Should military members be able to compete on TV shows?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 13:03:43 -0400

I have seen some servicemembers compete on shows for singing like American Idol, beauty pageants, etc. What are your thoughts: should they be able to compete? Should they have to take leave to compete on their "own" time?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 19 at 2014 1:07 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Apr 2014 13:07:34 -0400

I don't think it appropriate and or professional

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Apr 20 at 2014 11:24 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Sun, 20 Apr 2014 23:24:33 -0400

Yes, they should CONTINUE to be allowed to compete.

Most are good news stories for the military, which can keep the military in good spirits with the American people, in a time when we're fading away from their thoughts.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Apr 20 at 2014 11:28 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Sun, 20 Apr 2014 23:28:53 -0400

I think it's fine and a great recruiting tool. I was on American Idol. I know for a fact that I had some young kids go see their recruiter just after talking to me and seeing that Soldier's are real people too.

I've always wanted to go on Fear Factor too. Or Wipe Out. I could crush that obstacle course! Maybe one day.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 7:46 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 07:46:31 -0400

I love seeing service members compete. As long as they do good!!!!!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 8:18 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 08:18:30 -0400

I thoroughly enjoy watching a little of friendly military competition on tv, i.e. military wipeout. Well, except when we get beat out by marines....

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Apr 21 at 2014 8:50 AM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 08:50:49 -0400

I would think so, yes. I also think that, at least, for the initial qualification they should use their own leave. If they go on, and its a nationally televised program, I think that we should look at it as TAD orders. They are going to be on national TV, in uniform, promoting the military.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 9:39 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 09:39:31 -0400

Servicemen & women go on Wheel of Fortune all the time. I'd do the Amazing Race, WipeOut, Wheel of Fortune and Price is Right in a heartbeat!!!!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 9:45 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 09:45:11 -0400

Indeed they should continue to compete. We in the military know we are a talented organization with tons of people who do great things in Soldier shows. Not only does it allow the world to see past the stigma that some media organizations like to paint us with, but it allows the Soldier/Sailor/Airman or Marine to showcase their talent and follow their passion.

I think units should continue to allow them to compete as long as it doesnt degrade the mission or the units capability to conduct operations.

Response by MSgt Kris Braddock made Apr 22 at 2014 9:52 AM

MSgt Kris Braddock — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 09:52:41 -0400

Shows like Idol can be a great recruitment tool. It would give the military a human face the masses can relate with.

There should be a program that allows members extended (up to 6 months paid) time away from their units as long as the mission isn't impaired.

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2014 10:48 AM

2LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 10:48:10 -0400

I think it's great. It connects the military on a personal level to people who watch those shows and displays a human side to the military. A key is that the servicemembers must act professionally and in no way discredit the military. This includes following applicable regulations (ie- a gameshow is not an appropriate place to air your grievances with your boss).