Posted on Jul 5, 2016
How could I have handled a Soldier displaying gang affiliation on social media better?
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I came across a soldier who displayed gang affiliation on his Facebook page. Throwing up gang signs, flashing colors, etc. I messaged him on June 23rd and advised him that gang affiliation is illegal to service members, and that he should remove the posts and the pictures. On July 4th, I happened across the message I sent and noticed that he read it almost immediately after I sent it (time stamps were the same),but he did not reply, so I checked the profile to see if they had been taken down. They had not. I sought counsel with two DS (that were mutual friends) and was told to contact CID. So I filed a report with the MPIs, and provided them with the evidence. Did I handle this the right way? Or is there another way I should have handled it?
Affiliation
UCMJ
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 94
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I understand you messaged him, but why not face-to-face? I find that even in civilian life people will not take a written message as serious as in person counselling.
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I do not know him on a personal level. He was on the "People You May Know" list on Facebook. He is not stationed at the same place, so face-to-face was not possible.
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No. I messaged him about it on June 23rd. he read it almost immediately (thank you Facebook Messenger for telling me that), but made no changes or adjustments. The pictures and posts are still there today.
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I would have advised the same, my only concern would be possible retaliation and your safety.
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Think of it this way. It would be like being a cop and a gang member at the same time.
The military is the biggest, most powerful, "gang" in the country. (and with all the best toys!)
What gang would allow you to be a member of 2 gangs at same time? And with completely opposing objectives.
The military is the biggest, most powerful, "gang" in the country. (and with all the best toys!)
What gang would allow you to be a member of 2 gangs at same time? And with completely opposing objectives.
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You should have grabbed your cojones and addressed the situation personally with the individual in question. Explain the policy that was violated and implement consequences for it. That no-nuts e-leadership is very ineffective.
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Perhaps I should have included in the original post that the soldier was stations at JBLM at the time, while I was at Fort Jackson. He was a suggested friend due to mutual friends.
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I belonged to a gang. It was called the U.S Army. And they took their orders from the CIC.
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I think you went beyond what is called for by advising the soldier directly of the violation and counseling him about the necessary corrective actions. Well done, Specialist.
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