Posted on Dec 27, 2014
ARCOM for calling out inappropriate use in Social Media. Appropriate or not?
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I understand we need to be better about our online status on social media but an Arcom for this?? I don't think so..You answer the question with your Yes..Its her job...an Arcom is above and beyond the call of duty.
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I believe leaders should monitor Social Media of their subordinates, but on the spot correction and education are appropriate in 99% of cases of public posts.
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I believe that 1SG Moerk was attempting to do the right thing. As NCOs, we have SHARP training constantly shoved in our faces for the purpose of combating rape and sexual harassment, and as leaders, we aren't well-equipped to deal with the often hateful and exploitative nature of social media, so we handle it differently.
Some of us turn a blind eye, citing freedom of speech. I tend do this, because it's easier, and in my mind, a Soldier's lack of professionalism and respect will catch up with them in the long run, and they will either get right or discontinue their service. That's what I tell myself, anyways.
I see that a lot of people angry that 1SG Moerk got an ARCOM for what she did. However, are they mad that she called people out, or mad that she involved SHARP, or mad that it escalated or just mad that she got an ARCOM? I seriously doubt she went seeking an award, so that has no bearing on whether her actions were right or wrong. They are two separate issues.
Some of us turn a blind eye, citing freedom of speech. I tend do this, because it's easier, and in my mind, a Soldier's lack of professionalism and respect will catch up with them in the long run, and they will either get right or discontinue their service. That's what I tell myself, anyways.
I see that a lot of people angry that 1SG Moerk got an ARCOM for what she did. However, are they mad that she called people out, or mad that she involved SHARP, or mad that it escalated or just mad that she got an ARCOM? I seriously doubt she went seeking an award, so that has no bearing on whether her actions were right or wrong. They are two separate issues.
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SSG (Join to see)
Definitely two different issues - the ARCOM though should have been more for her role with SHARP and less emphasis on trolling social media. The way the award was written and presented cheapens it for those who deserve the award for greater accomplishments than this.
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This is ridiculous. Dumb, dumb, dumb.
This will only encourage the people in her command to avoid friending her or liking the unit, and further degrade the lines of communication in her chain of command.
Let this be a lesson about making sure your privacy settings are where you want them on social media, also being aware that those privacy settings are magic bullets that somehow lock out the rest of the world.
This will only encourage the people in her command to avoid friending her or liking the unit, and further degrade the lines of communication in her chain of command.
Let this be a lesson about making sure your privacy settings are where you want them on social media, also being aware that those privacy settings are magic bullets that somehow lock out the rest of the world.
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Seriously, the chain of command had nothing better to do that day??
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I agree that as a 1st Sgt she should ensure personnel know and follow the rules regarding social media. But is this worthy of a military decoration? I do not think so.
All NCOs and SNCOs need to be aware of DoD guidelines for professional and personal use of social media. They should also be willing uphold those standards even if that means saying something to people using social media inappropriately but that action certainly does warrant a decoration.
All NCOs and SNCOs need to be aware of DoD guidelines for professional and personal use of social media. They should also be willing uphold those standards even if that means saying something to people using social media inappropriately but that action certainly does warrant a decoration.
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I saw this on Facebook and the "warrior culture" friends of mine were outraged. Me personally, I served in the 74worst at Ft Meade and I'm neither surprised nor shocked. This is typical par for the course. Edit: regarding the ARCOM for something like this. So that's why I voted no.
With regards to the actions she took, absolutely call people out. However, calling John Lillyea an asshat, however deserved *I* feel that was, was unprofessional.
With regards to the actions she took, absolutely call people out. However, calling John Lillyea an asshat, however deserved *I* feel that was, was unprofessional.
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What you say on Social Media is the same as saying it in person. If you make inappropriate comments online you should be stopped, and as a bystander, if you see that happening you have a duty to stop it.
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CPT (Join to see)
And as for being deserving of the ARCOM, that's not on her. If we want to debate if her higher ups were correct or not, then there's another debate. While the post was titled to discuss if she is ARCOM worthy for her actions, what I see on here is a personal attack on her as to if her actions were warranted or not--which I believe they were.
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She did her job. Should I get an ARCOM for telling a Soldier to put their cell away while doing road guard duty during PT? Ummm No! She did her job. This is political more than anything. She is an NCO and made a correction like most of us do on a daily basis. So this is another overblown award like a TOC NCO getting a BSM and NEVER seeing combat!
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While I commend her for doing the right thing and calling people out about an issue the fact the Army gave her an ARCOM for doing it is disgusting at best. What does it say about leadership that gives out a medal for stuff like this. If this is the case where is my medal for every time I correct a fellow service member for for doing something out of line with the regs. SAD!!!!
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I would not accurately vote for either answer. I voted yes because i had to vote in order to write this response and to show my support for the soldier. I agree she was doing what a 1SGT should do to insure OPSEC and respectful image of the Army and its soldiers is maintained. Trolling-the media hyped up that word. however, from what I know, an ARCOM was probably too high an award if just awarded for just this action. Perhaps the award did encompass other things. Again, media can exaggerate things. Hard to make a fair judgement without knowing the facts. But to belittle that soldier becauses her superiors may have been too leniant with the awads, as some have done on other sites, is absolutely wrong!
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I don't think it deserves an ARCOM, but any SM should correct any other SM out of line. I don't see soldiers getting ARCOMS that make sure their soldier gets home when they are drunk or taking time out of their day after duty hours to help another soldier out.
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SFC (Join to see)
SGT(P) Llamas, I founded the award to be worthy of the occasion because it is commendation award. She earned accommodation for her actions of taking initiative in the absence of orders. That is what NCOs are supposed to do!. Can you imagine how many young women read the post with discuss but felt powerless to act? Let's assume it viewed by several others Soldiers who were probably leaders or moreover females. But none of them took the necessary action, so yes she is not a bystander at least not at this moment. She led by example, and I would hope other will follow her lead. Good on you Battle (1SG). Hooah!!!
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LTJG (Join to see)
What about every other NCO that also does that? I have seen a lot of NCOs do what she had done with no award, females and males alike. You say you hope people follow her lead, but what about the soldiers already doing that before her? You think this gives female soldiers more power? I doubt it. I am glad, however, to see that it is a female 1SG, but still doesn't deserve that award unless they are going to give it to everyone else that had done what she did and yes there are people out there.
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SFC (Join to see)
I believe we are somewhat stressing the same point that is people should recognize those who take action when others remain silence. For example, taking into perspective what she did goes beyond what anyone else have done to my knowledge. The thought to look these Soldiers up on AKO and find their command leadership and address them as to their Soldiers action is worth recognition. I know most people would say that what a 1SG should do, but do know of any that has besides her?
I believe those that came before her and stepped up call alarm to mistreatment others deserves to be mention as well. But let’s not get mad at the person who someone outside her control identified her for an award. I feel the other Soldiers you mention because someone should shine light on them especially if they were young Soldiers (rank). I love empowering young Soldier because it shows leadership. In closing, if know of someone else worthy of being recognized fill out DA 638 and recommend them. I believe leadership welcome Soldiers with value.
I believe those that came before her and stepped up call alarm to mistreatment others deserves to be mention as well. But let’s not get mad at the person who someone outside her control identified her for an award. I feel the other Soldiers you mention because someone should shine light on them especially if they were young Soldiers (rank). I love empowering young Soldier because it shows leadership. In closing, if know of someone else worthy of being recognized fill out DA 638 and recommend them. I believe leadership welcome Soldiers with value.
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I commend her for saying something and other soldiers should have as well, but an ARCOM? I swear they are just giving out medals these days.
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It's quite clear exactly what this 1SG's command is doing. They are making a positive example out of her because they want to encourage this behavior. I would hardly call it trolling when she was going through and specifically calling out active duty service members for behavior that is absolutely not kosher. Considering the backlash she's been getting on various pages and websites suggesting she fucker her way into this award, her rank, etc it's hard to not agree with both her COC and the 1SG herself that this kind of self policing's actually needed.
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Something I realized several hours but hadn't been able to post it yet. From the results of the survey, as of 2217 hours tonight, the vast majority believe what 1SG Moerk did was warranted especially considering her job as a senior NCO. What we don't agree with is the awarding of an ARCOM for her actions. With that said, how many are upset at her for the award? To be blunt, if you are then you are wrong because it is higher ups who are to blame for the recommendation, approval and actual awarding. Think about it. I would take a gander to say if she's a good 1SG then she's probably embarrassed by the award for such a simple action commensurate with her job. BLUF: I blame the senior commanders for the actual award.
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No it is not worthy of a ARCOM in my opinion. Should military personnel be aware and careful of what they post or say, absolutely. Is it wrong for a SNCO to be checking out media sites where SM post to make sure they are using proper edict or for OPSEC reasons, no. Especially if they are using a profile picture in uniform. Because your actions reflect on all of us.
The problem I have is why did you even comment in the first place if you know your action will be attacked or misunderstood. If a subject or action is that offensive or contraversial the best course of action is to walk away. There are threads/topics here on Rally Point that are just best to stay away from also. Otherwise they can and will get nasty and down right rude.
The problem I have is why did you even comment in the first place if you know your action will be attacked or misunderstood. If a subject or action is that offensive or contraversial the best course of action is to walk away. There are threads/topics here on Rally Point that are just best to stay away from also. Otherwise they can and will get nasty and down right rude.
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I have to say both on this. I think it is a great job that she held soldiers to a high standard on social media but I am still pissed that she got an ARCOM out of it. My battle buddy during deployment survived an RPG at point-blank-range and got just a purple heart and an hand shake. Don't get me wrong, the purple heart is a great medal to have but it always comes with a sacrifice.
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I'm contemplating a re-entry to service next year (gotta get in "fighting" shape) after about a 13 year break in service... PLEASE tell me this is not the kind of BS I will have to put up with!
Did the 1SG DESERVE an ARCOM? Not just "NO," but HELL NO!
Sure, what these soldiers did was wrong, but rather than make an ass of yourself and try to pull rank online, why not just report them to their respective commands and let them be appropriately counselled. More importantly, how was it that she didn't have something better to do than surf the net?
To me, she certainly wasn't doing anything "above and beyond" and she certainly is NOT deserving of such an award!
Did the 1SG DESERVE an ARCOM? Not just "NO," but HELL NO!
Sure, what these soldiers did was wrong, but rather than make an ass of yourself and try to pull rank online, why not just report them to their respective commands and let them be appropriately counselled. More importantly, how was it that she didn't have something better to do than surf the net?
To me, she certainly wasn't doing anything "above and beyond" and she certainly is NOT deserving of such an award!
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CMC Robert Young
Sir, you have a keen insight into the seagoing services. I'm still fighting to get a half dozen CGAMs issued for a project that concluded more than a year ago. I've heard every excuse, and every dodge in the world for not doing the right thing. It's mind numbing. It's almost like somebody at the top of the food chain is going to be required to cut the medal off their own chest to award it to a junior member. I don't get it.
I'm not in favor of having a cookiejar on the chief's desk where you can pick up your award as you walk by, but clearly the CG awards process is both stingy and more than a little convoluted. We need a system that is a little less stingy, and a little more user friendly.
Master Chief rant complete ;-)
I'm not in favor of having a cookiejar on the chief's desk where you can pick up your award as you walk by, but clearly the CG awards process is both stingy and more than a little convoluted. We need a system that is a little less stingy, and a little more user friendly.
Master Chief rant complete ;-)
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PO3 (Join to see)
Roger that, I got out with 11 collateral duties (as a PO3) and was denied a NAM for an exit award (what I got was nothing, not even a handshake). I'm looking at the Army Reserves though...
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CMC Robert Young
PO3 Glade, I hear you!! I had several strong performers leave my last unit without anything either. I was pretty offended that an O3 would question an E8 making an award recommendation. I figured by the time I was a senior chief, if I said, a lieutenant should know that it ought to happen.....but it's the new Guard now.
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CMC Robert Young
You hit the nail on the head "used PROPERLY". To deny an award or approve an award in an arbitrary manner devalues the whole process. The it becomes about something other than recognizing the performance of the member.
I truly don't understand how or why things do or don't happen. During my last T10 recall, the unit had three successive OICs (Two MCPOs & one SCPO). The first two received MSMs as parting gifts. Both well earned; absolutely deserved for extraordinary service. The final OIC, same outstanding performance but his MSM recommendation was downgraded to a CGCM. The retiring XPO (SCPO) same thing, an MSM reduced to CGCM. I was asked by the command to help draft the packages since I was the OPS Boss and had access to all of the unit's accomplishments. There was no question that all concerned should have received the MSM. However, every O4 and above who departed from the group/sector who could find any convoluted way to attach themselves to our special project took an MSM with them.
I'm with you sir. I enjoy drafting packages for my people, and even those folks who outside my chain of command. In the almost eight years I was on AD between 9/11 and 2011, I drafted/submitted around 80 awards (MSM, CGCM, CGAM, MOVSM, LOC, CGMUC, CGMTC). I have very good success rate and am happy to say that about 95% of those submitted were approved. The best part of being at the top is reading those awards at Colors/Quarters and seeing my subordinates recognized for their performance.
As to the matter at hand, I have been given a host of excuses for awards that remain outstanding. The unit continue to support OCONUS military operations for two years after I left finally being completely decommissioned last fall. I've been told that the chiefs who followed me didn't submit well developed package; AD DivOs declined to endorse reservists for awards; department heads/OIC & XPO all PCSed taking whatever knowledge of the issues with them; new sector awards board policy excluded chiefs from participating so only Os many of whom had no idea about the unit/mission to determine what an award looks like; and the best one of all, "I don't know what you're talking about. It must have gotten lost. Besides, it's too late to do anything about now anyway."
In fairness, I have made some small progress over the last couple of months in getting several CGAMs into the system. I'm waiting to see how well they are received.
Master Chief rant complete! Out.
I truly don't understand how or why things do or don't happen. During my last T10 recall, the unit had three successive OICs (Two MCPOs & one SCPO). The first two received MSMs as parting gifts. Both well earned; absolutely deserved for extraordinary service. The final OIC, same outstanding performance but his MSM recommendation was downgraded to a CGCM. The retiring XPO (SCPO) same thing, an MSM reduced to CGCM. I was asked by the command to help draft the packages since I was the OPS Boss and had access to all of the unit's accomplishments. There was no question that all concerned should have received the MSM. However, every O4 and above who departed from the group/sector who could find any convoluted way to attach themselves to our special project took an MSM with them.
I'm with you sir. I enjoy drafting packages for my people, and even those folks who outside my chain of command. In the almost eight years I was on AD between 9/11 and 2011, I drafted/submitted around 80 awards (MSM, CGCM, CGAM, MOVSM, LOC, CGMUC, CGMTC). I have very good success rate and am happy to say that about 95% of those submitted were approved. The best part of being at the top is reading those awards at Colors/Quarters and seeing my subordinates recognized for their performance.
As to the matter at hand, I have been given a host of excuses for awards that remain outstanding. The unit continue to support OCONUS military operations for two years after I left finally being completely decommissioned last fall. I've been told that the chiefs who followed me didn't submit well developed package; AD DivOs declined to endorse reservists for awards; department heads/OIC & XPO all PCSed taking whatever knowledge of the issues with them; new sector awards board policy excluded chiefs from participating so only Os many of whom had no idea about the unit/mission to determine what an award looks like; and the best one of all, "I don't know what you're talking about. It must have gotten lost. Besides, it's too late to do anything about now anyway."
In fairness, I have made some small progress over the last couple of months in getting several CGAMs into the system. I'm waiting to see how well they are received.
Master Chief rant complete! Out.
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This is a joke and makes me sick. I along with my crews have gone into hot LZ's to rescue wounded men and women on the ground. we have done msns outside of our scope of responsibility to help the wounded and have had other agencies even take credit for what we have done. For the most part I have excepted the denial for recognition and/or clarification, but when I see this it makes me sick. Not that this Solder was recognized for what she did but for the level at which she received the award.
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This is a joke and makes me sick, I along with my crews have gone into hot LZ's to rescue wounded men and women on the ground, we have done msns outside of our scope of responsibility to help the wounded,and have had other agencies take credit for what we have done. For the most part I have excepted the denial for recognition and/or clarification. But when I see this it makes me sick, not that this Solder was recognized for what she did but for the level at which she received the award.
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