Social Media Frenzy

2014-03-08T02:44:17-05:00

I tell Marines all the time, if the Commandant and the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps was next to you, would you do it?  If the answer is no, don't do it. In the case of social media, if the Commandant and the Sergeant Major were to read it would you write it, would you post it, would you show the picture to them?  Sometimes people need to just slow down and ask them that simple question and realize that having something public means, the whole world has eyes on! <div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://terminallance.com/media/comics/2014-03-07-Strip_Social_Media_Frenzy_web.gif"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://terminallance.com/2014/03/07/terminal-lance-social-media-frenzy/">Terminal Lance - Terminal Lance “Social Media Frenzy”</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">If you read this comic you probably follow most of the military stuff around the world wide web as well. With that said, you’re probably more than aware of the recent Instagram debacles that the Army ...</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Mar 8 at 2014 3:30 AM

2014-03-08T03:30:00-05:00

I really believe that these incidents are either caused by a lack of education/training/awareness or individuals just not caring. The first group can be fixed with some training, counseling, etc. Too easy. The second group is a little tougher to get a grasp around. They are the ones who just don't care. They have reasons like:

"I posted it after I got off work...I wasn't on duty"

"It's my personal account and I can post what I want"

"What I do on my own time on my own computer if my own business"

"It's my 1st amendment right to do express myself how I want"

These are just a few of the excuses that I have heard. This is a mind set that needs to be changed in order to get the results needed. It will take more time and effort than just the standard "wake-up call" that we give to the folks who are just not tracking the rules. If mind sets do not conform to the standard, then there are avenues available to CDRs and leaders to punish and/or separate.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2014 2:08 PM

2014-03-08T14:08:30-05:00

SSgt Fair,

Posting to congratulate you on bringing Terminal Lance to Rally Point.

V/r

SGT Mullet

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 8 at 2014 2:20 PM

2014-03-08T14:20:37-05:00

Every problem has a "out of control moment".

My guess, after 2 or 3 more serious/stupid incidents, it will start dying down.....I hope

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Mar 10 at 2014 10:19 AM

2014-03-10T10:19:57-04:00

I encourage all service members to behave to a higher standard than your civilian friends - not because what they do is wrong, but because you wear the uniform, it is expected of you. This instills a personal challenge to them and they want to do it for themselves and not for anyone else. I never try to intimidate anyone with rank - mine or anyone else's. We are all on the same team and our ranks are given by God - he puts us where he wants us - we should serve as whatever rank we are as best we can in every situation.