A viral video of a West Point cadet apparently texting on her cellphone while marching in formation at graduation on Saturday has sparked outrage.
The video,
posted on West Point's Facebook page, had been viewed more than 655,000 times by Tuesday afternoon.
It received nearly 1,000 comments and more than 14,000 reactions and was shared nearly 6,000 times. Many reactions were critical of the cadets.
"Cadets on phones while marching, some cadets marching in platform heels, others sneakers, some with socks, others not. Great discipline. Is this the best and brightest future leadership of our military?" Facebook user Mark Browne wrote in a comment that got about 350 likes.
"Congrats but obviously a few of the graduating cadets need to realize the gratitude and reverence of the uniform and that you serve a greater cause!! Texting on a cell phone?? Unless that was about a credible threat to the U.S. security PUT IT DOWN!" Facebook user Mary Ellen Fosso wrote, drawing about 140 likes.
Cadets are allowed to carry phones, but are restricted from using them while in
formation, the New York Daily News reported.
"Cadets have an individual responsibility for ensuring their appearance and actions reflect the highest level of military professionalism," West Point spokesman Christopher Kasker told the Daily News.
"The graduation ceremony had more than 950 cadets, including the first seven women to be brought into combat divisions since restrictions were lifted," the newspaper noted.
The video is the latest controversial image to emerge from the U.S. Military Academy. Earlier this month, West Point said it was investigating 16 black female cadets after they
appeared in a photo with fists raised like a black power salute. The photo sparked questions about whether they violated Defense Department policy against political activities while in uniform.
Twitter users shared their disappointment in the West Point texting video.