Army investigating nude photos of Kentucky Guard unit

[AteUp]

http://www.whas11.com/topstories/stories/092706cckrTopNudeGuards.2289e62f.html

10:02 PM EDT on Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Associated Press

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — U.S. Army officials are investigating allegations that women in a Kentucky National Guard unit posed nude for pictures with their M-16s and other military equipment, authorities said.

"This is not the kind of activity condoned by the command leadership of the Kentucky National Guard," Lt. Col. Phil Miller, a spokesman for the Kentucky Guard, told The Courier-Journal.

The allegations were reported to the commander of the 410th Quartermaster unit about a week to 10 days before the company shipped out for Iraq on Aug. 26 from Camp Shelby, Miss., Miller said.

The newspaper reported that it had been independently provided a compact disc containing 232 photographs of at least a half-dozen nude and seminude women in various poses with military rifles and covering their breasts with American flag decals.

An accompanying e-mail said the women photographed were from the Kentucky Guard.

Miller said 11 of the 107 soldiers who deployed with the Danville-based unit are women.

Lt. Col. Rich Steele, a spokesman for the First Army at Fort Gillem, Ga., said that if the allegations are proved, punishment could range from informal reprimands to courts-martial. He said the investigation is being conducted in Iraq.

Maj. Dylan Seitz, a staff lawyer for the Kentucky Guard in Frankfort, said commanders there don't know how many soldiers allegedly were involved, who took the pictures, or how they were distributed.

"We don't know what happened, other than there are some photos out there," he said.

It is unclear where the photographs were taken, but some of the women are shown wearing dog tags. And in many photographs, recent inoculations, like those given in preparation for service abroad, are visible.

One woman was photographed partially clad in a military uniform, and a last name is visible on the blouse. Seitz said the Kentucky Guard wouldn't confirm whether a woman with that name works in the unit.

The Guard unit at the center of the investigation was sent off from Danville on June 21 in a ceremony at Boyle County High School attended by Mayor John W.D. Bowling, judge-executives from three counties and Gov. Ernie Fletcher, who hailed them for their courage.

Quartermaster units provide logistics and supply support for other troops.

Miller said the unit's commander, Lt. Robert Cornwell, learned of the allegations as he was boarding a plane for Kuwait a few days in advance of the company.

Miller said Cornwell reported the matter to military police and the judge advocate general at Camp Shelby, as well as to the commander of the battalion to which the company had been assigned.

The commander decided not to delay deployment of the company to Iraq and to investigate the allegations there, Miller said.

A spokesman for Camp Shelby, Lt. Col. Doril Sanders, said he wasn't aware of the reports to officials there.

[KYBOY]

I want to see the proof for myself:D

[maxcam]

Im with KYboy on this one......I have to see it before I can believe it!

[nitrox28]

Those pics have been out for a LOOOONG time. They were posted on www.ntfu.com (NOT WORK SAFE) but that website was shut down because of those pictures and similar pictures actually. I'll see if I can't dig something up for you guys! :D

[6.5x55swedish]

Those pics have been out for a LOOOONG time. They were posted on www.ntfu.com (http://www.ntfu.com) (NOT WORK SAFE) but that website was shut down because of those pictures and similar pictures actually. I'll see if I can't dig something up for you guys! :D
I want to see them too:D

[trust me]

I know some females in the local Guard unit, and I just hope if they did any nudies that I don't have to see them.

I hope they don't get carried away with punishing the girls for getting wild and blowing off steam. If a bunch of guys did this, it would be no big deal. I've seen worse occur. They need a reprimand and then should be put back on the job.

[grouseguy]

Who's the victim here anyway???

Appears to me to be just some military brass taking themselves way too seriously and turning a non-issue into a first class cluster.

[PhilpotHunter]

These girls should have known better than this. They are in the military, in the military there are rules that have to be upheld. High standards to live up to:mad:

[Art]

These girls should have known better than this. They are in the military, in the military there are rules that have to be upheld. High standards to live up to:mad:


It doesn't matter what you do for a living, there will be idiots doing the same thing.

[daking]

If they're willing to fight for this country, who cares if they flash a little cookie? It's their business.

[JP]

If they're willing to fight for this country, who cares if they flash a little cookie? It's their business.

Not me....I like cookies :D

[WhiteRubi]

You fellas couldn't be more right. If they are willing to put their life on the line for this country, let them take a few pictures. And, as previously stated, who is the victim here? It's a sad day when a few girls get in trouble for taking some naughty photos but murderers get off on "technicalities" every day. :mad:

[john4]

How would you feel if these "ladies" were teachers in an elementery school? How about if they were Policewoman/Social Worker? Or, what if one of them were a judge? My point here is, in our society there are professions that are held to a higher standard than the general public. If they were cheerleaders for an NFL team, nobody would care. Like it or not, that's just the way it is. Soldiers represent their nation to the rest of the world. That said, I doubt they get in any serious trouble, demotion and general repremand at the most. I seem to remember a similar incident at Camp Bucca (Iraq) two years ago. Is this the same story?

There is nothing better (better might not be the right term for it) for an average girl, than to be deployed with hundreds/thousands of guys. That 3 just became a 10, she goes from Rosie Odonell to Bo Derek overnight.:D

[WhiteRubi]

How would you feel if these "ladies" were teachers in an elementery school? How about if they were Policewoman/Social Worker? Or, what if one of them were a judge? My point here is, in our society there are professions that are held to a higher standard than the general public. If they were cheerleaders for an NFL team, nobody would care. Like it or not, that's just the way it is. Soldiers represent their nation to the rest of the world. That said, I doubt they get in any serious trouble, demotion and general repremand at the most. I seem to remember a similar incident at Camp Bucca (Iraq) two years ago. Is this the same story?


Correct, some are held to higher standards. That doesn't make it fair. Firemen pose in calendars ALL the time and women flock to get ahold of those. Not much gets said about that. From what I understand, these aren't even "published" photos. Maybe I'm wrong?

[PhilpotHunter]

Americans expect the military to protect them, and generally kick ass when needed. But then something like this pops up and they think they know best about what should happen? The reason American civilians feel this way is they don't understand the discipline involved with being in the military.

The rulles are there for a reason, and even if that reason is "because I said so" it has to be folloed to the letter. Why you ask? Because if a soldier/marine can't follow orders they will get someone killed. To most people this is just a case of girls showing there better assets, but to the military this is a direct act against the rules that make our military as bad ass as it is.

[Pooge]

Being former military (always military in my heart), I agree with PhilpotHunter. Napoleon stated that an Army becomes a mob without discipline and that sentiment was echoed by General Chesty Puller (who was/is the most decorated Marine in the history of the Corps). If you dont want to play be the rules dont hold up your right hand and take the oath.

[AteUp]

"Judge not, that ye be not judged,"

[PhilpotHunter]

"Judge not, that ye be not judged,"

And you have the right to believe that (your religion that is) because our military had the discipline to protect this country. They had the discipline because there were rules you followed no questions asked.

[WhiteRubi]

although I agree with what you say Philpot...

We are not free and have freedom of speech simply because nobody took nude photos prior to this incident. That is a bit of over simplification. Rules are broken everyday in the military and have been for hundreds of years.

I know from having a few roomates that were Marines that it is common to go commando under your cammies. (that almost sounds gay:confused: ) I'm certain this is not regulation. And certainly some Marines' choice of hairstyle does not meet regulation. I don't think we are at risk of losing our freedom because some young Marine chooses to not wear regulation tighty-whities. And by the same token, we didn't gain our freedom because Marines from years past DID choose to wear regulation skivvies.

But maybe I'm oversimplifying now. Not trying to be inflamatory, just playing devil's advocate a bit. :D

[Redlined]

[quote=john4;308085]How would you feel if these "ladies" were teachers in an elementery school? How about if they were Policewoman/Social Worker? Or, what if one of them were a judge?

I kind of like the teacher,policewoman thing.The judge/social worker doesn't do much for me.:D

[john4]

Correct, some are held to higher standards. That doesn't make it fair. Firemen pose in calendars ALL the time and women flock to get ahold of those. Not much gets said about that. From what I understand, these aren't even "published" photos. Maybe I'm wrong?


Never said it was fair. There's the way it is and then there's the way it is. The military is not fair, it is what it is, and it's that way for a reason.

When the machine breaks down, we break down, and I'm just not gonna allow that.

[Marmot_Militia]

I have to see the hard evidence myself.
MM

[PhilpotHunter]

Lat time I chacked in the Marines it there wasn't a specific reg as to what skivies you had to wear?:D You go ahead and research that and let me know, I personally am not touching that regulation with a ten foot pole:D

My point is, this might not seem like a big deal, but if everyone starts breaking the "little" rules it will be chaos, and you can't have that in the military.

Who cares if you go comando in your uniform you ask? Well, the Marine that gets chaffed during combat, and his balls start growing a fungus. So know he can't preform as a Marine and he gets someone killed in the heat of battle.......

The rules are there for a reason. THEY ARE NOT FAIR, but when you sign the dotted line you sign away your right to be treated fairly.

[AteUp]

So what you are saying is YOU never broke a rule in the military?:eek: Or you never got caught? Or you got caught and paid the price?:D

[JP]

I think I've got a way to settle this....how bout we just get naked civilian women to let someone take their picture on military paraphanalia? Then we can get them pose on a desk...with an apple and ruler..(teacher) and then them posing with guns....then we ALL win. :D And it doesn't feel so wrong :p

[Feedman]

I heard that some were showing their "boobs" and holding their M-16's.

[dorris]

tits and guns that sounds like a good combonation or does it ? :confused: :D

[grouser68]

Like the next guy, I too don't mind a lil' cookie from time to time myself,EXCEPT IN THE MILITARY! Heres the problem, these Soldiers spend 24/7 together for 365 (or more)on these deployments. Unlike a civilian job where you go home every evening, and weekends. Will the young male Soldiers minds be on mission, or somewhere else after they hear about and see the pic's?Example: About 3 years ago the Ky. Guard went to Wheeling WV. on Thanksgiving to work a flood.I had an Air Guardsman(female) on my team.She was about 20 and a total knockout, on her off time she wore very short skirts and tight low cut blouses.I could hardly get any work from about 3 of my young male Soldiers. Every time I would look, I would find them surrounding her.I scolded them a coupla times and told them to get to work. One, would not leave her alone, nor her him. Finally, i had to pull him to the side and told him he was only allowed to talk to her in passing .Not to start up any conversations, or flirt with her while we were working.The first coupla days I spent half my time seperating Soldiers to get them to work.

My point is, and I have seen it firsthand on several occasions that male and female Soldiers CANNOT stay on mission when there are any kind of sexual undertones present.

[newshooter05]

all i can say is if there actions is a threat to the discipline of a military unit then the unit has problems deeper than a few nude pictures. kinda hard for me to get to worked up over these ladies doing what they did and over look how the military puts up with homosexuals. as far as having trouble with young people doing what young people do, maybe u better ask your self if the problem is them or u. i spent time in nam and europe along the border and soldiers knew when the grab ass stopped but ill admit we never had the pleasure of company of ladies in our unit.things like this are only a big deal if u make em a big deal. my .02 worth.
david

[john4]

What if one of these young ladies was your superior? Your Squad leader, Platoon Sergeant or even your Platoon Leader? How likely are you take them seriously after you see actions such as this........

There's a lot more to this than just some T&A. When I say this, I mean this issue. I haven't seen the pictures in question, nor do I know anything about this specific case.

[PhilpotHunter]

So what you are saying is YOU never broke a rule in the military?:eek: Or you never got caught? Or you got caught and paid the price?:D

No, I broke my fair share, and got caught at my fair share. And when I got punished, it was well deserved, and for the most part I didn't do it again.We can he and haw about it all day long, but really, being as we are civilians it doesn't matter. The military will take care of it how they see fit.

[WBBP]

I am going to have to side with the hard liners on this one. There may well be a slight double standard here, but that is jsut the way that it is. Stuff like this is pretty common in the CSS companies where you have a mix of male/female. Not so much in the combat line units whee there are fewer females.

I don't think they should be booted out, but should be severely reprimanded and given a second chance. Life is about second chances.

Everyone that has ever served in the military has broke some sort of military regulation or policy.......but usually only once. I did a few things I regret, but was given chances to redeem myself.

[girlshunt2ky]

Yes, it is their own business what they do in off time, HOWEVER when they use Items from work, such as an M-16 then it becomes a Military Issue....and just STUPID on their part.:rolleyes:

[kyhunter270]

I agree with the hard line on this. You accept a way of life and the rules that go with it. We do not have a draft therefore no one can say that they were pushed into the Military. I spent 10 yrs. in the Army and got away with some things and was punished for others but at no time then did I or would I have put a negative image on who I was (A soldier) or what I was doing.... I had to have a very high security clearance and in holding the type of clearance I held, made me walk the line and be a good soldier. I have heard over the last 20 some years that alot has changed with the Military (All branches) sad to say, maybe the standards have been lowered somewhat??? I know in seeing some soldiers they do not take to spit shining their boots as we did years ago and starch must be a thing of the past...I know Pootie, it broke down the infrared defense in the uniforms,,, but you had field and garrison uniforms, pride, motivation and team beliefs these things were a way of life.....I do not approve of any person Male or female making the Military look foolish and this is what happened and they should be punished and drummed out of service.. Just like the poor little Lexington boy who did not want to go back to Iraq? Then why did you keep cashing the checks Uncle Sam sent you on the 1st. and 15th., Spare the rod and spoil the child.... I understand that even in Basic now they have timeout cards to be used by the recruits when they get stressed out and Drill's can no longer yell or touch you? Have we told the enemy that they can no longer be mean to our Soldiers also????? Some things should never change and I still believe Discipline like hard work never hurt anybody.....Just my two cents.......

[150PandY]

I have seen the pictures and I can tell you they are NICE. But I do believe they should have some type of disiplinary action taken. The ones that I saw only show their boobs and they are posing with the M4s and canteens and other equipment. Some have NO equipment at all!

[PhilpotHunter]

I know Pootie, it broke down the infrared defense in the uniforms,,, but you had field and garrison uniforms, pride, motivation and team beliefs these things were a way of life

Don't point me out on this one man, you could flick my garrison camis and break a finger nail I used so much starch. I never was that good at spit shining my boots, but I always had a friend that would shine my boots if I would roll his sleeves(my specialty), so I agree. Whenever I see a soldier in a civilian place wearing his cami's looking like he slept in them it makes me sick

[PhilpotHunter]

Yes, it is their own business what they do in off time,

When your in the military there is no such thing as off time

[Turtleky]

I still need to see proof for myself. Wheres the pics Nitrox28? I just can't believe it even really happened. :)

[INKYHUNTER]

WBBP, Whaaaat!

[kyfanatic]

Being former military (always military in my heart), I agree with PhilpotHunter. Napoleon stated that an Army becomes a mob without discipline and that sentiment was echoed by General Chesty Puller (who was/is the most decorated Marine in the history of the Corps). If you dont want to play be the rules dont hold up your right hand and take the oath.

Chesty Puller also unnecassarily caused the deaths of many young marines with his Iron Nosed approach to invasions,decorated or not he was also closely eyed for his tactics in the pacific.