Marines pose with the "SS" flag in Afghanistan
To these Marines all Afghans are probably “Sand N*****s” and so they have no issue with posing with a Nazi symbol.
The story below highlights that many Jewish organizations and others are outraged by the photo and are demanding an investigation. My question is how are the above soldiers going to be investigated or held accountable when you have soldiers who have clearly committed war crimes and perpetrated massacres getting off for free or a slap of the wrist?
Groups outraged by Marines posing with logo resembling Nazi SS want new probe, troops punished
(Washinton Post)
The Marine Corps has said it does not plan any discipline because there was no malicious intent. The Marines mistakenly believed the “SS” in the shape of white lightning bolts on the blue flag were a nod to sniper scouts — not members of Adolf Hitler’s special unit that murdered millions of Jews, gypsies and others, said Maj. Gabrielle Chapin, a spokeswoman at Camp Pendleton, Calif.
Military officials learned of the photograph in November and investigated immediately. It later surfaced on a blog of a military weapons company.
In the September 2010 photo taken in the Sangin district of Helmand province, 10 Marines pose with sniper rifles in front of an American flag above a dark blue flag with the “SS” letters.
Rabbi Marvin Hier, founder of Los Angeles’ Simon Wiesenthal Center, said he does not believe it was an innocent mistake and insisted the American public has a right to know what happened.
His organization — one of the largest international Jewish human rights groups with more than 400,000 members — is demanding Obama and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta launch another investigation and discipline those involved.
“That 70 years after the United States Armed Forces helped liberate Europe from Nazi Germany, to learn that a unit of the United States Marine Corps serving in Afghanistan adopted the SS insignia alongside the Stars and Stripes, desecrates the memory of some 200,000 Americans who gave up their lives to defend freedom against that infamous symbol,” he said in a statement.
The Corps has used the incident as a training tool to talk to troops about what symbols are acceptable, Chapin said.
“I don’t believe that the Marines involved would have ever used any type of symbol associated with the Nazi Germany military criminal organization that committed mass atrocities in WWII,” Chapin said. “It’s not within who we are as Marines.”
Hier said it clearly shows more training about the Holocaust and the SS unit is needed.
It was the second time this year that images have surfaced showing Marines acting improperly and forcing the Corps to deal with the fallout. Last month, the Pentagon scrambled to contain the damage after an Internet video purportedly showed Marines urinating on Taliban corpses — an act that appears to violate international laws of warfare and further strains U.S.-Afghan relations. Panetta called Afghan President Hamid Karzai to offer assurances of an investigation, and the top Marine general promised an internal probe as well as a criminal one.
Those Marines, like the ones in front of the flag, fought in former Taliban strongholds in Helmand province. They are based at Camp Lejeune, N.C.
February 10th, 2012 at 12:08 pm
Between this and the urination footage, our Marines are revealing themselves to be like those psychotic soldiers in Oliver Stone’s Platoon. Hell, the film’s ending featured a tank battalion waving a swastika.
February 10th, 2012 at 12:14 pm
This is why I get angry when I hear “support the troops”.
February 10th, 2012 at 12:39 pm
@Emperor,
The guys in this platoon aren’t too bright apparently. At the very least, don’t they know why Nazism has come to represent the ultimate evil to so many people? Do they not care about how they are slapping their World War 2 counter parts in the face by doing this? Many of the people in that picture probably have parents and grand parents who valiantly fought the Nazis. Do they not care about what they would think of this? Apparently, not.
February 10th, 2012 at 12:58 pm
Action of a few dont reflect the whole. Action of a few idiot kids dont reflect all of the troops. Military is full stupid young kid who join to server there country told to do a job that no one should for months and months for reasons they can’t refuse even if they disagree with it under high level of stress while people around them drop dead left and right.
February 10th, 2012 at 1:04 pm
Simon Wiesenthal Center largest international Jewish human rights groups yeah sure it is and I am the Space Pope.
A branch museum in Jerusalem-—expected to be completed in 2009-—sparked protests from the city’s Muslim population. The museum is being built on what Rabbi Marvin Hier described as “derelict land”: a thousand-year-old Muslim graveyard called the Mamilla Cemetery, much of which has already been paved over. On November 19, 2008 a group of US Jewish and Muslim leaders sent a letter to the Wiesenthal Center to halt the construction of the Museum of Tolerance on the site.
As of February 2010, the Museum of Tolerance’s plan for construction has been fully approved by Israeli courts and is proceeding at the compound of Mamilla Cemetery.
The Simon Wiesenthal Center opposed the construction of Park51, a Muslim community center, two blocks from Ground Zero. The executive director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center’s Museum of Tolerance in Manhattan, Rabbi Meyer May said it was “insensitive” to locate the centre there
February 10th, 2012 at 1:17 pm
JD,
People may do stupid things under stress, but they don’t look very stressed in that photo. At the very least, they should have thought about how others, including other Americans who support the war, would view that image. It doesn’t make our military look good, and it doesn’t help make things any better over there.
February 10th, 2012 at 1:40 pm
Good lord, even if they did not realize what it meant, they still should have thought about it first :/
February 10th, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Probably just wanted to be dishounorably dismissed to be send home.
February 10th, 2012 at 2:45 pm
If only they could understand how ridiculous and infantile they look.
February 10th, 2012 at 3:11 pm
Relax friends
These brave men are not posing with a Nazi flag.
This a flag with their Logo. Nazi SS is Solid Black w- blk/wht outline.
Try registering your custom designed, one of a kind logo and see the rejection notice with the 50 of so too similar attached. I can just see Mali soldiers posing with their flag accidentally upside-down and the Guinea press having a cow about their flag being used to support an unjust war.
February 10th, 2012 at 3:37 pm
I have a hard time believing these men knew they were posing with a Nazi flag. More a reflection of their intelligence than anything else. Complete non-issue in my opinion and much ado about nothing.
February 10th, 2012 at 3:50 pm
@Hardcoreatheist
I do not. Sure its possible, but I find it highly unlikely given how well known that symbol is. The only Symbol associated with Nazism that is more well known is the Swastika flag with the white circle and the red background.
February 10th, 2012 at 3:51 pm
The Schutzstaffel symbol is quite appropriate for any such military unit. Perhaps these ten snipers, recognizing what they were doing in an occupied country, decided to send a message.
February 10th, 2012 at 4:19 pm
The funny thing is that all the noise coming from the ADL and other groups is because the symbol looks like the SS insignia. If these men were actually guilty of war crimes and rampant killing, which is possible, but did not have the “pseudo-SS” sign, there would be no issue here.
February 10th, 2012 at 4:20 pm
In the eyes of the ADL, I mean.
February 10th, 2012 at 4:35 pm
The Schutzstaffel were indeed Nazi ideologues, indoctrinated with party literature, but first and foremost they were the equivalent of modern day special forces soldiers. Very few of them engaged in genocide, most of those captured by the Russians were brutalized and tortured for crimes they didn’t commit. Speaking of the Russians, the Chukka and the NKVD ( The commie gestapo) and the Pogroms of pre and post WWII killed more Jews than the Germans ever could have. If one looks at the pre existing conditions that led to the rise of Fascism in Europe, starting in the mid 1800s, one can understand why Germany got to where it was in 1939. History lesson aside,
1) either the Marines of the Scout Sniper platoon are ignorant of history, or 2) they identify with the SS as special forces and comrades by default of profession. (symbols hold meaning and are changed to perverse things on a regular basis.) 3) a higher up (with knowledge of history and symbols)OKed the flag for use in the field. What is probably most likely correct is that the Marines in question are ignorant of history, BUT- their CO isn’t and should be held accountable given the perceived weight of this symbol given the political climate of the last 80 years. This is an administrative issue and the CO’s and NCO’s of the platoon in question should be reprimanded. This is not apologetic by any means, but rather illustrative of what symbolism entails.
February 10th, 2012 at 5:23 pm
They are the Scout Snipers (SS). They probably adopted the Nazi SS insignia after years of people joking about them being the “SS”.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scout_Sniper
February 10th, 2012 at 7:01 pm
I guess the question would be…where, and how did they get the flag, and who they got it from. This would tell alot about thier ‘ignorance’ of they symbol they are relating themseves to.
It is extremly hard for me to belive…that out of 10 men, not one of them didnt know what that symbol represents…as steeped in the history of WW2 relating the the European Jewish suffering in western discourse.
Then too, when we (people who live here I do) put the Jewish atrocity in context with other warcrimes and mass murders, we are riticuled for being ‘insensative’ to Jews, and accused of not being educated enough about it…or plain accused of denying it happened.
These are American men, using a symbol under thier own national flag that has come to mean hate, bigotry and evil. Then too, those who support war in America wave the Israeli flag in support.
We arent doing the people of Israel any favors here.
February 10th, 2012 at 7:24 pm
@Nur Alia
I agree, the SS symbol is common knowledge in the US. Its unlikely that no one in that group did not know what that symbol meant.
February 10th, 2012 at 7:42 pm
It is appropriate since Americans have been behaving like Nazis for a very long time. They have committed far too many acts of terror to be given the benefit of the doubt.
February 10th, 2012 at 8:45 pm
@Nur Alia
Sorry I meant to say “its unlikely that no one in that group knew what it was.” Sorry about the mistake.
February 10th, 2012 at 9:23 pm
Perhaps the peoples of countries invaded and occupied by those troops should start displaying symbols of the various Second World War Anti-Nazi Resistance Movements.
February 11th, 2012 at 2:32 pm
Well, if their story is true it just goes to prove the old acronym:
Muscles
Are
Required
Intelligence
Not
Essential
Jack
February 11th, 2012 at 3:54 pm
BL: I have fought in several conflicts for my country…I have seen and been part of the death and distruction/loss of my brothers to the L/R…However I did not pose with a Black Panther Party Flag…or Black Libration Flag etc…I need not these things to justify my patrotic duty to my Country. Hate is Hate…no matter how you look at it? During this country’s history how can you say you did not know…Bull Shit! My comment is not because what it means to the Jews…it’s for what it repersents!!! HATE
February 12th, 2012 at 4:07 am
an update, another MRFF victory, their commander issued an apology, and believe it or not they claim they bought their flag from a Third Reioh insignia website without knowing what it was.
Anyone make sense out of this? Can you buy something from a website with your eyes closed?
————–
MAJOR MRFF VICTORY
NO MORE NAZI SYMBOLS FOR USMC
http://www.militaryreligiousfreedom.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/NYT_Militarydotcom_YT_02-10-12base.html
Commandant of the United States Marine Corps
James Amos issues official apology, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta pledges to launch investigation just one day after MRFF reveals photos to the international press and sends letter demanding immediate investigation of Marines displaying this notorious, blood-stained symbol
RFF UNCOVERS [THIRD REICH] MILITARIA WEBSITE WHERE MARINES BOUGHT SS FLAG
Those Marines Bought an SS Flag Without Knowing What it Was?
Seriously?That’s Your Excuse?
February 12th, 2012 at 7:01 pm
For future reference: When purchasing items from Third Reich Militaria websites, the likelihood of said items having some connection to Nazism may be a bit higher than usual. “Oh what a cute little armstrap! It’s got a happy little black spider dancing inside a white circle on a red field. Won’t that look great for my graduation photo?”
February 13th, 2012 at 12:20 am
They are much worst of Nazist – America it’s the must black – bloody empire of evil in history human civilizations ! Directly responsible for dead more of 30 000 000 peoples after WW2 and destruction about 30 countries and that is publicly.Ask yourself what is ALL not publicly ?
February 13th, 2012 at 12:30 am
Throughout the US military the Marines are known as psychos. Is there excuse legitimate? Hell no! Well there be in any disciplinary action? Considering what happened to the Marines who committed the Haditha massacre, probably not. But, then again, they were using an unambigious Nazi symbol ( a big no no in neo con/Zionist circles). But, we can pretty much guarantee they killed many innocent people and they will never be punished for that.
February 13th, 2012 at 10:00 am
@koga67, patriotic?? hello going to another mans land and killing him there is not patriotic. why dont you americans wait till they come to your shore??? then thats a real reason for a fight dont you think? going and speading your version of democrapcy in every country. who died and made america god?
February 13th, 2012 at 1:21 pm
Probably just wanted to be dishounorably dismissed to be send home.”
That’s ezactly what I was thinking! They had to have done this on purpose!
February 13th, 2012 at 1:28 pm
It is appropriate since Americans have been behaving like Nazis for a very long time. They have committed far too many acts of terror to be given the benefit of the doubt”
and perhaps the Marines know this and are trying to tell us something. They can’t be that stupid and not know what they’re doing. Do you think they really enjoy being in Afghanistan for nothing instead of with their families here in the US??
February 13th, 2012 at 2:22 pm
Yeah the Marines shouldn’t fly flags with Nazi symbols they should instead saw off their opponents heads while screaming that “God is Great”! Yep that’s the ticket. Lots of herp and derp on this site.
February 13th, 2012 at 3:04 pm
Back again, Barry Sommer?
February 13th, 2012 at 3:15 pm
@Alan
If you’re actually trying to change anyone’s mind who frequents this site, you’re so full of fail.
February 13th, 2012 at 4:27 pm
Alan must have Nazi flags at home.
February 13th, 2012 at 4:53 pm
Lol at the comments. Not trying to change any minds and I don’t plan on frequenting this site, too much hate. I don’t have Nazi flags as my family left what is now Germany when the Catholics and Lutherans were fighting over religion in the 18th century. But there is a hell of a lot of herp and derp on this site. Nice thing about those Marines is that I can guarantee they’re some hard, shooting men.
February 13th, 2012 at 5:08 pm
@Alan
You are only helping our cause by posting such hate filled bigoted comments here. You’ll calling the people at Loon Watch hate filled? You’re the pot calling the kettle black.
February 13th, 2012 at 5:28 pm
khushboo thats not effective, try your usual tarty street style that seem to work on pork, alan may be impressed better yet swayed, huh alan?
February 13th, 2012 at 7:37 pm
” Nice thing about those Marines is that I can guarantee they’re some hard, shooting men.” Just the way you like them, right “Alan”?
February 14th, 2012 at 3:48 am
@ Alan
Maybe you should stop invading others land you imperialist troll and why don’t you go back to Europe where your ancestors invaded from and stole the Native American indigenous peoples land.
And your Amerikkkan marines are right to be posing with a Nazi flag as their ancestors in the old Amerikkkan army are what inspired Hitler.
We must bear in mind that in the time when the American continent was being opened up, numerous Aryans fought for their livelihood as trappers, hunters, etc., and often in larger troops with wife and children, always on the move, so that their existence was completely like that of the nomads. But as soon as their increasing number and better implements permitted them to clear the wild soil and make a stand against the natives, more and more settlements sprang up in the land. (Mein Kampf, Volume 1, Chapter XI)
The Germanic inhabitant of the American continent, who has remained racially pure and unmixed, rose to be master of the continent; he will remain the master as long as he does not fall a victim to defilement of the blood. (Mein Kampf, Volume 1, Chapter XI)
Neither Spain nor Britain should be models of the German expansion, but the Nordics of North America, who had ruthlessly pushed aside an inferior race to win for themselves soil and territory for the future. (Supposedly from Hitler’s Secret Book, pgs. 44-8, as quoted by Norman Rich in Hitler’s War Aims: Ideology, the Nazi State, and the Course of Expansion, as quoted by Ward Churchill in Struggle for the Land)
February 15th, 2012 at 8:39 pm
Nazi & Fascist symbols sadly appear to be a common theme among many militaries, especially elites, of Western nations.