Vindman’s dress uniform reveals a tug of war using troops as political totems, experts say

In his opening remarks at the impeachment hearing Tuesday, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman casually mentioned the other part of Washington’s intense focus.

“The uniform I wear today is of the U.S. Army,” said Vindman, the top Ukraine expert on the National Security Council who raised alarms over whether President Trump asked Ukraine for political help in exchange for military aid.

But Vindman and his Army service uniform, adorned with a Purple Heart, Ranger Tab and Combat Infantry Badge, have become proxy symbols, either bolstering claims of Democrats or used as evidence by Republicans that Vindman is using his service as a shield from criticism.

Read the full story and more in The Washington Post.