OPINION:
U.S. Air Force Maj. Jason Watson was arrested on July 1 while demonstrating, in uniform, on the steps of the Capitol for the impeachment of President Trump and Vice President JD Vance (“U.S. Air Force major arrested at Capitol while demonstrating for Trump’s impeachment,” Web, July 1).
He was arrested for continuing to demonstrate on the Capitol steps after Rep. Al Green, Texas Democrat, had left, which made it unlawful.
Mr. Watson also violated the Uniform Code of Military Justice. He should be court-martialed for contempt toward officials under Article 88 of the UCMJ. This takes place when a commissioned officer of the U.S. armed forces uses contemptuous words against officials of any branch of the U.S. government or any state government.
He also should be charged with conduct unbecoming of an officer and violating the regulation that prohibits engaging in political activities while in uniform (Department of Defense Directive 1344.10).
During his stunt, Mr. Watson noted that he was still in the military and had attended the Air Force Academy. He should pay the price of his histrionics with a dismissal from a court-martial and at serve least a year in the brig.
At the very least, Mr. Watson should be forced to retire as a captain if he has 20 years of active duty.
Regardless of what the Air Force does to him, I am sure Mr. Watson hopes that his antics will now launch a fruitful political career for him as a member of Congress or get him on the lecture circuit for a year or so.
Cmdr. WAYNE L. JOHNSON
Judge Advocate General’s Corps, U.S. Navy (retired)
Alexandria, Virginia
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