MSG Private RallyPoint Member 64919 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div> 2014-02-26T07:53:08-05:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 64919

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2014-02-26T07:53:08-05:00 2014-02-26T07:53:08-05:00 SPC Christopher Smith 64937

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Just like any other communication platform it is what you make it. It can be great for effective communication for large groups, but it can be very disruptive. Social media is to the military what cell phones is to the cops. It is an irritant because it shows the world when we are out of line and unable to sweep things under the rug. It is a pretty good tools for accountability really. JMO

2014-02-26T08:35:07-05:00 2014-02-26T08:35:07-05:00 SGM Matthew Quick 64950

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It's all how Soldiers choose to use it.<div><br></div><div>Similar to gun use, some will use them for self-defense and other will use them for crimes.</div><div><br></div><div>We have to educate our Soldiers, not just put out guides, on the good order and discipline of social media usage.</div><div><br></div><div>Example:  Our younger Soldiers are going growing up in a unique environment and parents rarely monitored their children's social media usage...allowing kids to do and say what they lease without consequences.  They then join our professional ranks and their mind-sets don't change, just what's expected of them.</div><div><br></div><div>Being a social media enthusiast myself, I teach my kids (they are 18 and 16) about responsible usage...I have their login information saved on my smartphone and I verify they are conducting themselves responsibly.  When they step over a pre-defined line, I screen capture the message/post, delete it from their account and address it with them.</div>

2014-02-26T08:49:41-05:00 2014-02-26T08:49:41-05:00 CW2 Private RallyPoint Member 65121

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My thought are that Social Media reveals a person for who they really are. Hence, giving someone limitless ways to express themselves via facebook, instagram, twitter, etc. etc. The new generation Soldiers are coming in thinking they can still behave as they were before joining the ranks. Discipline needs to be instilled and reinforced daily to these young Soldiers.<br>

2014-02-26T12:20:57-05:00 2014-02-26T12:20:57-05:00 SFC Private RallyPoint Member 65159

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I feel that it become a two-fold product. When it began it was used as a platform to deciminate information, connect with peers and share experiences. Now it had turned into an outlet that has allowed any- and everyone to have a voice/opinion. The times of when certain avenues where control by rules and regulations has now gone into the "gray" area. I would to hear if anyone has conducted a "Social Media" class for an NCOPD. I would love to hear how military leaders are trying to combat this new age issue. I feel that any negative conduct posted or streamlined should be handle by chain of command.

2014-02-26T12:52:50-05:00 2014-02-26T12:52:50-05:00 CPT Private RallyPoint Member 65200

<div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I think social media can be a real double-edged sword.  Obviously it has great benifits for disseminating information and staying in touch with friends, mentors, etc.  Social media can also make a bad situation worse by spreading misinformation, making embarassing situations worse, and protraying people and organizations in a bad light.  But, just like any other system these days, garbage in = garbage out.  So use it wisely.

2014-02-26T13:37:16-05:00 2014-02-26T13:37:16-05:00 2014-02-26T07:53:08-05:00