Social Media and the Military: An Incompatible Combination? - OpsLens

Every time there's an incident that receives widespread media attention, the Army tends to go overboard with new policies and mandatory training.

This is already a part of every Public Affairs brief I've had. Millennials, always used to refer to the "younger" groups, are now in their 30's. There seems to be a disconnect in this, that I see frequently. Active patrolling is massive overkill. Asking companies to get involved in monitoring...sets a dangerous precedent, if it's explicitly for the military.

These policies are already in place. Commanders are -never- going to stop Servicemembers from doing stupid, sometimes illegal, things-- and sometimes, it's going to blow up in to a national scandal. Punish those who do illegal, immoral, and unethical acts, and don't add more work and time spent for the other 99% of the force who are responsible adults.

Troops just need to understand that some things have no place on social media. There are those who will follow the standards that are set down and those who won't. What I don't like is Commanders stating they had no idea what was going on. If that was the case, they weren't listening.

I agree with some of the articles points but strenuously disagree with others.

I do not see a need for "patrolling" social media for violations

I see a need to treat a violation of the UCMJ regardless if the offense was committed at the Div Christmas ball or on a FB page the same.

If a crime was committed, address it.
Mil members do not need hours of additional social media training.
They need only be told being an ass in person or on FB is the same under the law.
If you would not do it face to face it's still a violation on social media.