If a SM makes a phone call to a family member in a foreign language and is reprimanded for speaking that language, is this an EO violation?

2017-11-15T06:20:23-05:00

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2017 6:28 AM

2017-11-15T06:28:24-05:00

English is used for Army operations and official duties. See AR 600-20. Speaking to others in a foreign language is not prohibited. Now if this language is being spoken by others to exclude people and create a hostile work environment then it could be prohibited. Speaking to someone on the phone is allowed though. I would not say this is an EO problem yet. I would properly inform the person or speak to their supervisor. If the problem persists them bring it to the commands attention.

Response by SGT David T. made Nov 15 at 2017 7:56 AM

2017-11-15T07:56:20-05:00

Why would anyone reprimand someone for speaking a foreign language on a personal call? Seems to me this is a bit excessive. People will talk to their family in the language they were raised with. It's also possible that the family member doesn't speak English but that shouldn't even matter since the call was personal in nature. I would say reprimanding a Soldier for this is seriously overstepping someone's authority.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Nov 15 at 2017 8:08 AM

2017-11-15T08:08:48-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member You have to decide was this Army operations / official duties? Or personal conversation?
If unsure, Ask......if the SM states personal, the part of the concern is over as nothing is wrong with speaking in any language they want for a personal conversation...
However,,,,,
If you had task an SM to a duty and he turns speaks to a fellow SM in a foreign language you can assume it is a work related discussion....and then direct them to speak English....if they say it was a personal conversation, tell them its duty hours, task has been assigned its not break time, stop having personal conversations on work time...Speak English.

THEN, take lessons in the other spoken languages of those in your team.

Response by SPC David Willis made Nov 15 at 2017 9:18 AM

2017-11-15T09:18:18-05:00

It could be, Id say take it up the chain, or even just show the reg to the NCO or CO who reprimanded them, but if you're making a personal call to a non military member you can speak in tongues for all the army is concerned. You could be properly reprimanded for making personal calls during duty hours, but depending on what job you're currently doing that would be pretty petty.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 15 at 2017 9:53 AM

2017-11-15T09:53:34-05:00

Depends on when the call was made and if it was work related or not.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Nov 15 at 2017 10:06 AM

2017-11-15T10:06:16-05:00

This is too vague for a good answer. Think on it! OPSEC- was the SM deployed, at a FOB? Was it Arabic,Farisee, or a Arabic derivative? Was it during duty hours? Why was the phone call overheard, why no privacy? For just a damn minute stop worrying about INDIVIDUAL rights (which are limited while in service) and worry about FORCE Protection, OPSEC,MISSION. The SM is reprimanded, I assume verbally - so no harm no foul. SM could have been reported to Intell and an investigation started, this could flag all personnel actions on the SM. Yes its nice to talk in a native tongue, just be prepared for the storm if it's misinterpreted.

Response by MSgt Wayne Morris made Nov 15 at 2017 12:43 PM

2017-11-15T12:43:18-05:00

The only time I have ever seen this "rule" applied is in a SCIF.

Response by SMSgt Lawrence McCarter made Nov 15 at 2017 1:19 PM

2017-11-15T13:19:12-05:00

If He or She is speaking to a member of their own family how is that the business of anyone else and why would anyone even try to listen to a phone call of anyone to a member of their own family ? it there is a violation its listening in on another person's phone call. We all have some rights to privacy and not having others try to listen to our calls. I may add that perhaps the family member doesn't speak English so does that mean You can't speak to them ? If there is any violation of rights I see that as one not the fact a military member talks on the phone to a family member and is entitled to expect a private call is actually a private call.

Response by SPC Robert Coventry made Nov 15 at 2017 1:26 PM

2017-11-15T13:26:10-05:00

It would be nice to honr the disabled vets

Response by SPC David Willis made Nov 15 at 2017 2:32 PM

2017-11-15T14:32:38-05:00

Also you could be reprimanded as well if it took more than three seconds to retrieve the phone from your pocket, were moving slightly too and fro in a pacing manner giving the appearance of a walk, or making said phone call while standing on the grass :)