Is Social Media punishable under UCMJ

2013-12-21T23:13:49-05:00

FOund a Youtube basic training easier thread... could be considered SHARP

look at the link at the 1:11 second portion with female Soldiers posing in pt tops and underwear. Leaders are not supposed to be allowing this in open bays but someone took the pic what the crap all...Thoughts on both sides appreciated

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGuG8kiSF-I

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Response by SSG Robert Burns made Dec 21 at 2013 11:18 PM

2013-12-21T23:18:26-05:00

The obvious answer to this question is yes.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Dec 21 at 2013 11:25 PM

2013-12-21T23:25:00-05:00

After watching the video (which is terrible by the way) I have no idea what your question is about.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Dec 21 at 2013 11:37 PM

2013-12-21T23:37:48-05:00

I honestly don't think it's a SHARP violation any more than you posting the video on this site with that picture as the thumbnail.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2013 1:08 AM

2013-12-22T01:08:00-05:00

To answer the original topic question. Can social media be punishable. Of course it can. Did this Soldier have the permission of those 4 females to post them half naked for the world to see. Is it a Sharp violation? Guess that depends on who sees it first and what the say. I am gonna have to agree with SSG Burns; the thumbnail picture in your link is probably just as in violation of UCMJ as the original post. I know your intentions are good but it could still be perceived as an issue.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2013 1:06 PM

2013-12-22T13:06:55-05:00

Yes but this begs another question. At what point did the circumstance for such a photo present itself. Were they in a college ROTC or some sort of military training. It did not look like a Basic Training Bay. If a unit or training facility was enabling their soldiers to do this I would really questions the cadre and/or leadership. I seems to me that if you are able to take such a photo you are allowing to be sent out. The people should take some responsibility for it. They reflect a poor image of themselves and their unit.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2013 9:42 AM

2013-12-23T09:42:33-05:00

Yes at the very least it is unprofessional with the thumbnail and the ladies being half-naked.

Response by SGT Ben Keen made Dec 23 at 2013 2:46 PM

2013-12-23T14:46:34-05:00

Hasn't this type of stuff already been asked and answered in this forum? Everyone knows that whatever you put out on social media for the world to see can come back and bite you in the butt down the road. And regardless if the picture is one you took or not, wouldn't you think that posting a link with a thumbnail like the one above can or might put you in hot water?

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2013 3:20 PM

2013-12-23T15:20:26-05:00

I'm not a lawyer but I would say something posted on line would only be
punishable under UCMJ if it interfered with the good order and discipline of
the unit or if it brings discredit upon the armed
forces.

The post would need to be seen by members of the unit and it
would have to effect order and discipline of the unit or those who view the
post outside the service would have think less of the service because of the
post. I don’t think that is a high bar
for the Chain of Command to reach.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 23 at 2013 3:42 PM

2013-12-23T15:42:58-05:00

One of the toughest things to get through our young service members heads what not to post on their social media accounts. Particularly on FB where pages like WTF moments run rampant and other obvious violations of the UCMJ are present. I have noticed an upwards trend of leaders combating these types of posts with UCMJ but it's an uphill battle that we all need to strap in for the long run.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made Dec 1 at 2014 12:40 PM

2014-12-01T12:40:16-05:00

Interesting and good to know. Will add this to OPSEC briefings in the near future.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 28 at 2014 4:18 AM

2014-12-28T04:18:14-05:00

My wife is our FB admin. I dislike FB and I don't troll the FB sites of my Soldiers. If something concerning one of my Soldiers on social media is brought to my attention by someone who is concerned then I will address it with the Soldier involved.

But sir, I do agree that the info you posted is good to know and disseminate.