‘You’re all full of Sh*t’: Vance stuns U.S soldiers with 'bizarre' Thanksgiving rant, mocking turkey

Key Concepts

• Sword and Shield of the United States of America
• Esprit de corps
• Military Standards
• Modern Warfare
• Clear Mission
• Spirit of Gratitude
• The American Soldier as the Most Powerful Weapon
• Von Steuben's Insight

Opening Remarks and Acknowledgment of Current Events

The speaker, the Vice President, begins by acknowledging a recent shooting outside the White House, which occurred "a couple of hours ago," injuring "a couple of National Guardsmen" in the line of duty. While the motive is unknown, he emphasizes the "somber reminder" that soldiers—whether active duty, reserve, or National Guard—are the "sword and shield of the United States of America." He calls for prayers for the injured Guardsmen to recover and spend Thanksgiving with their families, expressing personal gratitude for their service.

Honoring Fort Campbell Soldiers and Distinguished Guests

The Vice President is speaking at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, to discuss the "business of the Army," its importance to the U.S., and to express pride in the soldiers. He thanks the soldiers for their sacrifice, especially for being away from their families the day before Thanksgiving.

He introduces and thanks several special guests:

• General Travis McIntosh and Command Sergeant Major Charles Walker for leading the Fort Campbell facility and serving the U.S. Army.
• Senator Marsha Blackburn.
• Congressman Rose.
• Bob Richie, famously known as Kid Rock, praised not only as a musician and American but as someone who "loves the soldiers of the United States Army." The speaker humorously "fires" his staff for making him follow a rock star before his speech.
• Other individuals thanked for facilitating the visit include Major Josh Wilcox, Master Sergeant Aaron Duhachek, Mr. Jim Parks, and Major Rob Wright.

Recognition of Military Units at Fort Campbell

The speaker gives shout-outs to various units, highlighting their contributions:

• 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles: Described as "one of the proudest units in the entire United States Army," known for "prestige," "professionalism," and "greatness." They are expected to "execute," "make us proud," "kick the enemy's ass," and "come home safely."
• Strike and Destiny Brigades: Welcomed home after recent deployments in Europe and the Middle East.
• Legionnaires.
• Nightstalkers of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment.
• 52nd Ordinance Group.
• Members of the Second Battalion, 44th Air Defense Artillery.
• The men and women who run the elite training schools at Fort Campbell. He concludes this section by relaying a message from the President of the United States, who is "proud of our soldiers" and wishes them a Happy Thanksgiving, expressing gratitude for their service.

The Imperative of High Military Standards

The Vice President discusses the importance of maintaining the highest standards in the military, referencing his colleagues:

• Dan Driscoll, Secretary of the Army.
• Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War: The speaker praises Hegseth's speech at Quantico (a Marine base) as one of the best about the U.S. military. Hegseth emphasized the "incredible Esprit de corps" and the necessity of holding all military branches to the "very highest possible standards."
  • Quote from Pete Hegseth's speech: "The new War Department grown rule is this, 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?"
  • Argument for Standards: The military job is "life or death," requiring standards to be not just met, but "exceeded" to "push the envelope to compete."
  • Methodology: The War Department must "restore a ruthless, dispassionate, and common sense application to standards."
  • The speaker humorously notes Hegseth's "No more beardos" comment, which he took personally, but ultimately agrees with the underlying principle of striving for the best. The goal is for soldiers to know they are "serving with the very best and the very brightest this nation has to offer."

The American Soldier: The Most Powerful Weapon

The speaker shares an anecdote from a soldier at the chow hall, recalling a historical insight from Baron von Steuben, a Prussian military leader who helped train the first U.S. Army 250 years ago. Von Steuben observed that Americans uniquely needed to be told "why" they were doing something, not just "what" to do.

• Core Argument: This insight remains relevant today; the military seeks "people who think," not those who "mindlessly follow orders."
• Key Statement: "The most dangerous and lethal weapon anywhere in the world is a United States soldier." This is emphasized over traditional weapons like rifles, tanks, helicopters, or airplanes.
• Leadership's Responsibility: Military leadership, from the President down, is expected to explain "what it is that we're doing and why we care so much about it," particularly regarding high standards. This is crucial because if soldiers are sent to war, they must be fighting alongside "the very best," a duty owed to their families.

Preparing for the Age of Modern Warfare

The speaker highlights the ongoing efforts by the Secretary of the Army, Secretary of War, and the President to prepare the military for "the age of modern warfare."

• Technological Shifts: Modern warfare involves drones, cyber warfare, and satellites, which are now as critical as rifles, tanks, or airplanes were 20-30 years ago. While traditional weapons remain, the focus is on equipping soldiers with the "technology and the training to be the very best" for this new generation of conflict.
• Future Battlefield: The next war will be "a war up here" (referring to intellectual and strategic engagement) as much as any physical conflict, citing examples like Russia/Ukraine and counterterrorism missions.
• President's Mission: To "equip you with the resources, with the training, and with the equipment to win the battle of the future."

Clear Mission and Political Accountability

The Vice President addresses a past "mistake" made by both Democrats and Republicans: sending brave troops to battle "without a clear mission, a clear definition of what you were supposed to accomplish." He calls this a "great stain on the political leadership of this country."

• Current Administration's Promise: This administration will "never" send soldiers to risk their lives without a "clear mission and clear guidelines."
• Commitment: Provide necessary tools and resources, empowering soldiers to "kick the enemy's ass and come home safely."
• Soldier's Right: Soldiers should "demand" clear explanations and good reasons from their political leadership when asked to undertake difficult tasks.

Thanksgiving: A Uniquely American Holiday and the Spirit of Gratitude

The speaker shares his affection for Thanksgiving, calling it his "favorite American holiday" and "most uniquely American." He humorously notes that turkey, a Thanksgiving staple, "doesn't actually taste that good" on its own, requiring deep frying or other elaborate preparations.

• Core Message: At the heart of Thanksgiving is the "spirit of gratitude."
• Personal Advice: Live life with a "spirit of gratitude," recognizing that one's opportunities and achievements are due to "the grace of God and a lot of great people."
• Service as a Blessing: Despite the toughness and sacrifice, serving in the United States Army is presented as "the greatest blessing," uniting people from all walks of life as the "sword and shield" that has kept the nation safe for "250 years."
• Personal Thanks: He expresses gratitude for his wife and three children, his role as Vice President, his family, and God's blessings, but places the "United States Army and for the people in this room" at the very top of his list.
• Acknowledgement of Sacrifice: He acknowledges that many soldiers will not be able to spend Thanksgiving with their families due to deployments or mission preparation. He concludes by stating that the soldiers make him proud to be their Vice President every day.

Conclusion

The speech is a profound expression of gratitude and pride for the U.S. Army and its soldiers, delivered on the eve of Thanksgiving. It underscores the critical importance of high military standards, the unique value of the thinking American soldier, and the administration's commitment to providing clear missions and modern resources for future conflicts. The overarching message is one of deep appreciation for the soldiers' service and sacrifice, framed within the uniquely American spirit of gratitude.