The academy is investigating Rapone
and his t-shirt
WEST POINT – Army Second Lt. Spencer Rapone, who graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point in May, has tweeted photos of himself with pro-communist messages. The images show then-cadet Rapone posing with a Che Guevara t-shirt under his dress uniform and “communism will win” written under his cap on graduation day at West Point.
He is currently assigned to the 10th Mountain Division.
The academy issued a statement on Tuesday in response to Rapone’s
postings. “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.”
