Posted on Jan 10, 2014
Freedom of Speech -- do you still have this right in the military?
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Once we join the military do we still have Freedom of Speech. And, should a Soldier be punished for posting on a social media about unit leadership?
Freedom
Social Media
Freedom of Speech
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 38
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As long as we, as Soldiers/Sailors/Airmen/Marines/Coast Guardsmen, wear the uniform, we represent something larger than ourselves. While we are still allowed the same "Freedom of Speech" that our Civilian counterparts enjoy, we have an obligation to be a little more responsible with our Liberties. Our displays, especially those publicly visible, (such as social media) reflect upon our Units, Branches, and the Military as a whole, regardless of intent.
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MAJ Karl Stumpff
Well put SSG Thomas, we are part of a bigger whole, a brotherhood. If you work for a business or corporation you can be fired for "speaking your mind" or not conforming to their expected standards.
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I believe that "freedom of speech" and "posting on a social media about unit leadership" are two different things. If what you post on a social media site or discuss in an open forum violates any posted regulation or article of the UCMJ, then yes, punishment may be warranted. Right, wrong, or indifferent, I believe that my "freedom of speech" as a service member is different than that of a non-military civilian. I accept that and have no heartburn about it whatsoever. I believe that caters to good order and discipline and is something that should be adhered to.
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SGT(P) (Join to see)
I agree with you MSG that they are two different things, but once in awhile you're going to have a soldier that doesn't know or wasn't educated about the difference and is gonna pop off on facebook or twitter about how their CoC sucks because they had to stay late or they got in trouble for some reason. Should they get in trouble for that post? Yes, i believe they should. If they didn't understand the rules of social media at the time then they should be punished accordingly (ie make them research the military rules for posting on social media and have them give a class to the whole company). And if they knew and just didn't care then its time for UCMJ<br>
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1SG Steven Stankovich
<p>Just keep in mind, CDRs are afforded a lot of different venues as "punishment." It could be as small as a stern talking to by his/her PGS or 1SG all the way up formal UCMJ action. That is where CDRs discretion comes into play, along with any mitigating and extenuating factors (1st time offense, what was written/spoken, etc)</p><p><br></p>
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Consider this as well: Any person in a business of any size, or working for a nonprofit organization, or government agency, could be fired if their public statements conflict with the public image of said organization.
Members of the military need to be even more discreet than them.
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MAJ Samuel Weber
Well said. At least the Military has due process. A single act in the civilian sector can justify dismissal.
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