JD Vance 'insults' U.S soldiers with bizarre Thanksgiving rant, mocking them for eating Turkey

Key Concepts

• National Guard Injuries: Two National Guardsmen were injured in a shooting outside the White House.
• Military Standards: Emphasis on maintaining and exceeding the highest possible standards within the U.S. Army.
• Modern Warfare: The need to prepare the military for evolving warfare, including drones, cyber warfare, and satellite technology.
• Clear Mission and Resources: The administration's commitment to providing soldiers with clear missions, necessary resources, and training.
• Gratitude and Service: The importance of gratitude, particularly in the context of military service and sacrifice.
• Uniquely American Holiday: Thanksgiving as a distinctly American holiday centered on gratitude.
• Soldier as the Ultimate Weapon: The belief that the U.S. soldier, with their intellect and training, is the most powerful weapon.

Shooting Outside the White House

The Vice President began his remarks by acknowledging a somber event: a shooting outside the White House that occurred a few hours prior. While details were still emerging and the motive was unknown, it was confirmed that two National Guardsmen were injured in the line of duty. He expressed prayers for their recovery, hoping they would be able to spend Thanksgiving with their families, given their critical condition. This incident served as a reminder of the vital role soldiers, whether active duty, reserve, or National Guard, play as the "sword and shield of the United States of America."

Honoring Fort Campbell and Its Soldiers

The primary purpose of the Vice President's visit to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, was to honor the soldiers and their service, especially on the day before Thanksgiving. He expressed gratitude for their dedication and for spending time away from their families.

Special Guests and Units Recognized

Several distinguished guests were present to show their support:

• General Travis McIntosh and Command Sergeant Major Charles Walker: Recognized for their leadership at Fort Campbell.
• Senator Marsha Blackburn: Acknowledged for her presence and support.
• Congressman Rose: Also recognized for his attendance.
• Bob Richie (Kid Rock): Praised not only as a musician and American but also for his love and support for U.S. Army soldiers. The Vice President humorously noted his staff's "failure" in having him follow a "rock star" before his speech, leading to a joke about firing them.
• Major Josh Wilcox, Master Sergeant Aaron Duhachek, Mr. Jim Parks, Major Rob Wright: Thanked for their roles in facilitating the visit.

Specific units at Fort Campbell were also highlighted:

• 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles): Celebrated for their prestige, professionalism, and effectiveness in executing missions and returning safely.
• Strike and Destiny Brigades: Welcomed home after deployments in Europe and the Middle East.
• Legionnaires: A small contingent was acknowledged.
• Nightstalkers of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment: A few members were present, with others noted as being on duty.
• 52nd Ordnance Group: Recognized for their service.
• Second Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery: Acknowledged for their role.
• Elite Training Schools: The men and women running these schools were also commended.

The Vice President also conveyed a message from the President of the United States, expressing pride in the soldiers and wishing them a happy Thanksgiving.

The Importance of High Military Standards

A significant portion of the speech focused on the critical importance of maintaining and elevating military standards. The Vice President referenced a speech by Secretary of the Army, Pete Hgsith, at Quantico, which he described as one of the best he had heard regarding the U.S. military.

Secretary Hgsith's Perspective on Standards

Secretary Hgsith's core message, as quoted by the Vice President, was: "Do unto your unit as you would have done unto your own child's unit. Would you want him serving with fat or unfit or undertrained troops or alongside people who can't meet basic standards?" This highlights the personal responsibility and the need to ensure that every soldier is capable and meets the highest benchmarks.

The Vice President strongly agreed with this sentiment, emphasizing that the job of a soldier is "life or death," and therefore, "standards must be met and not just met at every level. We should seek to exceed the standard to push the envelope to compete." He echoed Secretary Hgsith's call for a "ruthless, dispassionate, and common sense application to standards" within the War Department. The Vice President expressed his enthusiasm for this approach, stating, "We're talking about bringing the highest standards in the world to the very best United States Army."

The Evolution of Warfare and Soldier Preparedness

The speech addressed the changing landscape of modern warfare and the necessity of preparing soldiers for it.

Adapting to New Technologies

The Vice President noted that the Army and the entire military are being prepared for the "age of modern warfare," which now includes technologies like drones, cyber warfare, and satellites. These advancements are as crucial to the modern warfighter as rifles, tanks, or airplanes were in previous decades. While traditional assets remain important, the focus is on providing soldiers with the "technology and the training to be the very best" in this new era.

The Battlefield of the Future

Looking ahead to potential future conflicts, the Vice President described it as a war that will be fought "up here," referring to the intellectual and technological aspects, as much as any other conflict in history. He drew parallels to current events in Russia and Ukraine and counterterrorism missions, emphasizing that future conflicts will be significantly different from those fought 20 years ago.

The President's mission, as stated by the Vice President, is to equip soldiers with the "resources, with the training, and with the equipment to win the battle of the future."

Clear Missions and Empowered Soldiers

A key criticism leveled against past administrations, by both Democrats and Republicans, was the tendency to send soldiers into battle without a "clear mission" or a "clear definition of what you were supposed to accomplish." The Vice President declared that this administration would not repeat this mistake.

The Administration's Commitment

He promised that if soldiers are asked to risk their lives, it will be with a "clear mission and clear guidelines." Furthermore, they will be provided with the "tools necessary" and the "resources necessary" to "empower you to do a very simple thing, which is kick the enemy's ass and come home safely." This is presented as what the United States expects from its soldiers and what the President demands of them. The Vice President stressed that soldiers should demand this clarity and support from their political leadership.

Thanksgiving: A Uniquely American Holiday and the Spirit of Gratitude

The Vice President then shifted to the theme of Thanksgiving, calling it his "favorite American holiday" and the "most uniquely American holiday." He contrasted it with other holidays like Christmas, which are celebrated globally by specific religious groups, highlighting Thanksgiving as a distinct American tradition.

The Enigma of Turkey

He humorously questioned the universal love for turkey, suggesting that most people don't genuinely enjoy it but cook it on Thanksgiving because "that's what Americans do." He even mentioned his own plan to deep-fry a turkey, a method he implied was used to make less-than-tasty food more palatable.

The Core of Thanksgiving: Gratitude

Despite the culinary quirks, the Vice President emphasized that the true essence of Thanksgiving lies in the "spirit of gratitude." He offered a piece of advice, applicable to everyone in any circumstance: the happiest and most successful people live with gratitude, recognizing the grace of God and the support of others in their lives.

He urged the soldiers to live their lives, both in the Army and elsewhere, with this spirit of gratitude, acknowledging that their ability to serve and their opportunities are due to the love and care of others. He described the life of service and sacrifice as a "greatest blessing."

The U.S. Army: A Source of Pride and Gratitude

The Vice President concluded by expressing his profound gratitude for the U.S. Army and the soldiers present. He acknowledged that while many would spend Thanksgiving with family, some would be deployed or preparing for missions, unable to travel home.

The Vice President's Personal Gratitude

He stated that being the Vice President of the United States at this time, and specifically the Vice President of the soldiers, is a source of immense happiness for him. He expressed pride in their daily commitment, their uniform, and their dedication to making the nation proud.

The Soldier as the Ultimate Weapon

Reiterating a key theme, he reminded the soldiers that the most powerful weapon in the world is not technology but "what's up here" – referring to their minds, training, and spirit. He declared them to be the "most dangerous weapon anywhere in the world," and that "America is counting on it to keep us safe." He ended with well wishes for a happy Thanksgiving and blessings for the soldiers.