More Online Muzzlings by Air Force NCOs

I have to wonder if the "enforcers" are applying the same standards to all who post on social media or are they targeting those with ideological viewpoints contrary to their own? The article was mute on this point.

Give me a second, I have to get on my soapbox...It takes me a little longer since I am not as agile as I once was.

I was always told, if an Airman isn't complaining, they aren't happy. (okay, it was worded differently, but I am not going there today.) I think it is silly that the US government, is so afraid that just because an Airman/Soldier/Marine/Seaman/Coast Guardsman voices an opinion on social media, that people will automatically assume they are a spokesman for their respective branch of service. (I know today's media is so bad, they could assume that!) What happens if a Soldier, is at a rally, in civilian clothes, but has a hat on that says "Army Proud", and is photographed? Come on leadership, get a little thicker skin.

I also agree the Chief in Turkey was way off base. AAFES is a private corporation and needs to have it's policies criticized from time to time. But, we as the users need to understand, if they aren't making money, then they need to prioritize to not operate at a loss. Though, with their gas prices, I don't see how they operate at a loss.

I have been known to say, "AAFES, doing things to good people." And I wonder sometimes what the powers that be in AAFES are thinking when they cut hours and stock their stores. But they do have an extremely diverse crowd they are trying to serve.

Getting back to today's comment...military members should have the right to complain, compliment or voice their opinions on social media about our country, as long as they don't say they are speaking for the DoD.

I will now get off my soapbox.

Keri B I agree with you. To monitor the social newworks isn't right and should be stopped. First off the Chief should have called the Airman rather than showing out to the world his dislike of the post. Bad form. While i agree maybe the Airman was a little flip with his post he was on his own time and within Regs. This as i said is bad form, but not as bad as the retirement cermony inicident. I have no idea as to what the outcome is but it has shown a breakdown in leadership within the Air Force. We are a a low peak in the AF now and this isn't needed. We need to move forward. I do not recall this kind of leadership when I served my 20 years.