What do you say to a Soldier who wants to post to sites like WTF Army?

PVT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 17:21:25 -0400

Soldiers now use social media more then ever, typically if you visit several platforms you can see Soldiers posting about their units both negative and positive. In the instance focusing on the negative post what would you say to a Soldier that wants to post or "put his leadership on blast". Consider are the Soldier perspective on having the feeling no one cares to listen to the Commanders policy.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2017 5:41 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 17:41:46 -0400

There are occasions where I could see a SM at any level feeling like they've barked up all the trees and aren't getting any results. In which case the only option is to go outside the normal avenues. Fear of reprisal may be a legitimate issue too. Taking up your issue with a Facebook page like USAWTFM could feel like your only avenue due to the anonymity. Those folks are USUALLY pretty good about investigating any allegations that are handed to them and many very important people within the service see it. If you don't think the SMA Dailey or Gen Milley don't follow it, I've got some beachfront property in Nebraska for sale..

Response by Cpl John Barker made Aug 18 at 2017 9:06 PM

Cpl John Barker — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 21:06:36 -0400

I was in when social media like FB was just created (2007) and there wern't as many guidlines on it back then, today especially with all of the blue falcons I'd just tell my Marines to delete their profiles for as long as they have a government job, way too much bullshit

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Aug 18 at 2017 11:38 PM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 23:38:40 -0400

You can do anything in the world you want.....once. It will have consequences. The Army has been very clear about social media and Soldier responsibility in using it. If you have a legit issue there is the open door policy, IG, EO, and engaging a member of congress. Those are protected activities. Separate personal butt hurt from actual regulatory/policy issues.

For interactions that happen to somebody else, you may not know all the details. Those seeking sympathy/assistance may only selectively convey what they want to be conveyed And not what actually went down....example theUSAF NCO that was allegedly separated for being 5 minutes late to a meeting. Everything must pass the sniff test. The NTC rotation where they allegedly starved on USAWTF moments. There are NTC safeguards with OCs to prevent this and no one was in danger.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 19 at 2017 1:01 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 13:01:14 -0400

I don't post about my unit but I do frequent military pages. Simple rules, don't post your unit, don't post locations, don't post certain pictures without approval.

Response by LCpl Kim Kroeger made Aug 19 at 2017 1:05 PM

LCpl Kim Kroeger — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 13:05:19 -0400

I just say that social media is a two way street. Once you put it out there, be man or woman enough to face the consequences. Comments made while one is upset or if one had to much to drink, might cause one to think differently after it was posted. Just saying...... old marine.

Response by AA Joseph Moody made Aug 19 at 2017 8:04 PM

AA Joseph Moody — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 20:04:33 -0400

OPSEC aside, I would remind them half tongue in cheek that if they are going to be insubordinate that they should do it with respect.

On one hand, I think any concerns with photo's that is brought up in some rant post should be given due consideration, I'm sure none of us want to eat someplace where the servers have open face sores, or where the food is habitually raw or moldy. People are people and sometimes there are breakdowns in communication and leadership.

But on the other hand, there are expectations of behavior that we expect from anyone who raises their right hand to serve this country, and I'm not just talking enlisted personal, federal employees are in that category as well. So in my opinion the validity of any complaint they might have posted does not shield them from any slander.