LTC Lakin sitrep

I use Google Chrome for a browser so this wasn’t apparent to me.  But Dr. C. at obamaconspiracy.org points out the following:

I have no way of knowing whether LtC Terry Lakin authorized the use of his image to sell tax advice, bridge loans, auto liability insurance, and whatever other advertising attaches itself to his photo over at WorldNetDaily (hover mouse anywhere over the photo at WND for maximum advertising effect). Nonetheless, I think this image, as much as any other, points out how this honorable, but confused, soldier has become the tool of [select a name].

Of course when viewed in MSIE you can see what the doctor ordered.

If LTC Lakin has done this deliberately, then he has created a problem for himself with the Joint Ethics Regulation, an enforceable order.  On this however I doubt LTC Lakin has any specific fault.  He’s likely being taken advantage of.  But I wonder how he thought all of this might play out.

DoD employees may not state or imply an endorsement of a non-Federal entity, event, product, service, or enterprise.

DoD employees may not use or allow their titles, positions, or organization names to suggest official endorsement or preferential treatment of any non-Federal entity except organizations in subsection 3-210.

Emphasis added to this quote from a SOCO briefing.

•DoD Directive 1344.1,Wearing of the Uniform.

(1) Not allowed in connection with private employment or commercial interests;

(2) Not allowed when an inference of official sponsorship may be drawn; and

(3) Not allowed when wearing would bring discredit on the Armed Forces.

(4) Applies to active duty, reserve and retired members.

(5) Each Service also has separate regulations with similar wording:

–Army – AR 670-1