Army First Sergeant commended for correcting unethical behavior of Soldiers online.

2014-12-19T00:12:44-05:00

Don't leave your ethics at the office! Three Soldiers' unethical online behavior caused three investigations to be launched. Military culture and our interface with the public are only improved by taking our shared values into the public sphere.

http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?adbid= [login to see] 090719&adbpl=fb&adbpr= [login to see] 8&cid=social_20141217_37491657&id=123850

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Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 19 at 2014 7:31 AM

2014-12-19T07:31:59-05:00

24 x 7. I think this is obviously the right decision. The SECDEF agrees, even commended the 1SG. This ties in with another thread here on RallyPoint: Should Army leaders use more social media monitoring? I guess the answer is yes.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/should-army-leaders-use-more-social-media-monitoring

Should Army Leaders use more Social Media Monitoring? | RallyPoint

Should Army Leaders use more Social Media Monitoring to identify and punish Soldiers who fail to be IAW AR 670-1, and violate Equal Opportunity/Sharp guidelines?

Response by Capt Jeff S. made Dec 20 at 2014 10:05 AM

2014-12-20T10:05:27-05:00

I don't think the government should be wasting their time actively monitoring social media, but when complaints arise, they should be investigated. What you do off duty and out of uniform still is a reflection on you, your professionalism, and the branch of service you represent.

Response by CPT Brandon Christensen made Dec 22 at 2014 10:56 AM

2014-12-22T10:56:10-05:00

Speechless. Very well said and put together. Plan on forwarding to my readiness NCO to put out to the rest of our Company for Soldiers to read this.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made Dec 23 at 2014 5:26 AM

2014-12-23T05:26:19-05:00

Ethics and related behavior are a 24/7 part of this job. SNCOs do not have the luxury of preaching one thing, then letting an uncorrected infraction go by. If you're going to talk the talk, walk the walk.

Response by PV2 Abbott Shaull made Jan 7 at 2015 5:28 PM

2015-01-07T17:28:37-05:00

I would agree the Military would have better things than lurking on Social Media of the troops. Then again we all know how everyone including the very young people like to use their cell phone camera to make videos and what not. Anyone who visits PX just before and after units goes to the field and/or deploys can pretty much tell you almost every detail that was given out in the various briefings before they moved out, before Social Media was out there. So if SECDEF wants to make sure it not going out there on Social Media, so be it.

Response by SSG Jason Cherry made Jan 9 at 2015 4:27 AM

2015-01-09T04:27:36-05:00

Monitor social media? No. Leaders have more important things to do than be social media moderators.

Address problems when they arise? Certainly.

I have stepped in to alert a couple folks on here about pushing boundaries already... but I would never accept an award for doing what I am supposed to.

Response by SSG John Erny made Jan 20 at 2015 2:50 PM

2015-01-20T14:50:24-05:00

That is why I have said we should avoid politics on Rally Point, for the sake of those still serving. I have said some harsh things but I am retired.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Jan 22 at 2015 8:39 AM

2015-01-22T08:39:25-05:00

I have two issues with this. One - It should never have occurred in today's environment in the Armed Forces. Secondly and my biggest problem with this entire issue, is that the 1SG/MSG received an inflated award. The soldier was doing there job as an NCO in the US Army. This action really does not equate to the award given; a Letter of Commendation or Achievement or the next step up a Certificate of Achievement or Commendation, should have been the only award given, since the soldier performed their job to Standard. No wonder today's NCOs and Officers are complaining about the Evaluation Report system and want it changed; I would say No, my suggestion would be to take a step back and evaluate the current system compared to the previous system/s. I would note that the most recent changes and the current proposed changes put into place a system that is even more conducive of abuse, awards such as the one mentioned is a sign of this. And by the way, the message would have gotten more proper attention, if the individual had been formally presented a Letter by the SECDEF publicly and that award and picture was used, it would have sent an even bigger message to everyone. The US Armed Forces has to get away from the everyone deserves an award/trophy mentality if we want true reform to these systems.

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Sep 4 at 2018 5:29 PM

2018-09-04T17:29:27-04:00

Link is bad