Posted on Sep 15, 2015
How do you feel the Advent of the Smartphone has affected our military, and society as a whole?
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I have seen an ever growing population within the military of Soldiers who are glued to their smartphones. I have also have Soldiers recommended for adverse action due to not being able to adhere to a no phone policy while on guard because they are addicted to them. I grew up in a time when if a leader needed to get ahold of you, they went to your barracks room and you had a sign out sheet stating where you were at any given point in time. Then we had "cell phones" not "smartphones" that were strictly used for talking. Now we have the Smartphones that are swallowing up Soldiers minds, hours, and lives. How do you feel this is affecting people?
Cell Phones
Leader
Soldier
Technology
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 15
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The kids these days have likely never been "regulated" regarding the use of their 'electronic devices... in a military context... they need to be, they're also way less careful with respect to speaking out and saying what they think, than we were. Holding them accountable for there mouthing off is as it should be. If they really believe they're so much more knowledgeable, then their Seniors, they should be "channeling" that superior intellect into studying for promotion and gaining rank so they can legitimately rise through the Chain of Command and make their ideas known through the proper channels.
At the same time Command should also be encouraging "ideas" be put forth, so the "Troops" have an outlet for their "piss and vinegar" and "brain storms". Junior personnel have always grumbled between themselves about their "Seniors" and "Officers" they work for... its perfectly natural... the thing that is different is in the past "their grumblings" haven't been out there on "public display" via social media of various types.
One of the things that perhaps they, their Supervisors and Command Staff ought to be considering is offering training regarding same, Such as this... "Who is on the other end of all those Musings going out into the great VOID of the Internet"..? Our Enemies perhaps... and today many of them are as electronically savvy as our own Troops are!
Airman, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines need to be taught these days... just as they were back in the "Big Wars"... that "Loose Lips May Give Actionable Information to Our Enemies"... So while the young 'nes may be "smart" in some ways... they're also "ignorant" about some of the potentially adverse affects of their use of "social media" and other electronic blathering in which they participate... whether on or off duty.
I don't think you Troops "forget" they're in the Military... they just aren't aware of all the ramifications their actions can have. And if your troops DON'T have a way to "participate" in, or as you say "have a voice" in day to day operations... your Command Staff is as we say in the U.S. Coast Guard... "missing the Boat." The Troops need to learn, there's a time and a place to use "their electronics" as well as "proper & improper" ways to use them. Perhaps ALL the Troops need to be schooled in "Communication Security For the 21st Century"! Let's get to it!
At the same time Command should also be encouraging "ideas" be put forth, so the "Troops" have an outlet for their "piss and vinegar" and "brain storms". Junior personnel have always grumbled between themselves about their "Seniors" and "Officers" they work for... its perfectly natural... the thing that is different is in the past "their grumblings" haven't been out there on "public display" via social media of various types.
One of the things that perhaps they, their Supervisors and Command Staff ought to be considering is offering training regarding same, Such as this... "Who is on the other end of all those Musings going out into the great VOID of the Internet"..? Our Enemies perhaps... and today many of them are as electronically savvy as our own Troops are!
Airman, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines need to be taught these days... just as they were back in the "Big Wars"... that "Loose Lips May Give Actionable Information to Our Enemies"... So while the young 'nes may be "smart" in some ways... they're also "ignorant" about some of the potentially adverse affects of their use of "social media" and other electronic blathering in which they participate... whether on or off duty.
I don't think you Troops "forget" they're in the Military... they just aren't aware of all the ramifications their actions can have. And if your troops DON'T have a way to "participate" in, or as you say "have a voice" in day to day operations... your Command Staff is as we say in the U.S. Coast Guard... "missing the Boat." The Troops need to learn, there's a time and a place to use "their electronics" as well as "proper & improper" ways to use them. Perhaps ALL the Troops need to be schooled in "Communication Security For the 21st Century"! Let's get to it!
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I think it sucks SSG - I had issues with many of my Airman using their phones instead of working. I made them keep their phones in the vehicles for a while. But the biggest problem I seen was, the airman getting on Social Media sites and verbally beating up their leadership for decisions they thought were stupid or wrong. I have had commanders ask me to speak with my Airman that people were reading their post and they were walking on thin ice. And it eventually happened where and Airman was held accountable for disrespecting a SNO on her cell phone - messaging. I always loved working with the young airman - I think they are smarter than we ever were today, and most of them want to serve their country - but I also believe some of them forget they are in the military - with some believing that they have a voice in day to day operations. I think its a big problem - but I have no solution for it other than making our troops keep them at home - not at work. I'm also sure that legal will find a loop hole somewhere that would prevent leadership from doing this.
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SCPO Carl Wayne Boss
SMSgt; The trick is to use these opinions or at least acknowledge them. The kids these days aren't really any smarter, they're just less inhibited about speaking out and saying what they think, than we were. Holding them accountable for there mouthing off is as it should be. If they really believe they're so much more knowledgeable, then they should be channeling that intellect into studying for promotion and gaining rank so they can legitimately rise through the Chain of Command and make their ideas known through the proper channels. At the same time Command should also be encouraging "ideas" be put forth, so the "Troops" have an outlet for their "piss and vinegar" and "brain storms". Junior personnel have always grumbled between themselves about their "Seniors" and "Officers" they work for... its perfectly natural... the thing that is different is in the past "their grumbling" haven't been out there on "public display" via social media of various types.
One of the things that perhaps they, their Supervisors and Command Staff ought to be considering and offering training regarding same, is this... "Who is on the other end of all those Musings going out into the great VOID of the Internet"... Our Enemies perhaps... and today many of them are as electronically savvy as we are! Airman, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines need to be taught these days... just as they were back in the "Big Wars"... that "Loose Lips May Give Actionable Information to Our Enemies"... So while the young 'nes may be "smart" in some ways... they're also "ignorant" about some of the potentially adverse affects their use of "social media" might have and other electronic blathering in which they participate... whether on or off duty.
I don't think you Troops really "forget" they're in the Military... they just aren't or haven't been made aware of all the ramifications their "actions" can have. The words "Young & Dumb" still apply here! And if your troops DON'T have a way to "participate" in, or as you say "have a voice" in day to day operations... your Command Staff is as we say in the U.S. Coast Guard... "missing the Boat."
The Troops need to learn, there's a time & a place to use "their electronics" as well as "proper & improper" ways to use them. Perhaps ALL the Troops need to be schooled in "Communication Security For the 21st Century"! Get to it SMSgt!
Perhaps there are still some communications that are best done ... in pen and ink or in conversation over an "EM Club" Round top with an Adult Beverage in hand! What say you..?
One of the things that perhaps they, their Supervisors and Command Staff ought to be considering and offering training regarding same, is this... "Who is on the other end of all those Musings going out into the great VOID of the Internet"... Our Enemies perhaps... and today many of them are as electronically savvy as we are! Airman, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines need to be taught these days... just as they were back in the "Big Wars"... that "Loose Lips May Give Actionable Information to Our Enemies"... So while the young 'nes may be "smart" in some ways... they're also "ignorant" about some of the potentially adverse affects their use of "social media" might have and other electronic blathering in which they participate... whether on or off duty.
I don't think you Troops really "forget" they're in the Military... they just aren't or haven't been made aware of all the ramifications their "actions" can have. The words "Young & Dumb" still apply here! And if your troops DON'T have a way to "participate" in, or as you say "have a voice" in day to day operations... your Command Staff is as we say in the U.S. Coast Guard... "missing the Boat."
The Troops need to learn, there's a time & a place to use "their electronics" as well as "proper & improper" ways to use them. Perhaps ALL the Troops need to be schooled in "Communication Security For the 21st Century"! Get to it SMSgt!
Perhaps there are still some communications that are best done ... in pen and ink or in conversation over an "EM Club" Round top with an Adult Beverage in hand! What say you..?
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SMSgt Cary Baker
Thanks Senior Chief, you are correct. In my experience, a very select few new Airman forget they are in the military. The others are very good and just need mentoring. The few are usually handled appropriately. Can never forget, these young Airman are our future leaders and need to be mentored, as I was. I'm all for the club, have made many manning decisions with fellow Seniors over a cold one. But one of the best clubs I have experienced was outside Petaluma, CA at the CGCPO Academy. Fantastic time - top on my experience list. I'm retired now, still stay in contact with many Airman and NCOs - some still seek my guidance and advice - flattering!! I enjoy it.
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SCPO Carl Wayne Boss
I know the Club SMSgt Baker and the CGCPO Academy... I'm the product of one the earliest classes of that Academy and the Senior Petty Officer Leadership and Management Course, also at CGTRACEN Petaluma. They were largely responsible for my success as a Senior NCO and have had major influence on my success as a leader in several Fire Service Organizations of which I've had the Honor of being a part before and since my retirement after 37 years in the U.S. Coast Guard
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Technology is going to continue to be here and available. It's when and how we use it that needs to be diciplined. Yes, it has produced one more addictive distraction for soldiers of all ages and rank. How leaders insure it does not interfere with thier duties is through supervision and discipline as we always have done. If for instance you need a duty to be performed without distractions and/or productivity will suffer have them leave it in thier car, home, barracks, or take it away when they report for duty. As for affecting people, it has allowed more people to connect whenever possible with unlimited information and people. The cellphone / smartphone is a great device and the majority of the world wants it to communicate and use for entertainment, research, etc. Yes it has changed the way we use to do things and change our active lives but it is leaders, be it parents, teachers, supervisors, coaches, etc. who can monitor when and how it should be used.
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Hooaaahh! Modern Commo should be restricted to "Off Duty" status only! The Exception being in during long tours under fire. Then as much commo to home for comfort would really help the nerves of loved ones! And today, That pretty much means anywhere outside of U.S.Soil!
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To be honest, I never had a Joe that the phone was a distraction from getting work done. Another squad in my platoon had a joe they had to take away his phone during duty hours because he couldn't put it down. If there was down time then my soldiers were free to be on them, but when there was work they knew to put them away. As a medic the smartphone was a huge help because we could lookup stuff while in an FLA and get the information we needed. One time we had a free fall jumper go off course and get stuck in a tree. The only reason we found him was because he was able to drop a pin on where he was at, and text it to my PSG. We then used the GPS to drive right to him. To be honest, what I hated about cellphones in general was when people interrupted my free time to discuss stuff that really could have waited until duty hours. I had the PSG blackberry for a month, and hated every minute of it. E-mails at all hours of the night. I don't know when the battalion XO or commander actually slept based on their e-mail traffic.
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SCPO Carl Wayne Boss
They probably did what you should have done Sgt... They probably ignored it until the next time they were actually on duty , because they had another way of being contacted when it was a "REAL" emergency!
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