Spenser Rapone, a West Point graduate and current U.S. Army officer is under fire after being discovered to be a vehement Communist propagandist and ‘official socialist organizer” of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
Rapone’s social media is filled with up to hundreds of posts, messages and photos which are now being circulated around the military and civilian communities.
U.S. Army spokesperson Valerie Mongello told American Military News:
“Both the Department of Defense and the Army have long-standing policies encouraging Soldiers to participate in the democratic process. Among other activities, Soldiers are encouraged to vote in elections and express their personal opinions on public issues. However, the Army has strict rules regarding the wear and appearance of Army uniforms.”
“All allegations of improper behavior by Soldiers are forwarded to the Soldier’s commander for review and final disposition. The appropriate Command authorities are reviewing the situation.”
Rapone has posted many images and messages on social media that show his vehement support for communism and socialism.
Rapone is a 2LT (Second Lieutenant) and an infantry officer in the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, NY.
He has posted pictures showing his Democratic Socialists of America membership card next to his military uniform along with many other posts.
(Twitter)
West Point also responded to the news attention with the following statement in a press release on their website:
“RESPONSE TO SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS BY USMA GRADUATE — September 26, 2017
The U.S. Military Academy strives to develop leaders who internalize the academy’s motto of Duty, Honor, Country, and who live the Army values. Second Lieutenant Rapone’s actions in no way reflect the values of the U.S. Military Academy or the U.S. Army.
As figures of public trust, members of the military must exhibit exemplary conduct, and are prohibited from engaging in certain expressions of political speech in uniform. Second Lieutenant Rapone’s chain of command is aware of his actions and is looking into the matter.
The academy is prepared to assist the officer’s chain of command as required.”
(USMA Website)
On Monday, he appeared to mock the discovery of his propaganda and agenda by the general public with a post of him posing in his West Point uniform showing a Che Guevara shirt underneath.
In the post he says “In case there was any lingering doubt, hasta la victoria siempre”
(Twitter)
One of many posts tweeted by Rapone who at the time was a West Point cadet shows him posing at his graduation in May 2016 with “communism will win” written under his cap.
(Twitter)
Rapone regularly tweets out propaganda memes and retweets marxist, communist and socialist supporters.
(Twitter)
At first many thought his images were a prank but the large number of posts and consistent message seem to indicate otherwise.
(Twitter)
Defense Department regulations state that active duty service members are not allowed to promote political parties or candidates while in uniform.
In this tweet he posts a picture of him putting a red star, an international symbol of communism atop New York City’s freedom tower.
(Tweet)
Users around social media are outraged.
(Twitter)
(Twitter)
(Twitter)
