Posted on Nov 2, 2013
Col Regional Director, Whem/Ssa And Congressional Liaison
Col Col (Join to see)
15K
76
50
4
4
0
What are the pros/cons of this? First just a bit of background: throughout our lifetimes and careers, technology has advanced at an exponential rate; it has rapidly changed processes, the way we interact, the way we problem solve, and the way we do business. Social media is a relatively new phenomenon; however, to say that it is a "game changer" is an understatement to say the very least... So, how has this changing dynamic impacted your leadership style? How do you see it changing the way we communicate, interact, problem-solve, and do business in the future? As we've seen right here on RallyPoint, collaboration at this scale (and with this level of diversity and knowledge) is extremely powerful!  The idea here is to generate thoughtful discussion, brainstorm and have some fun in the process. So, in your opinion what applications does social media have in the military realm?  Now, let's get this thing started, so grab those keyboards and... see you all in the discussion threads! 
Posted in these groups: Social media logo Social MediaImages Military CareerImages 20 NCOsOfficers logo Officers
Edited >1 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Avatar feed
Responses: 28
SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
4
4
0
SSgt
Posted 11 y ago

At one time we had party lines,  pay phones and teletype and as change happened, society changed along with it.   Social sites have a way of connecting people but there is that risk of harassment and other things.   Personally employers have no right to snoop.   It is online voyeurism and detrimental in building trust.  


In other words,  employers should not spy and neither should anyone else.  Intelligence Agencies have a vested interest in rooting out dangerous subversives so I get that. 

(4)
Comment
(0)
MSgt Keith Hebert
MSgt Keith Hebert
>1 y
When it is posted to the web you are making it public, there by searchable and usable.
(1)
Reply
(0)
SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
SSgt (Join to see)
>1 y
It is voyeuristic and rude.  It is like digging through someone's drawer.   Just because you can does not make it right.
(2)
Reply
(0)
SSG Aircraft Mechanic
SSG (Join to see)
>1 y
SSgt (Join to see) - I agree with you. What's next? Letting an employer or potential employer set up cameras and microphones in your house? As a general rule of thumb I don't have anyone on social media that I work with or from units that I'm in. Until I leave a unit or company, it usually stays that way. It's kind of the same idea as not taking your home problems to work or your work problems home.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SFC Platoon Sergeant
3
3
0
SFC
Posted 11 y ago
I use Facebook to connect with my Soldiers.  It provides a way to know your Soldier in a generation where people have difficulty with face-to-face communication.  It also allows for leaders to identify behavioral issues with their Soldiers and keep it at the lowest level.  While it is beneficial, it can lead to issues with certain leaders not knowing how to conduct themselves online.  It can also cause issues with people who can not separate "work and play".  I think social media is a powerful tool.  
(3)
Comment
(0)
1SG Military Police
1SG (Join to see)
>1 y
I agree. One of my former 1SGs has used FB for years to keep up with his Soldiers. I picked up this tool from to aid in tracking an AWOL Soldier who was UA in Panama.
(0)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
SFC James Baber
3
3
0
SFC
Posted 11 y ago

Sir,


We all know every leader at least in the Army has a blackberry, so it just goes hand in hand for the future, as we have seen the issuance of smart phones to Soldiers with the apps for getting information easier and communicating on the battlefield. It only makes sense that social media is now becoming a bigger part of all that as well, I see orders being sent to SMs for various things from PCS's to Awards to actual taskings and OPORDS. It is and will be the way of the future for the military.


Do you agree or disagree?
(3)
Comment
(0)
Col Regional Director, Whem/Ssa And Congressional Liaison
Col (Join to see)
11 y
SFC Baber, thanks for your response, with the "snowball effect" of technology, the technology will become more and more the norm... currently, social media is becoming more and more the norm (as evidenced by RallyPoint, and the enormous popularity and worldwide usership of sites like LI, FB, twitter, etc.); additionally, the generations of new recruits in the future will continue to become more and more tech savvy (btw Don Tapscott wrote a great book on the subject entitled "Grown Up Digital"), and the role of social media platforms will continue to evolve... what impacts do we anticipate this will have on how our military communicates?  I'm hoping this topic generates some thought and discussion on the subject... great insight, thanks again for sharing! 
(1)
Reply
(0)
Avatar small
Read This Next
RallyPoint Home

Join nearly 2 million former and current members of the US military, just like you.

Log In
© RallyPoint Networks, Inc 2024

RallyPoint is not affiliated with DoD
close

Welcome to RallyPoint!

Terms of Service | Privacy Policy I'm a civilian Supporter