A U.S. Space Force commander tasked with detecting ballistic missile launches has been fired after saying Marxism is infiltrating the military, Military.com reports.
“Since taking command as a commander about 10 months ago, I saw what I consider fundamentally incompatible and competing narratives of what America was, is and should be,” Lt Col. Matthew Lohmeier, commander of 11th Space Warning Squadron at Buckley Air Force Base, Colo., said on the conservative podcast “Information Operation” last week.
Lohmeier was on the podcast to discuss his new book, “Irresistible Revolution: Marxism’s Goal of Conquest & the Unmaking of the American Military.”
A Space Force spokesperson told Military.com the decision to fire Lohmeier “was based on public comments made” during the podcast.
“Lt. Gen. Whiting has initiated a Command Directed Investigation on whether these comments constituted prohibited partisan political activity,” the person added.
Lohmeier in his book claims that Marxist beliefs are becoming more common in the armed forces. During an appearance on the podcast, he spoke about the book and said U.S. universities, media and federal agencies that are adopting leftist practice like diversity and inclusion training are the cause for today’s divisive climate.
From his perspective as a commander, Lohmeier said he didn’t seek to criticize any particular senior leader or publicly identify troops within the book. Rather, he said, he focused on the policies service members now have to adhere to align with certain agendas “that are now affecting our culture.”
He was not required to have his book’s contents authorized by command in advance of publication.
“I was apprised of the option to have my book reviewed at the Pentagon’s prepublication and security review prior to release, but was also informed that it was not required,” Lohmeier said in an Email, reported military.com
“My intent never has been to engage in partisan politics. I have written a book about a particular political ideology (Marxism) in the hope that our Defense Department might return to being politically non-partisan in the future as it has honorably done throughout history,” he said.
Rep. Ken Buck, R-Colo., called the removal “outrageous.”
Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., referred to Lohmeier as a “Patriot” and said his demotion was “clearly retaliatory.”
Gaetz also said he “will be seeking action on this in the Armed Services Committee,” reported the Hill.
Source: Newmax
