Behave Appropriately: The Grey Area of Social Media and the Military

2016-08-09T14:07:51-04:00

Many people don’t like to read FAQs about companies or websites. Many people just prefer to know the cons instead of the pros. I’ve covered why RallyPoint is a beneficial resource: https://www.rallypoint.com/command-post/why-service-members-past-present-and-future-should-use-rallypoint. However, there are some grey areas I think you should be aware of while using RP or any social media. There are guidelines that both active servicemembers and veterans should be aware of involving OPSEC, and general military respect and culture.

What you say online can find its way to your Chain of Command. Be careful what you ask or comment about publicly regarding your workplace. Check and see who in your unit is on RallyPoint (or any other online forum), and check out your security settings. Always be in the know.

Just because you’re currently serving and disagree with someone senior in rank, doesn’t mean you can’t tactfully disagree. Don’t be the junior enlisted guy who morphs into an “internet warrior,” full-blown keyboard rage included, and goes off on a Senior NCO or field grade officer - especially without justification. Remember what I said about things getting back to the CoC? Just don’t do it.

Disrespect often happens because people disagree. People get passionate and adamant about things. People are people, just accept that and move on. Threads regarding “politricks” seems to be the most popular on RallyPoint and with the military in general. Personally, I sometimes read the comments because they’re entertaining. If you don’t like political topics (or any other topics for that matter), simply ignore them and find what does interest you. There are thousands of other topics to choose from with a high buzz: I.T., benefits, new policies and doctrines, jobs, humor, transition, and so much more. Don’t get bogged down in a political argument just because someone said something you don’t support.

There will be times that you ask questions or make comments online, and those will be misinterpreted by the masses – it happens. But it will be okay, I assure you. You can include up to five tags here on RP when you post a question. If you don’t include the right number of tags, your post may get little to no attention. Influence points don't say everything about how active someone is on RallyPoint, or even if they are highly knowledgeable on a certain topic. If you’re active enough in a particular topic, you’ll likely start to notice that you come across the same people.

Oftentimes, RallyPoint will give you better information than your favorite search engine. Remember, RallyPoint is the one place any junior enlisted servicemember can ask a question and converse with senior military members within any branch. How many units in the military would be okay with this? Not many - these types of interactions just aren’t part of the traditional military culture. RallyPoint is a great resource for getting conversations going. But remember, the internet should not be your only resource for any questions or issues you have. Remember that we are humans, and you have your brothers and sisters in arms with whom you interact with regularly. They’ll always be a great source of advice and information as well.

Social media is a very useful and powerful tool that members of the military should take advantage of. Many people and organizations, like VA centers, don’t know about RallyPoint or the advantages of being part of the community. Share the word! Social media is a great resource for military members from every walk of life, as long as it’s used intelligently.

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Response by CPT Jack Durish made Aug 9 at 2016 2:11 PM

2016-08-09T14:11:52-04:00

This is why I have often said that it is the duty of veterans to speak for those who can't speak for themselves.

Response by SFC Randy Purham made Aug 9 at 2016 2:19 PM

2016-08-09T14:19:38-04:00

Good article.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Aug 9 at 2016 6:48 PM

2016-08-09T18:48:53-04:00

Outstanding article, Sarge. BZ. I swapped sea stories with an Admiral here. Where else does that happen?

Response by SFC William Stephens made Dec 5 at 2016 3:30 PM

2016-12-05T15:30:41-05:00

I have to agree and dis-agree with you because there are a lot of things on social media that we can't control , one is political views, I know there are a lot of active duty who come on here to views their positive and negative points about this but they have to understand that things they say could catch up to them. You and both know in the security world now during investigations social media website are checked on what you put on there and this could be a determining factor on a security clearance. Now if you noticed the last month there has been a lot of political QAs from a lot RP members and the active duty have chimed in, Why? do they really have a free voice to do so? When I was a soldiers and senior NCO I kept my mouth shut and never viewed my POS/NEG on social media. MY favorite are the active duty folks who are RP members in uniforms photos who view there negative comments about our President Elect. Mr. Trump, I said once and before, some are NCOs and I don't see how they get away with it, and if their COC knew it, I bet they would not have a clearance or would be an NCO. I kills me how people can freely come on social media or their phones which is social media as well and post the things they do, OH, Please don't get me started.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 9:28 AM

2017-01-26T09:28:05-05:00

SGT Private RallyPoint Member Thank you for your blog post in Command Post. I thank you raised a very good point on being "responsible" with our social media behavior for those who are still in uniform.

I have to raise a question that I was having with some fellow veterans: "At what point does an active duty member exercising their 'Freedom of Speech' and being reprimanded by their organization (1st Sgt, Commander, and even UCMJ charges) by posting on Social Media cross paths?"

We had an active discussion over lunch that day. It was great to get the inside from the other veterans. Granted we are not talking about posting security related items other things of that nature. They were just voicing their opinion about any topic of the day/week that was on the news or responding to a post on social media.

We all served to defend our nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic. IMHO, we served to protect the principles of our Constitution. A comment was made during lunch that we serve to protect our Bill of Rights by giving up those same freedoms.

I am curious to know what others here think.

Thanks again for your post. Enjoy your day.