Topic: Military Uniforms

The Benghazi report mentions US personnel on a tarmac changing in and out of uniforms multiple times, which Mark Toner denied caused any delays. The hosts speculate that US forces may have been wearing local militia uniforms, such as those of the YPG, to circumvent constitutional requirements for congressional war approval. This practice is criticized as a violation of international law regarding combatant identification.

The establishment of an ISIS nation-state is ironically viewed as a way to make the group a target for conventional warfare, moving away from asymmetrical terrorism. General David Petraeus recently commented that the US should not act as an "air force for Shia militias." Petraeus's public image and "over-decorated" military uniform are criticized as lacking "presidential timber."

A C-SPAN hot mic catches NSA Director Keith Alexander telling a deputy FBI director to tell his boss he "owes him another friggin' beer" following their testimony. The hosts question why the mainstream media ignores this exchange while Alexander continues to wear a military uniform despite the NSA being a civilian-led agency.

A listener's email challenged the claim that military generals design their own uniforms, asserting that they must follow strict regulations. However, research into military protocols suggests that high-ranking officers, particularly generals and admirals, have significant leeway to influence or customize their attire, as seen with the "Eisenhower jacket" and specific Navy blazer styles.

The hosts debate the origin of the word "gringo," debunking a popular myth that it originated from Mexicans shouting "Green go home" at U.S. soldiers. Research suggests the U.S. Army wore blue uniforms during the 1840s, and the term likely derives from an old Spanish slang word for "Greek" used to describe anyone who did not speak Spanish.

The hosts address listener feedback regarding their criticism of General David Petraeus's uniform. Citing Army Regulation 670-1, they argue that while standard officers are required to wear all earned badges, generals have the authority to design their own uniforms, leading to the conclusion that Petraeus chooses his "Generalissimo" aesthetic personally.

A comparison of military uniforms reveals a significant increase in the number of patches and medals worn by modern generals like David Petraeus and Stanley McChrystal compared to World War II era leaders like Dwight Eisenhower. The proliferation of "jingle-jangle" on uniforms is criticized as a sign of insecurity or a shift toward "banana republic" aesthetics. Symbols on uniforms are noted for their deep psychological meaning to the public.