Army Reserve gave a field-grade direct commission to an individual with a long line of public scandal, conspiracy theory support and questionable conduct," Fred Wellman, a retired U.S. The caption reads, "My Rx for Liberty: Protect the homestead! #freedom." Jeffrey Barke/Instragramīut the news came as a shock to vocal veterans who worried Barke's position could allow him to spread harmful views. Barke is seen in this photo posted to his official Instagram account on June 23, 2020. "I think that's better for the public than anything." Dr. Jeffrey Barke said last September during a virtual interview with anti-masking advocate Peggy Hall, during which he pulled out a 9mm handgun. "I'd rather see somebody carrying a concealed than masking up," Dr.
"I look forward to serving our great county as an officer in the United States Army Reserve Medical Corps," he added. "As our founder Thomas Jefferson once said: 'There is no justification for taking away individuals freedom in the guise of public safety.'" I am pro freedom and pro choice with informed consent," he said in an email to Newsweek. "I am neither anti vaccine nor anti mask. Army offered an identical statement, when contacted by Newsweek.īarke, for his part, defends his position. We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our Soldiers, civilians and Families."Ī spokesperson for the U.S. "The Army Reserve continues to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus and sustain unit mission essential operations. "Once in the Army, all Soldiers are required to follow established regulations, policies and procedures, including the Army's Social media guidance and all force health protection measures," Flake said. Army Reserve Command, said in a statement sent to Newsweek.įlake said that all soldiers have to follow the rules, both in terms of health protocols and their online personas. Flake, head of public affairs at the U.S. 8, 2021 as a Family Medicine Physician and met all accessions criteria, to include current professional credentials," Lieutenant Colonel Simon B. Jeff Barke was commissioned as a major in the U.S. Nonetheless, Barke was commissioned on Sunday as a major in the U.S Army Reserve. The clip, which was later removed from YouTube, sparked a backlash, with some Orange County officials, including the "deeply disturbed" board of Hoag Hospital, where Barke has said he had privileges, distancing themselves from the physician.Ībout two weeks before the clip, the medical institution filed a lawsuit against Barke's Newport Beach practice, PersonalCare Physicians, and partner, claiming they owed more than $500,000 in management fees. "I think that's better for the public than anything." "I'd rather see somebody carrying a concealed than masking up," Barke said. Jeff Barke, an Orange County, California physician, made waves last September with his militant views toward masks when he pulled out a gun during a virtual interview with anti-masking advocate Peggy Hall, who heads the Healthy American, a blog that advises on how to dodge vaccine requirements among other health topics.Ībout two-thirds through their 38-minute conversation, Barke brandished a 9mm handgun, referring to the firearm as "better than a mask" in order "to protect you and to protect others."
In fact, he's been made a senior officer in spite of the controversy surrounding him. Army has commissioned a doctor known for his outspoken questioning of both methods most health experts recommend to help curb the spread of the pandemic still sweeping the nation.
military moved to mandate mask-wearing and vaccination for service members at the direction of President Joe Biden, the U.S.