Army Reservist Removed From Full-Time Post Over Social Media Criticism of Israel, ICE

An Army Reservist from Florida reports that he was taken out of his full-time position and subjected to an investigation following social media posts that criticized U.S. support for Israel and federal immigration agents, which caught the eye of his superiors.

Sgt. 1st Class Jonathan Estridge, an IT specialist with the 350th Civil Affairs Command in Pensacola, received notification on August 9 regarding his involuntary release from the Army Reserve’s active duty operational support program, a decision attributed to allegations of misconduct. A counseling memo circulated among Task & Purpose highlighted online posts that officials claimed breached military regulations. These included discussions surrounding U.S. aid to Israel, the Israeli military's actions in Gaza, and federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Estridge additionally provided links to an application that gathers publicly accessible information regarding agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The memo revealed that his command contended his statements and actions “dissuaded public support of the military” while also disclosing sensitive information regarding federal personnel.

A reservist, who enlisted in 2004 and has seen multiple deployments to Iraq, Kuwait, and Qatar, brought attention to his situation through a TikTok video filmed in uniform on August 22. The footage, now surpassing 230,000 views, captures Estridge asserting that he was singled out for his critiques of a foreign government. “I have never pledged my support to Israel,” Estridge stated. “At what point did a lack of support for a foreign nation lead to a U.S. soldier being scrutinized as a potential threat to national security?”

Estridge reported that he was removed from his workplace and informed that his access to classified systems had been terminated. He submitted copies of 13 social media posts that had been flagged and were referenced during the counseling process.

In a recent statement to Task & Purpose, Army Reserve spokesperson Maj. William Allred clarified that Estridge’s remarks do not align with Army policy; however, he noted that there is currently no investigation in progress. Following the release, officials announced that the command was “taking appropriate administrative actions.”

Estridge remarked that his unit could have opted to ask him to take down the posts rather than resorting to claims that he represented a national security risk. “They took it a step further, stating, ‘We believe you pose a threat,’” he remarked.

He continues to serve in the Reserve, yet he expresses concern for his future career opportunities following the loss of his long-held full-time position.

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