his capacity as a serving military member, in uniform, critical of command and service.  Active military members have less 1st amendment rights than civilians do. Things like dereliction of duty and conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline and/or unbecoming an officer might be added.

If his pending resignation is accepted, he loses his pension and lifetime health care.  But he gets an honorable discharge.  And he has all VA benefits available to him.  

If they roll the charges after an Art 32 (refer to trial), he can again resign, but this time, it's in lieu of court martial (different than a standard resignation), and if accepted, then he can get an UOTHC discharge (but not a DD).  What that does is cut off all his ability to file any claim with VA for service connected disability and all other benefits (except for insurance and one other small thing I can't remember, maybe burial benefits).  

So how big a pound of flesh do they want for his honest, heart felt, and pissed off public complaint about poor military leadership resulting in the deaths of military members (and the overall entirely screwed up withdrawal from Fokistan)?  Which happens to mirror the feelings of all other thinking Americans.  And his 17 good years of excellent and honorable service must be considered on his behalf, and balanced against his misconduct.

I say his loss of pension and lifetime health care is enough.  His resignation should be accepted.  

If they feel the need to shame him in a trial by court martial, convict him of crimes, sentence him to a punitive discharge and term in Leavenworth, they are vindictive sons of bitches who maybe should not get anymore sons and daughters of our citizens for their club.  I think it also makes them look fearful of honesty and truth.  Also, the good Col has shown he is no shrinking violet, and at trail he may speak on the record in his defense, for as long and hard as he wants, and it all goes in the public record.  And he would absolutely request a jury, and getting all those good military men to go for his throat just might be difficult. 

Forcing him to resign in lieu of trial, to take his VA benefits and slap him with a UOTHC (which is an unfavorable discharge, but not a criminal conviction), is not as bad as a trial, but it's still vindictive crap.

IMHO.  

 



 

[Willow]

At this point he has violated orders and his oath.  I held him in high regard for speaking out and his willingness to incur the results of that disobedience but when he confronted the Commandant publicly he has stepped way over the line.

Members of the military must be held to requirements of public respect and loyalty.  The only option that avoids the requirement of obeying orders is if those orders are unlawful.

If they do as they should the Marine Corps will prosecute, not because they are vindictive sons of bitches, but because for the sake of the Corps he needs to be shown as an example.

What has taken place in the debacle in Kabul is deplorable.  Members, and especially officers, of the military can recognize the deplorable path but must be still limited in public communication by the discipline of obeying the orders of the Commander-in-Chief and all others above him in his chain of command.  Sworn members of the armed forces do not get to vote on which orders they will obey.   

[f6john]

At this point he has violated orders and his oath.  I held him in high regard for speaking out and his willingness to incur the results of that disobedience but when he confronted the Commandant publicly he has stepped way over the line.

Members of the military must be held to requirements of public respect and loyalty.  The only option that avoids the requirement of obeying orders is if those orders are unlawful.

If they do as they should the Marine Corps will prosecute, not because they are vindictive sons of bitches, but because for the sake of the Corps he needs to be shown as an example.

What has taken place in the debacle in Kabul is deplorable.  Members, and especially officers, of the military can recognize the deplorable path but must be still limited in public communication by the discipline of obeying the orders of the Commander-in-Chief and all others above him in his chain of command.  Sworn members of the armed forces do not get to vote on which orders they will obey.  

I’m sure thats all true. Lives were/are at stake, he put lives and personal honor before a corrupt Commander in Chief. So they will make an example of him, there have been plenty of martyrs down through history. He took a stand which few could display. We all pay a price when everyone remains silent.

[old2soon]

        Jess and Carl both have Valid points. And I have stated I Am 53 and a 1/2 years removed from The Military. I am also aware those that do-Officer or Enlisted that have spoken out are Generally made examples of. I was also made aware of Unlawful Orders when I Served and what to do and what not to do. I would guess offhand Col. Scheller Knew going in What WOULD be possible given his 17 years of Good Honorable SERVICE when he decided to speak out. Also thinkin he Is Prepared for the worst possible outcome. I believve he Has alluded to that possibility. I for one Stand Proudly For Him and Render a Very Good SALUTE! Fair Winds and Following Seas Col. Scheller! RIDE SAFE.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I agree with most of the statements made by the officer. But, that doesn’t mean squat. When you are in the military you are to follow orders. Unless they are illegal. These clearly weren’t.  He should be made an example of.

[Rams]

So how big a pound of flesh do they want..................
 

Jess, thanks for that information.   Obviously, I never faced such an ordeal.   I suspect that as a Lt. Col. and a Commander, he's embarrassed his chain of command and the Corps as a whole.   Edited:   I'll bet there's still a very large group of  Marines that would follow this man through hell and back.  They know, he'll have their backs.    He will be made an example of.  

What you, I or anyone else thinks doesn't matter, the Marine Corps will do what it wants.   About the only thing I can think of that might make a difference is, a major public ruckus with political support that might get the charges/sentence reduced but, I doubt that will happen.

I still hope he runs for office.   We need men of integrity in leadership positions.  But, the  truth is, we also need leaders who follow through on orders from above unless they are illegal.

The President (to my knowledge) has not ordered the military to do anything illegal.

Rams

[old2soon]

So how big a pound of flesh do they want..................
 

Jess, thanks for that information.   Obviously, I never faced such an ordeal.   I suspect that as a Lt. Col. and a Commander, he's embarrassed his chain of command and the Corps as a whole.   Edited:   I'll bet there's still a very large group of  Marines that would follow this man through hell and back.  They know, he'll have their backs.    He will be made an example of.  

What you, I or anyone else thinks doesn't matter, the Marine Corps will do what it wants.   About the only thing I can think of that might make a difference is, a major public ruckus with political support that might get the charges/sentence reduced but, I doubt that will happen.

I still hope he runs for office.   We need men of integrity in leadership positions.  But, the  truth is, we also need leaders who follow through on orders from above unless they are illegal.

The President (to my knowledge) has not ordered the military to do anything illegal.

Rams

          Ron and others I've mentioned this before. We-The Public-have NO idea of the constraints they were under nor What The R O E was for them there on the ground at kabul. I've read Our Military was NOT allowed to rescue AMERICANS trapped in the city near the kabul airport. Where the TRUTH lies we may Never KNOW. The Whole shebang kabul evacuation was from what we were ALLOWED to witness a total huge ball of Very Dry F U B A R. And I thought saigon was bad!  RIDE SAFE.

[Jess from VA]

At this point he has violated orders and his oath.  I held him in high regard for speaking out and his willingness to incur the results of that disobedience but when he confronted the Commandant publicly he has stepped way over the line.

Carl, you may be right.  I only followed Col Sheller's first public statement.  I guess he has made more public statements, and I don't know the details of those (and can't speak to them).  There is no question, the more you talk, the more you become a target.

I wish him well and hope he didn't shoot himself in the foot too badly.  He seems a very good man and Marine.

I made statements about my beliefs in the US Const and 2d A on active duty (not publicly, but to senior officers at a higher headquarters) that did not sit too well with some of them.  This may be part of why I involuntarily got to be part of the 200K active duty draw down in 1992.  I can never know, of course.