Army won't investigate Vindman over impeachment testimony, top leader says

[Mrs. Overall]

Source: Politico

The Army will not investigate Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, the former National Security Council staffer who testified in the president’s impeachment investigation, the service’s top civilian said Friday.

Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy made the announcement at an event just days after President Donald Trump said he imagined the military would “take a look at” whether Vindman should face disciplinary action for the “horrible things” he told House investigators about the president’s phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last July.

Vindman was ousted from his position on the NSC last week after the Senate acquitted Trump. Vindman’s lawyer said the move amounted to retribution.

McCarthy on Friday downplayed Vindman’s return to the Army, saying he simply returned to the service a few months earlier than planned and would have a “bridging assignment” for a couple of months in the Army’s headquarters office in Washington. “Then he will be heading to a senior service college this summer. There’s no investigation into him,” McCarthy said at a National Press Club luncheon.

Read more: https://www.politico.com/news/2020/02/14/alexander-vindman-no-army-investigation-115286

[rocktivity]

1. Investigation of McCarthy in three, two, one...

rocktivity

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

10. Lindsey Graham will get right on it.

[jmowreader]

2. We'll have a new Army secretary by this time next week

Trump wants Vindman to face a general court-martial. He wants him busted to private and thrown in prison for several years, then dishonorably discharged.

If the current Army secretary, secretary of defense, and military leadership won’t give Trump what he wants, Trump will replace them with people who will.

We have never had a coup d’etat in the United States, but nothing is eternal.

[hamsterjill]

3. True, no doubt, but I'm glad McCarthy stood firm.

Lt. Col. Vindman is a hero and a patriot. We cannot allow him to be court-martialed.

[TomSlick]

8. In order:

(1) If LTC Vindman had done anything wrong - which, of course he did not - Trump's comments would prevent any effective action under the UCMJ because of the obvious unlawful command influence.

(2) An officer cannot be reduced to an enlisted rank, no matter the offense.

(3) Until proven wrong, I will assume you are correct that the military leadership will not countenance any action against LTC Vindman.

(4) Yes, Trump is attempting a coup d'etat.

[Midnightwalk]

4. I hope Vindman has a relaxing enjoyable bridging assignment nt

[Brother Buzz]

13. That bridging assignment may involve being mentored by senior military staff

He's been penciled in to attend the Army War College; I see no valid reason for any change in that plan.

[Thomas Hurt]

5. tsk, tsk, dissing King Donnie...

[Bayard]

6. "Horrible things"

Translates to, the truth.

Vindman is a hero.

[Miguelito Loveless]

7. Apparently someone didn't get the memo

[RDANGELO]

9. He is being sent to senior service college.

That means that he is in consideration for advancement. Some day we may be hearing from General Vindman.

[Brother Buzz]

14. With approval of the Senate

Commissioned officers are 'appointed' by the President, "by and with the advice and consent of the Senate." Generally the promotion lists are reviewed in the Senate Armed Services Committee, approved by the Committee, and then approved in the Senate unanimously.

General and Flag Officer promotions, however, are reviewed individually. I'm not saying there would be, but there could be a hiccup or two promoting Vindman to brigadier general; asshole republican senators have a long memory.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

11. Another thing to ruin the dotard's day

[Baked Potato]

12. Of course not! Trump is all blather and no lather.

LTC Vindman can hold his head high.