If You’re Still In the USAF . . .

. . . or serving in another branch of the military, maybe you should be a bit cautious regarding what musical lyrics you quote in at text message or on the Internet.  As well as about what you say in such communications in general.

It seems a number of pilots at Laughlin AFB recently were grounded, then investigated for drug dealing. Some were even allegedly being processed for administrative separation, presumably with unfavorable characterization of their service.

The reason? Some of them had reportedly sent text messages to others quoting Miley Cyrus song lyrics referencing “Molly” – a common alias for the drug ecstasy.

Apparently, that’s it.  Reportedly all concerned passed drug tests, and apparently the matter was either not investigated by AFOSI or the investigation resulted in insufficient evidence for any form of criminal action. (USAF officials could not immediately confirm whether other evidence of wrongdoing existed concerning the pilots in question.  One of the pilots was apparently previously investigated for allegations of having an inappropriate relationship with a female student pilot; the text messages mentioning “Molly” surfaced during that investigation. Whether those allegations of an inappropriate relationship were substantiated or not is unknown.)

The matter eventually came to the attention of Reps. Duncan Hunter and Adam Kinzinger, who in turn met with the USAF Chief of Staff, Gen. David Welsh concerning the issue.  Gen. Welsh has apparently ordered an IG inquiry concerning the matter.  He’s also reportedly ordered a GO inquiry into decision making by senior officials at Laughlin AFB.

Now, while quoting lyrics from songs by someone who’s IMO a drug-loving ditz who has little common sense (or, apparently, self-respect) might arguably violate the standards of good taste expected in a military officer, we are talking pilots here. (smile)  And that type of language in a private communications alone would seem to be far less that would be required to take criminal or adverse administrative action against someone – particularly if they’ve taken a drug test and come up clean and nothing else is found to support the allegation.

Do I know the full facts here?  No.  For all I know, the pilots involved may have indeed been dirty as alleged, and simply found a way to beat a drug test – or have been dealing only, not using. Or they may have simply been exchanging some rather juvenile text messages quoting popular music lyrics in a show of machismo. People in that age bracket and community often do seem to behave in “act first, think later” mode. Either could be the reality. Dunno.

Hell, when I was young I almost certainly said and did more stupid sh!t that I later wished I hadn’t than I can remember – or care to remember.  I think we all probably did.

Still: this is the same service where the ACC deputy recently called comments supporting the A-10 by USAF personnel “treason”.  (He later ended up getting removed from his position for doing so.)  So yeah: I can certainly also believe that someone in the chain of command might have had the proverbial “hardon” for a group of folks and tried to hammer them when no real evidence of wrongdoing existed.

Regardless: until this shakes out, if you’re still serving in the military it might be wise to think twice before making a questionable public comment on the Internet or in a text message. Even if ultimately exonerated, being the target of a witch hunt can kinda ruin your whole day – if not your career.

Category: Politics