Do you think servicemembers (Officer or Enlisted) have the right to publicly post doubts about 9/11 or US involvement in the Middle East?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 16:40:03 -0500

Do you think servicemembers have the legal right to post on social media doubts or disagreements they might have about 9/11 or US involvement in the Middle East?
What is and what is not allowed? Is there any disciplinary action that can occur from this? If so what regulations are they specifically violating?
For example:
http://www.army.mil/article/84850/
http://www.forthoodpresscenter.com/go/doc/3439/1416867/Social-Media-and-UCMJ military and social media
http://www.slideshare.net/USArmySocialMedia/social-media-roundup-social-media-and-military-voters
http://www.mo911truth.org
http://www.patriotsquestion911.com/military

Response by PFC Joseph Levi made Nov 25 at 2015 4:46 PM

PFC Joseph Levi — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 16:46:03 -0500

I think everyone has a right to their opinions, but for those that want to hide behind the 1st amendment, don't think there aren't repercussions. For instance I can say that my boss is an @$$hole, I have every right to say what I want, but I doubt I will still have a job because of it!!

Response by LTC Jeffrey Strickland made Nov 25 at 2015 5:25 PM

LTC Jeffrey Strickland — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 17:25:34 -0500

If you worked for Northrup Grumman, would it be okay to say on social media that their policies stink? Would you still have a job tomorrow? I cannot answer these questions for everyone, but I will say we need to watch what we say and how it might be perceived by others.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2015 5:57 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 17:57:24 -0500

If they are active duty then no, there are some limitations. If they are retired and not misrepresenting their views as some sort of official stance of their branch or the DoD then they can say pretty much whatever they want.

I'd also like to point out that just because I have the right to do something, doesn't mean I'm immune to adverse consequences when I offend people I need to work with or support.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Nov 25 at 2015 6:11 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 18:11:16 -0500

The question anyone should ask when posting something online is what purpose are they trying to have while doing it. There are a lot of ways people can cast doubts about our roles in the Middle East and do it respectfully or disrespectfully. But if it causes disciplinary issues for the chain of command such as fostering an environment of insubordination, than a commander is well within rights to take action. In terms of the 9-11 truther sites, if a service member casts doubts about what happened that day, I would wonder why they are serving in the military. Everyone serving today made a choice to join or reenlist well after 9-11-01. If they think the government is capable of willfully killing thousands of Americans on that day, I would question their loyalty and wonder how they can reconcile being a member of such an evil force.

Response by CAPT Tom Bersson made Nov 25 at 2015 6:20 PM

CAPT Tom Bersson — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 18:20:31 -0500

It's a fine line. They need to support the chain of command and not make any disparaging remarks under the UCMJ. As citizens they have rights to certain opinions. My advice to those still serving is to be circumspect and respectful.

Response by MSgt Michelle Mondia made Nov 25 at 2015 7:59 PM

MSgt Michelle Mondia — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 19:59:11 -0500

If you post doubts I don't think it's a big deal but if you post truths. Well you might end up in a cell next to PVT Manning.

Response by SSG John Garner made Nov 30 at 2015 1:19 PM

SSG John Garner — Mon, 30 Nov 2015 13:19:45 -0500

Believe what you want, but don't involve your military affiliation in your comments.