Posted on Jul 25, 2016
Should a service member be punished under UCMJ for posting something on social media when it doesn't reflect negatively on the military?
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As an NCO I do my best to look out for soldiers, a soldier in my platoon is being threatened with an article 15 for a picture that was posted basically saying how he loved his job and that being a MP or a cop in general was his true calling. In which he meant. He is a outstanding soldier and I would hate to see him be punished for doing no wrong. With this the soldier isn't being informed by his first line on being recommended another soldier informed him. Is this soldier in the wrong ?
Posted in these groups: 
Social Media
UCMJ
Social Media UCMJ
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 29
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Yes, he can be punished. However, the photo has to bring discredit to anything military related or anything that puts the military in a bad light and/or military leadership. Or, if it has any OPSEC violations. If those situations are not presented by the photo, then it is a hard push for someone to get punished for a photo on social media.
"Commenting, posting or linking to material that violates the UCMJ or basic rules of Soldier conduct is prohibited," according to a representative from the Office of the Chief of Public Affairs.
Additionally, you and your Soldier should self educate in Articles 88, 89, 91, 133 and 134. Social Media presence that determines violations can be found in these Articles as they apply to everything we do.
If you think that it is a harmless post and without a doubt, an unbiased, third-party person would look at that photo and say the same thing, take your concerns to the Chain of Command. If it is the same Chain of Command, then take it to the next Command Team in line. I.e.. if you are at company level go to battalion, battalion to brigade, and so on...
Some good Soldiers make dumb mistakes. A lot of times, that is how good Soldiers become great Soldiers.
Good Luck!
"Commenting, posting or linking to material that violates the UCMJ or basic rules of Soldier conduct is prohibited," according to a representative from the Office of the Chief of Public Affairs.
Additionally, you and your Soldier should self educate in Articles 88, 89, 91, 133 and 134. Social Media presence that determines violations can be found in these Articles as they apply to everything we do.
If you think that it is a harmless post and without a doubt, an unbiased, third-party person would look at that photo and say the same thing, take your concerns to the Chain of Command. If it is the same Chain of Command, then take it to the next Command Team in line. I.e.. if you are at company level go to battalion, battalion to brigade, and so on...
Some good Soldiers make dumb mistakes. A lot of times, that is how good Soldiers become great Soldiers.
Good Luck!
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SGT (Join to see)
Thank you SFC for the articles to look up I appreciate it. I'll be referencing those today and going over them with the soldier this afternoon
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SSgt W. Aaron Gregory
Brilliantly done. People don't threaten Article 15 unless somethings wrong. There has to be more to this.
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SGT David T.
SSgt W. Aaron Gregory - Happens all the time. I had a NCO try it to me one time for disobeying an order I actually obeyed. I got out of it of course, but it didn't stop him from trying.
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Suspended Profile
A good rule of thumb... Do not post anything on a social website that you wouldn't say to your Commander or First Sergeant.
PO3 William Carrien
And even then don't post it. It should be ok to say you love your job, but remember one thing, no matter what you do, somebody will be offended.
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