Czech troops in trouble for using SS insignia

[RadarZ]

Czech troops in Nazi symbols row


Three Czech soldiers who served as part of the Nato force in Afghanistan have been suspended for wearing Nazi symbols, Czech defence officials say.
Two are said to have adorned their helmets with symbols of SS divisions while serving in eastern Afghanistan.
Czech Defence Minister Martin Bartak said their behaviour was "unacceptable" and suspended them immediately.
The soldiers' commanding officer was also suspended pending further investigation, defence officials said.
"There is no place in the army for people who think this way," said Mr Bartak after the episode was revealed by a daily newspaper.
Attempted cover-up?
Lieutenant Jan Cermak, a rapid reaction force commander in Logar province, adorned his helmet with the insignia of the SS Dirlewanger brigade, it was reported on Monday.
Meanwhile, Sergeant Hynek Matonoha drew the letter "H" crossed by a sword - signifying the SS Hohenstaufen panzer division - on the side of his helmet, the Mlada Fronta Dnes daily newspaper reported.
The emblems were reported to Colonel Petr Prochazka, the soldiers' commander, who tried to cover up the episode to protect his men, the newspaper reported a fellow soldier as saying.
Mr Bartak ordered an "immediate and thorough investigation of the case" adding that if the allegations of an attempted cover-up were true, the men would be "severely punished".
Mr Bartak is said to have recently decorated the two soldiers on their return from service in Afghanistan.
Some 330 Czech soldiers work in the Logar provincial reconstruction team as part of Nato's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), the Czech defence ministry says.



http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8351996.stm




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[PZIV]

I have to experience military service, but isn't the military usually a very vulgar, testosterone-filled environment? This just seems silly to waste time on. Sure Dirlewanger is a bit far, but honestly?

Cover-up would be the problem I see.

[RadarZ]

Well no doubt PC has carried over far into the military, as we are witnessing here with the events from Ft Hood, which would probably be better off not going into here.

Not even sure what the Dirlewanger insignia looks like, but it seems to me these guys probably could have used better judgment, and must have known that someone would know what this insignia represents.

[Soldat de Fer]

Hello
And from the BBC again !!!! not surprised
Regards
P-Y

[VtwinVince]

Ironic, considering the antics of Eduard Benes and other Czech 'freedom fighters' after the German surrender in May, 1945

[Tim O'Keefe]

Czech troops are not the only ones, USA has a few nazi symbols too. Most are in the form of camo patterns on AFV in Irak, Also a Special Ops unit wore them on their flash in the 'Nam, agian blended into the background...probably not a good idea in todays modern world...

[RadarZ]

Nazis, among other things, are associated with ruthless military efficiency ,,, So I think that most soldiers who would use such unit symbols today do it in that sense, rather than for any idealogical reasons.

[Tim O'Keefe]

Nazis, among other things, are associated with ruthless military efficiency ,,, So I think the most soldiers who would use such unit symbols todays do it in that sense, rather than for any idealogical reasons.

Agreed

[History]

Similar to football helmets in the US , soon they will have to take the Indian from the Redskins , the Bucaneer and many more. I would think it meant dont mess with us but of course you want to be nice to someone who might try and kill you. Screwed up world we are on.