So he's a coward, basically. Big surprise.I think Easterling is smart as a fox. I don't believe he really has any doubts about President Obama's legitimacy as the Commander in Chief. Instead, this could be a ploy to get out of Iraq by doing something so monumentally embarrassing to the US Army that it has no choice but to pull him out of Iraq, charge him under the UCMJ but give him a Other Than Honorable Discharge which doesn't really count against him in the civilian world.
I could be wrong. After all, we are talking about a second lieutenant!
Perhaps. I'm only guessing (as are you). Either way, he's really just pissing in the wind and getting 15 internet seconds of fame.
On a more serious note, the Army now has to deal with someone who has brought negative publicity to the service as well as violated a fundamental rule when it comes to any public comments about the Commander in Chief. The fact that he publicly questioned the legitimacy of the President's authority is a very serious military matter, particularly when it comes from a commissioned officer. As I said, what will probably come out of it is what amounts to a low key dismissal either in terms of his voluntary resignation and/or a discharge under one of the applicable chapters.
As a military veteran, I question this individual's intestinal fortitude and dedication to his country. He took an oath and is now trying to renege on it.
He took an oath to defend and protect the Constitution and to obey the LEGAL orders of his superiors. He went from being a contractor to being a soldier. His internal fortitude is not in question except by dumb shits without a clue.
IF he honestly believes that Obama is not legally able to be President he had no choice but to question it. Or he could have submitted a letter of resignation which would be turned down. This way he has standing to try and recitify what he believes is UNCONSTITUTIONAL. That takes guts.