Do you think it's a good idea to have social media connections like FB, Twitter and Instagram with your subordinates and leaders?

SrA Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 09:08:59 -0500

We all can see what happens when you vent and voice your opinions in certain areas, you'll get an OTH. It made me wonder if it's even a good idea to add your fellow brothers and sisters you serve with on these social media platforms. We all have different views and opinions but sometimes it can land us in hot water. I believe certain things should just be kept to yourself or a group you can confide in because then this happens.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/marine-sgt-gary-stein-honorable-discharge-anti-obama/story?id=16216279

Marine to be Discharged Over Anti-Obama Facebook Comment

A conservative Marine who started an armed forces tea party Web page has been given an "other than honorable" discharge for misconduct after declaring on Facebook, "Screw Obama. I will not follow all orders from him."

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 9:17 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 09:17:27 -0500

Here is the thing to keep in mind, you are given a Social Media Education on what you can and cannot do frequently so knowing that, putting anything remotely against your command is done at your own risk. Personally I moved on from my own irritation and tend to just vent to the wife or someone else about it, somewhere not in written form.

As a military member we indeed sacrificed things like free speech. Does it mean that you are wrong? Not necessarily. It just means that we are one unit and need to keep that mentality alive. I don't mind who I add because I don't really use social media that much but if you do, you do so knowing the risks.

Response by PO1 Michael G. made Nov 29 at 2014 9:43 AM

PO1 Michael G. — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 09:43:32 -0500

One of the things that I've often had conversations with people about (I actually used to be a social media administrator for a non profit organization in Chicago) is that the internet is real--or, more accurately, the face you present on the internet is real. This guy probably would not have made that comment in person if he was, for example, standing a watch. He may have said so at a private dinner party, or maybe when he was out with some friends at the bar, but my point is that he probably recognized that there are certain places where you ought to turn the filter on, so to speak.

Facebook, or any social media site for that matter, is one of the places where certain personal opinions ought to be kept personal' largely because Facebook is not a personal diary or letter. It's a public forum. Political beliefs aside, I don't feel sorry for this guy, either.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 9:52 AM

PV2 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 09:52:07 -0500

I'm a GS employee. I have coworkers and my boss on FB and Twitter but I tend to not have political discussions on those platform. I even have gone so far to unfollow any partisan pages or people

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Nov 29 at 2014 11:09 AM

PO2 Corey Ferretti — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 11:09:10 -0500

So i have had my leaders and subordinates on my Facebook i learned the hard way that my opinion on a certain Senior Chief in the command should not of been put online. I got lucky and my Senior Chief used this incident as a teaching moment.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 1:42 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 13:42:45 -0500

SrA Private RallyPoint Member,

Speaking from the subordinate's perspective, I do think it's a good idea. Even though most of my Facebook posts are locked down, I realize that anything I post had better be suitable for broadcast worldwide on CNN, because that's where it could end up. If I'd be embarrassed for my mother, pastor, or CO to see what I'm posting, then I need to adjust fire.

In short, having your coworkers as friends on social media provides accountability. Also, it is good for building camaraderie.

Response by SSG Adam Fugal made Nov 29 at 2014 2:00 PM

SSG Adam Fugal — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 14:00:29 -0500

Obama has fired Marine Corps Generals for less. Its part of the Fundamental Transformation. He is Silencing opponents and anyone who would be a problem in him doing things he knows are wrong. Obama says screw you to the Marines all the time. There is this thing called Mutual Respect Obama has no clue about. The Narcissist in Chief doesn't deserve the respect of the Marines. This Marine did what Marines do. Tell the Truth and not follow unlawful orders. Obama is the problem not the Marine. Semper FI marine, Booo to the chief.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 5:44 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 05 Jan 2015 17:44:58 -0500

I have both types of connections within facebook, I do not use it as a tool to vent various frustrations though. I have learned to take a step back and rephrasing certain things before posting or even sending an email. I wouldn't post anything I would be hesitant to have my children read or couldn't show my grandmother.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 4:00 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 04:00:51 -0500

In all honesty, he deserved what he got. First thing is first. When he took the oath, I do believe there is a sentence stating "I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the officers appointed over me". Second thing, he stated "Screw Obama" for all the world to see. He is the POTUS and has a title called "President" that he did earn through not one but two elections. As Service Members, we simply cannot openly disrespect the top figure of our Chain of Command, then turn around and cry "free speech". We are not required to like him. However, there are known and dire consequences for wearing those emotions on our sleeves. And for all of you Officers and Senior NCOs who are probably rolling your eyes on this thread I leave you with this question; If it were YOUR subordinate who you caught saying similar things abut YOU (saying "screw you" or worse yet "f#$k you" and "I won't do what you say", what would you do?

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 6:08 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 06:08:16 -0500

As a BN CSM I created an official facebook page that Soldiers and their families could "like" not "friend". I put out in battalion formation that the page was maintained by me and nobody else. It was direct communication to me that was there for Soldiers to use if the chain of command/support channel could not solve a problem. I always stressed the importance of using the chain of command/support channel.

The page was a huge success Soldiers and families (mostly families when we deployed) loved it. I was also able to help numerous Soldiers with problems they were afraid to talk to their chain of command/ support channel. I identified and personally talked with four Soldiers and two NCOs that were thinking about committing suicide and got them the help they needed, none of them took their own life. I also helped with some family issues for several Soldiers.

That worked well for me as a leader. When I left the battalion I turned it over to the incoming CSM and told him what a great tool it was. Once PSCd I friended several NCOs and officers that I served with in that battalion on my personal facebook, we keep in touch and I am always there to give advice and guidance. The NCOs come to me a lot for questions or advice and some come to just shoot the shit and see how I am doing.

It's a great tool if used properly.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 8 at 2015 6:44 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Feb 2015 06:44:17 -0500

As with many other tools in today's society, there's a place and a forum. As a service member, you should remember that military service is a privilege, not a right. You are held to a high standard because of your affiliation with the military.

This guy also made himself a high profile target by making this anti-Obama tea party website. Although possible, they are unlikely to discharge you over a single criticism of the POTUS.... but such actions do not serve the uniform. As you retire or discharge, then you have the abilities to freely speak your mind again and can say as you wish without repercussion.

Be careful what you post, who you support, and always maintain your military bearing. It sets the public view of those of us wearing the uniform and maintains the idea that we do not serve any political party, but rather the people of the United States of America and the Constitution.

Social media is a great place to keep in touch with military friends and owners across the country..... just keep your political views between yourself and the close friends, and understand that you are entitled to your opinion......but you can be called on the carpet for it.... ESPECIALLY if you imply mutiny or insubordination.
V/R,
CPT Butler

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 7 at 2015 10:24 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 22:24:44 -0400

Bad idea to bad-mouth someone (superior, colleague, or subordinate) on social media. The internet is forever. Once it's out there, there is no taking it back.

Normally, I think it is a bad idea while you are still in the superior-subordinate relationship. It may have the appearance of or potential to lead to fraternization. You need to treat everyone fairly, and if you friend one, should you then friend everyone? What if they don't want to friend you? You have put yourself in an uncomfortable position. It's less of a concern once the superior-subordinate relationship ends. However, I am of two minds about this.

A few years ago, our senior enlisted leader was constantly traveling among several offices, which made getting ahold of him very difficult. So he had TWO Facebook accounts - one for friends and family (that I presume he probably posted more personal things) and the other was a professional one where he connected with subordinates so they could get a hold of them, and he could check on them. This worked out really well.

So, again, approach with caution. and utilize privacy settings. If you must vent, vent to your spouse / best friend without leaving a paper trail.

Response by SSG Randy D. made Jul 7 at 2015 10:41 PM

SSG Randy D. — Tue, 07 Jul 2015 22:41:44 -0400

I will never add those in my current unit as I don't want to put them in a place where they have to decided friend or work. I am also VERY cautious about previous leaders and joes I add as well. Last I checked we do still have freedom of speech though.