Posted on Jan 6, 2020
Are there legal ramifications with having LCSW in my signature block when I am not working in the role of a social worker?
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I am an E-6 but also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am currently a squad leader at a Warrior Transition Battalion. My signature block has LCSW after my name to represent my credentials. However, I was told that I need to remove it because I am not working in the role of a social worker. My credentials are earned and whether or not I am in uniform I am still an LCSW. I am licensed and I have a Master's Degree in Social Work. By the way, I will be commissioned as a 73A pending board approval. Are there legal ramifications with having LCSW in my signature block? What are your thoughts?
Edited 6 y ago
Posted 6 y ago
Responses: 5
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AR25-50 says no. Para 6-4, note 6-8 and the one time it is allowed, and Appendix D.
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SSG (Join to see)
Thank you sir. I was informed today after having the same signature block for 7 months that I must remove my credential. A civilian, GS employee, was also informed that she needs to remove PhD after her name...an earned degree. I was told it "has to do with legal"...which I don't understand because legally I am a licensed clinical social worker. I wear multiple hats but I certainly understand my current role as squad leader and never overstep my boundaries.
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LTC Jason Mackay
SSG (Join to see) I’m a retired guy, no dog in the fight. Just relaying what the regulation says. You should not be any less proud of your accomplishment or the lives you improve.
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The book answer
AR 25-13, ch 3-2:
Signature blocks within emails will contain only the necessary business information, such as: the name of the organization (office, activity, or unit represented); official mailing address or unit information; name of individual; telephone numbers (Defense Switched Network, commercial telephone, cell phone number, or facsimile numbers); office email addresses or government websites (unit web or social media page); government disclaimer (Privacy Act Statement, Attorney Client Notice); unit historical motto (http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil); or any other information approved by HQDA. Requests for exceptions will be submitted to the first O6 or equivalent in the chain of command (with possible delegation to the next O5 in the chain of command, or his/her equivalent).
The common sense answer:
Degrees and certifications that are not part of your military job are not "necessary business information".
Your military email is part of your military job. Right now your military job is not LCSW.
Your email signature block should explain exactly what it is you do in the unit.
Right now it sounds like you are working where there are LCSWs and you are not one of them, you have a different job, and that signature block can get pretty misleading and confusing
Once you commission to 73A and are credentialed by the Army and it's your Army job, go ahead and add it.
AR 25-13, ch 3-2:
Signature blocks within emails will contain only the necessary business information, such as: the name of the organization (office, activity, or unit represented); official mailing address or unit information; name of individual; telephone numbers (Defense Switched Network, commercial telephone, cell phone number, or facsimile numbers); office email addresses or government websites (unit web or social media page); government disclaimer (Privacy Act Statement, Attorney Client Notice); unit historical motto (http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil); or any other information approved by HQDA. Requests for exceptions will be submitted to the first O6 or equivalent in the chain of command (with possible delegation to the next O5 in the chain of command, or his/her equivalent).
The common sense answer:
Degrees and certifications that are not part of your military job are not "necessary business information".
Your military email is part of your military job. Right now your military job is not LCSW.
Your email signature block should explain exactly what it is you do in the unit.
Right now it sounds like you are working where there are LCSWs and you are not one of them, you have a different job, and that signature block can get pretty misleading and confusing
Once you commission to 73A and are credentialed by the Army and it's your Army job, go ahead and add it.
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SSG (Join to see)
SGM. Agreed, thank you for providing a different perspective. Yes, I do work with both GS and Army LCSWs.
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