Senators freeze Coast Guard admiral’s promotion over swastika, noose policy; The Washington Post, December 17, 2025

 

Tara Copp

 and 

Marianne LeVine

, The Washington Post; Senators freeze Coast Guard admiral’s promotion over swastika, noose policy

"At least two U.S. senators have put holds on the nomination of Adm. Kevin Lunday to lead the U.S. Coast Guard, citing concerns with a new workplace harassment policy that downgrades the definition of swastikas and nooses from hate symbols to “potentially divisive.”

The move upends Lunday’s confirmation, which the Senate was due to vote on this week, and raises new questions about the decision to implement the policy revisions after Lunday in November had forcefully denounced such symbols and declared a wholesale prohibition on them.

The holds on Lunday’s promotion were exercised by Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada). They follow a series of Washington Post reports detailing plans to include the incendiary language within the Coast Guard’s new workplace harassment manual — and the policy’s quiet implementation this week despite the admiral’s explicit directive last month. The manual is posted online and makes clear that its previous version “is cancelled.”"

Scouts ‘surprised and deeply saddened’ by Hegseth’s proposal to cut ties; The Hill, November 25, 2025

 ELLEN MITCHELL , The Hill; Scouts ‘surprised and deeply saddened’ by Hegseth’s proposal to cut ties

"Scouting America responded on Tuesday to a reported memo from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth seeking to cut ties with the organization, saying it was “surprised and disappointed” by the potential policy change, as the military has given its support to the Scouts since 1937. 

“The Scouting movement has had a strong relationship with our nation’s military going back more than a century,” according to the group. “From the tremendous support of the West Virginia National Guard at our National Jamborees to Scout troops that provide stability for the children of military families deployed around the globe, our nation’s military has walked side-by-side with Scouts for generations.”

It also noted that “an enormous percentage of those in our military academies are Scouts and Eagle Scouts.”

Hegseth is reportedly upset with the group for promoting diversity, equity and inclusion. His memo, first reported by NPR, accuses Scouting America — formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America — of attacking boy-friendly spaces and for being “genderless.” The memo has yet to be sent to Congress.

“The organization once endorsed by President Theodore Roosevelt no longer supports the future of American boys,” Hegseth wrote in the memo."

Navy launches review of Marines’ and sailors’ personal social media posts; Task and Purpose, October 28, 2025

 JEFF SCHOGOL, Task and Purpose; Navy launches review of Marines’ and sailors’ personal social media posts

"The Department of the Navy is looking into whether sailors’ and Marines’ social media posts have violated the department’s social media guidance, according to a recent message from Navy Secretary John Phelan.

“At the direction of the Secretary of the Navy, the DON [Department of the Navy] is actively reviewing reports related to Service Members social media activity that is misaligned with the DON’s current social media guidance,” according to the Oct. 24 “All Navy” message. “The guidance remains in full effect, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards of conduct. Service members are expected to uphold Navy and Marine Corps core values on duty, off duty, and online.”"

Hegseth won’t meet troops with beards during South Korea trip; Task & Purpose, October 27, 2025

 JEFF SCHOGOL, Task & Purpose; Hegseth won’t meet troops with beards during South Korea trip

[Kip Currier: The absurdity of the news that "Hegseth won't meet troops with beards during South Korea trip" compels me to comment on this disconcerting decision:

Stop for a moment and think about how ridiculous, arrogant, and narrow-minded it is that the head of the Department of Defense-cum-War would refuse to meet with members of our military -- selflessly serving overseas to protect their country -- who have "shaving waivers". Shaving waivers are issued for a number of well-founded reasons, including religious faith traditions and medical conditions in which shaving can cause serious skin irritation.

Refusing to meet with U.S. military members who have facial hair is appallingly short-sighted, uninformed, and disrespectful. 

Thank you to all of our military members -- those with and those without facial hair -- who serve.]

[Excerpt]

"When Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visits South Korea this week, he will face off against one of the most dangerous enemies to military readiness: Facial hair.

Service members with shaving waivers are not allowed to attend the event with Hegseth, which will be held at Camp Humphreys, according to an email from the 51st Fighter Wing at Osan Air Base, South Korea, which was posted on the unofficial Air Force amn/nco/snco page...

Since taking charge at the Pentagon in January, Hegseth has made it clear that he feels the U.S. military has strayed from its grooming standards by issuing too many shaving waivers over the years.

“Today at my direction, the era of unprofessional appearance is over,” Hegseth told hundreds of generals and admirals during a Sept. 30 speech at Quantico, Virginia. “No more beardos. The age of rampant and ridiculous shaving profiles is done.”

Hegseth’s comments came after he issued an Aug. 20 memo directing unit commanders to begin separating troops who still need shaving waivers after more than a year of medical treatment."