Posted on May 11, 2017
SGT Joseph Gunderson
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Many of us follow different social media that are geared towards we veterans. FB pages like Dysfunctional Veterans (my personal favorite) and ASMDSS to maybe others of a more professional nature. My question is, what does everyone think of some of the ways our community portrays itself in such forums, and maybe what are your personal opinions for how we should conduct ourselves on social media?
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Responses: 5
SGM Erik Marquez
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The Military portrays itself just fine in Social media...
I think what your asking is how do individuals IN the Military portray them selfs and the answer is like individuals.
Most good, some bad, some really ignorant, hateful and worse.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
SGT Joseph Gunderson
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Do you believe that the individuals that lean more towards that bad side of the aisle sort of give the rest of the community a black eye? Or do you think that the civilian populace can look past those cases and still see the military as a whole as a group of honorable and dedicated people?
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SGM Erik Marquez
SGM Erik Marquez
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SGT Joseph Gunderson - Perception is real...And those with no personal experience of Military life will absolutely perceive the actions of the few to be common of all.

No different then how the general populace perceives the actions of a few bad cops to be the common of all.
A few bad men raping or abusing women to be the common of all.

So the question is, how to "Change" the actions of the few that impact the many..the answer? You cant.
The military is made up of folks from across this great nation, as such we have the same cross section your home town does, Great American people, and a smaller number of murders, rapist, thugs and thieves.
The only thing we can do is address the bad apples as we find the worm.

You can not regulate out long learned human behavior.. If the SM is apt to do dumb stuff on social media, writing a regulation, having a 1 hour mandatory training session saying don't do dumb stuff is not going to be effective.

You make SM's aware of the standards, the ramifications should they run afoul of those regulations and policies, then deal with the individuals as needed ...using UCMJ and administrative separation as needed.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
SGT Joseph Gunderson
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Bravo SGM! Thank you.
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PO2 Hospital Corpsman (Hm)
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Edited >1 y ago
Well I think we are an entirely different breed. We are extremely desensitized compared to most people who haven't served, it is for this reason why I follow mostly military pages. Civilians as of late seem far too sensitive and over emotional.

It also builds us a network. I have witnessed numerous times where a person posts something about a vet or service member in need and complete strangers flock to provide assistance. We take care of our own.
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SGT Joseph Gunderson
SGT Joseph Gunderson
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I agree. I do like the humor that I get out of my military pages. I do however notice that there are quite a few instances in which veterans are not so like minded. A few times I have been told that those of us that partake in the darker humor should be "ashamed" of ourselves and should conduct ourselves in a manner more befitting our titles.
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PO2 Hospital Corpsman (Hm)
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We should all have our boundaries .. sadly some exceed them and put a black eye on all service members. When I am among brothers we are crazy, chaotic, and absolutely ridiculous. Yet, when I am among civilians, especially if the know I'm active duty, I am an entirely different person.

Biggest difference being people fail to realize that just because its funny to your friend, doesn't mean the 200,000 other people that see your post will think its ok.
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1SG First Sergeant
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PO2 (Join to see) - I would agree with your comment, and to take it a little further I hold a personal and special place in my heart for my comrades and keep most things military between me and them. If the civilian population what's that inside comradery I suggest they raise their right hand. Until that happens we are the 1% and they are not part of our club. If that offends anyone than I guess they need to join.
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MSG Brad Sand
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Don't care. I think it is wise on a personal level to portray yourself with a certain level of decorum...if others feel the same, there will not be any problems. If others do not, then they should reap what they sow?
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