Posted on Jul 4, 2014
How do you feel about currently serving military who bash the President on social media?
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This is a duplicate discussion. Click below to see more on this topic.
My word: Inspirational
Responses: 23
Simply spoken, if you are a US citizen, you have freedom of speech-our brothers have assured that right with their blood.
As a member of the military-you do not exactly have that right. When I see posts by, or hear military members bashing, I remind them of our position and that there is nothing worse than the public seeing/hearing military represented and disrespecting.
As a member of the military-you do not exactly have that right. When I see posts by, or hear military members bashing, I remind them of our position and that there is nothing worse than the public seeing/hearing military represented and disrespecting.
MSgt Craig Washington
I whole-heartedly agree. Not only is it disrespectful, it also unprofessional. We took an oath.
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
Thank you 1stSgt and MSgt. Good to know that you are or were leading the troops.
LCDR (Join to see)
You don't openly bash your Commanding Officer on social media so you should afford the President the same level of respect. I dont always like or agree with my Skipper, but as a military professional you respect the office. The President is your ultimate CO. You don't have to like him, but you should keep your opinions off the Twittersphere.
In my opinion it is shameful and shows a lack of understanding of how the military is to conduct itself in the public eye. Yes freedom of speech is important, but using it wisely is equally so.
Freedom of speech. One of the few countries in the world where you can do it and not find yourself on the wrong end of a firing squad. Though one has to be smart and responsible about it. Simply blaring out the first thing on your mind or combining certain keywords with POTUS in the same sentence that could have the Secret Service paying you a not-so-social call, would not be highly recommended CsOA.
Happy 4th CWO4 (Join to see) and thanks for your service.
Happy 4th CWO4 (Join to see) and thanks for your service.
CPT Aaron Kletzing
As POTUS is in the military chain of command (as we all know) of current service members, my understanding was that it would be against UCMJ to bash him on social media. The key term being 'bash' (as phrased in the question of this thread) -- which suggests really going off on him about something.
MSgt (Join to see)
I'm pretty sure you are referring to Article 88 of the UCMJ—Contempt toward officials . And that pertains only to officers.
CPO (Join to see)
As many of you have stated, just as is the practice in my realm of authority, it is a true lack of understanding of our position and the respect that the seat commands. None of us should speak harshly in a public forum about our leaders. That being said, there is an equally large issue with the single most recognizable officer in the armed forces disputing his Ward Room and advisors publicly for a few points of the popular vote. For that reason, I truly believe that just as we would file a grievance for lack of faith and ability on a CO we should be more than justified in filing a lack of faith and ability in the Commander and Chief. That is both professional and dignified.
CSM (Join to see)
AHH but Art 134 can be used as a catch all for enlisted as well.
Article 134 could be used to cover that situation:
934. ART. 134. GENERAL ARTICLE
Though not specifically mentioned in this chapter, all disorders and neglects to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces, all conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces, and crimes and offenses not capital, of which persons subject to this chapter may be guilty, shall be taken cognizance of by a general, special or summary court-martial, according to the nature and degree of the offense, and shall be punished at the discretion of that court.
Source:
http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/ucmj... ART. 134. GENERAL ARTICLE
Article 134 could be used to cover that situation:
934. ART. 134. GENERAL ARTICLE
Though not specifically mentioned in this chapter, all disorders and neglects to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces, all conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces, and crimes and offenses not capital, of which persons subject to this chapter may be guilty, shall be taken cognizance of by a general, special or summary court-martial, according to the nature and degree of the offense, and shall be punished at the discretion of that court.
Source:
http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/ucmj... ART. 134. GENERAL ARTICLE
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