As a Senior Leader, would you consider recommending a SM/NCO for UCMJ for comments that they have made on Facebook ?
If the comments were disloyal or disrespectful, during your NCOER counseling time, pull out the DA Form 2166-8-1 and point out to the NCO Part IV a.
Discuss the difference between a yes/no block and assign the task to send complaints up the chain and keep them in house. The only other option is the open door policy or legal. Remind him to be loyal to those with whom he serves: seniors, peers and subordinates alike. That loyalty means sending issues up the chain. Identifying the issue to a leader shows loyalty to subordinates that he will work to resolve issues appropriately. It shows his peers he is loyal to their leadership role by adressing issues they may run into at some point as well. Finally, it is loyal to his leadership to give them the opportunity to fix the issue. Counsel the NCO that he may not like the resolution to the issue, but if the solution does not violate Army Regs or Values, his loyalty then goes to enforcing the decission of his leaders as if it were his own. Teach/Coach/Mentor the NCO on the NCO Creed and the Army Values.
Then point out how you feel the NCO is a stellar performer, but the NCO has made a serious mistake that makes you question their judgement. Tell him how you know he is better than his postings on FB, and you expect him to live up to his potential. Maybe even pull out the old 11 principles of leadership and discuss "Set the example", "Make sound and timely decissions", and "Build the team". Discuss how serious a no in one of those value blocks can hamper a career in the military.
I see it as a chance to teach/coach/mentor a Junior NCO, but then again I am looking at it without being in the situation to know all of the nuances.
I am sure you will come up with the appropriate COA SFC Richmond. It may be requesting UCMJ action from the Company CDR or it may be attempting to remind the NCO that we are professionals, NCO, LEADERS!
Firstly, I would like to congratulate you on your choice of handling this situation. It's not everyday a situation arises in which a Senior NCO must take action and opts to think about how to handle the situation properly. My previous Senior NCOs would have simply laid down the law by any means necessary and someone probably would have lost some rank along the way. However, you have chosen to seek advice on how exactly to handle this. I give you the utmost respect, SFC Richmond.
As for what you should do, I agree with many of the posts here. I would definitely seek the soldier out and have a one on one discussion. Find out what their issues are with the leadership and then address it. Also, as an NCO (buck or senior) it's not in the best interest or professional at all to make insulting comments about your unit and/or leadership in a public forum where anyone can see it. It's stupid! They need to realize this. Something that can seem so small could be the ultimate career killer. Just remind him of the Marine Sgt who boasted on Facebook about his utter disdain for the POTUS. Was quickly separated from the military.
http://www.kpbs.org/news/2012/jul/30/marine-anti-obama-facebook-posts-gary-stein/
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