Posted on Nov 4, 2014
As we move towards voting day, remember you are a Soldier and what you say has consequences...
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I'm seeing a lot of soldiers (and NCOs) posting politically charged, partisan or disparaging statements towards the President and government policies as we move towards voting day. Just want everyone to remember that the DoD considers what you post on Facebook or whatever to be, basically, the same as standing in a plaza in uniform shouting it out for the world. I find myself reminding my soldiers about Article 134 (the "catch all") and if they aren't sure if it should be posted, to just not post it. And don't forget if you're getting charged with Article 134 they'll probably throw 92 on there (failure to obey and order or regulation).
With all that being said - do you feel the role of an NCO should be extended to making sure our soldiers are staying smart on social media? Or are the briefings enough? Do we reel in the rope or let them have enough to possibly hang themselves with?
With all that being said - do you feel the role of an NCO should be extended to making sure our soldiers are staying smart on social media? Or are the briefings enough? Do we reel in the rope or let them have enough to possibly hang themselves with?
UCMJ
Voting
Social Media
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 2
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I do not support the idea of monitoring personnel's social media pages. An NCO should know what's going on with her/his personnel without resorting to FB stalking.
We need to remind (and re-remind) all personnel that one can disagree without being disrespectful or contemptuous. Calling a policy "stupid" is one thing thing (and possibly borderline) but calling military or civilian leadership "stupid" is quite different - and has a strong chance of being actionable under the UCMJ. I have warned a couple of officers that they were skirting awfully close to the line in some of their FB posts.
We need to remind (and re-remind) all personnel that one can disagree without being disrespectful or contemptuous. Calling a policy "stupid" is one thing thing (and possibly borderline) but calling military or civilian leadership "stupid" is quite different - and has a strong chance of being actionable under the UCMJ. I have warned a couple of officers that they were skirting awfully close to the line in some of their FB posts.
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SGT (Join to see)
Well said. I want to clarify that I don't get snooping for violations. If I happen to run across something that looks borderline, I simply private message the person and suggest they take a second look at how others might perceive the comment. Even if the claims are unsubstantiated you get flagged when an investigation is open potentially putting a freeze on progression.
Would you think leaders should focus more on trying to teach soldiers/seamen/airmen/marines the importance of "picking your battle"?
Would you think leaders should focus more on trying to teach soldiers/seamen/airmen/marines the importance of "picking your battle"?
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