Do we rely too much on social media for support, mentorship and military education?

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 23:59:32 -0400

Does the use of social media cause more harm than good when it comes to the lost of art of seeking support from established Military Instutions, the chain of command and actual mentors?

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Jul 9 at 2015 12:24 AM

SGM Matthew Quick — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 00:24:55 -0400

Social media greatly expands ones support and mentorship base.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 12:29 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 00:29:44 -0400

It can adequately supplement the CoC. It can also expand resources and guidance.

However, some replace research with an inquisitive post and get unexpert opinions or out of context snippets. Some gripe. Sometimes it almost seems like folks use it to find ways around the CoC.

Something's are both good & bad... That's why we learn to use things properly and take things with a grain of salt.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 1:02 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 01:02:51 -0400

I think that this question is posted on a social media site lends to the fact that in this day and age using these tools can and do benefit a person. But like SSG Aaron Smith said there is both good and bad when it comes to social media. Though I have used it for help and as a resource at times I personally have found the best advice I have received came from face to face interactions.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jul 9 at 2015 1:11 AM

LTC John Shaw — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 01:11:23 -0400

Social media should augment not replace traditional mentorship and F2F training and development.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 1:27 AM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 01:27:41 -0400

Face to face. I enlisted in 1992 when computers were a rarity. Classes were face to face and the training in my mind was better.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 1:38 AM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 01:38:51 -0400

Thanks for responding. I can agree with you on the aspect and importantance of face to face communication. Nothing can replace pysically interacting with a subordinate, peer or a superior and actually receiving information and the intent without any surprises or second guessing. I also believe that as we approach 2025 and beyond, social media can only enhance our capabilities as leaders as long as we don't use social media as the only means of communication.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2015 6:21 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 09 Jul 2015 06:21:21 -0400

I think some of us are driven to these outlets by the lack of professional development at a unit level. I will say that in the Guard at least mentoring is difficult. Not for the lack of trying but for time constraints. We don't really have the time where you could sit down when you have so many tasks to accomplish in such a short timeframe. Also, with the rapid progression of some soldiers into leadership positions who were not mentored and underplay the value of it some will struggle to perform a task to mentor others. You may run into a "well I figured it out why can't you?" mindset.

But I wouldn't dismiss social media. If the right resources are tapped it could be a great asset to augment the mentorship program you are already in. I will say that I have greatly grown as a leader due to Rallypoint. I consume vast amounts of information daily. I read news for hours everyday. It is one of my hobbies, if you would call it one. But Rallypoint lets me see how others would deal with it. It is a chance to see the perspective from others. So if I think I may be right I may not realize the impact I may be having unintentionally. Or I may miss the point as regard to how a younger soldier may see it due to my age and my experience level. For me being in the military for 14 years I may take something for granted. But social media lets you interact with so many and you could also develop mentor relationships here.