This support the troops photo bothers me.

2014-03-23T09:03:10-04:00

Does this bother anyone other than me? It is getting a lot of hits on LinkedIn.<br><br><br><br><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="https://static.licdn.com/scds/common/u/img/logos/logo_linkedin_92x22.png"></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/nhome/updates?topic=activity: [login to see] 037475328">Join LinkedIn | LinkedIn</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">LinkedIn strengthens and extends your existing network of trusted contacts. LinkedIn is a networking tool that helps you discover inside connections to recommended job candidates, industry experts and...</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by SGT William B. made Mar 23 at 2014 9:08 AM

2014-03-23T09:08:57-04:00

Sir,

I won't say that it bothers me to the extent that I'd do something about it, but I was always taught that the uniform isn't to be used to for purposes of self-promotion. I guess the question I'd ask is "Does this reflect poorly on the military?"

Response by SSG Zachery Mitchell made Mar 23 at 2014 9:40 AM

2014-03-23T09:40:33-04:00

This photo has been around for a few years now and I haven't been able to stand it since day one. I don't think any self respecting service member should be going around asking for support from anyone. If you want support then earn it. Your family/friends should be more than enough support. You don't need to be asking strangers for support. I personally can't stand any of these photos that go around facebook/linkd/instagram that ask for people to like them or share them so "good" things happen. They irritate me to no end actually.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Mar 23 at 2014 11:16 AM

2014-03-23T11:16:03-04:00

I think it's just a symptom of the "I'm so cool because I wear a uniform" mentality that seems to have pervaded the ranks. These photos just serve to feed into the individuals sense of self importance...

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Mar 23 at 2014 11:34 AM

2014-03-23T11:34:53-04:00

I look at these images with two thoughts.

One, I dont really mind getting pictures of our Warriors (regardless of branch) in the social media or on the news, as long as it is pleasant and tasteful. I am a believer that we need to keep the people of our great country aware that we stand ready to deploy and destroy the enemies of the United States in close combat. We need the continued support of our population.

Point two. The context of the picture tells me this is an Airborne Ranger that is at NTC either preparing for a rotation or coming out of a rotation. This Infantryman is in a unit with standard & discipline....vehicles are on line, vehicle basic issue items are dress-right-dress. It's a great picture with the exception if that ridiculous sign! Had their been a caption under (not part of) the photo I don't think we'd be discussing this photo. Finally, had he not been holding the sign (I'm not so sure the sign was not added based on his left hand), but if he didn't have that sign in his hand, I could see this as a positive image on the Army homepage or on AKO as a Soldier at work.

The sign in this photo absolutely destroys the great stuff going on in the background of this picture.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2014 11:42 AM

2014-03-23T11:42:58-04:00

There is always something to complain about.

I have no issue with this.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Mar 23 at 2014 7:47 PM

2014-03-23T19:47:06-04:00

I guess I would error on the side of context. I do applaud people for rallying support for our troops (regardless of branch) keeping them in many thoughts and minds as they go through their day. Using deployed SM's in a pic to stir up the support does give me pause. I think there are better ways to rally support for our troops than using images of deployed troops. I tend to try and post a - this happened on this date in history - type of thing and then tie it to some action to support our troops.

The image itself is not bad, nor does it display poor performance or questionable activity. I've asked many of my civilian friends & they respond that seeing a soldier in a tactical situation makes them think twice about where they are and how good they have it compared to that soldiers situation. To say that the image used above reflects poorly on the military is a pandora's box. I can't see name or rank, it appears there is some type of equipment inspection in process, it's written on cardboard but that - in itself - is not degrading or detrimental to the military.

I suppose if we do not 'read' anything into the image or presuppose something that does not exist in that image, we're left with a soldier who is deployed & away from home making a statement about supporting the troops.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 23 at 2014 8:23 PM

2014-03-23T20:23:26-04:00

That picture is altered. Here is the original from April 2011, when the government almost shut down.

http://wafflesatnoon.com/solider-collecting-facebook-likes-photo/