Posted on Feb 1, 2015
Officer/Enlisted Discussions (Arguments) on RallyPoint
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(additional comments added at end of this post)
I've been retired since '99, so I've gotten a bit undisciplined.
Having said that, I have to admit I've been a bit uncomfortable seeing some of the discussions on Rallypoint; particularly between officer and enlisted -- presumably by folks currently wearing the uniform (unfortunately, I've trended like most retirees and can't fit mine! LOL)
Are others feeling this discomfort? Is social media a place where folks can get in trouble?
Semper Fi team!
Pete Hoeft
Additional comments (repost of something I added below):
In response to everyone who responded, Thanks! I'm relatively new to Rallypoint. And if you haven't already figured out, I'm one of those folks who likes to share my opinion.
I agree that the majority of discourse has been appropriate and professional. And there are times some folks have danced around the edges.
Hehehee. As much as I like to think I keep up with times and that I'm not an old fart, I guess I grew up in a different time where we (SNCOs and Officers) had our conversations, but mostly in private.
Many of you represent a generation that has "grown up" with social media being part of your lives, with this just being part of it.
Something else to keep in mind, however, is that prospective employers (and maybe your current employer) will be checking backgrounds and public records prior to hiring and part of that is a check of social media. Many folks will benefit from intelligent conversation and the discourse will provide some good insights into how you think. As for those who choose to lay it all out there . . . . be careful to keep it professional. You might be persuading a hiring manager to pass you over. As a former Intel guy, I tend to assume HR types are reading anything I post, so I err on the side of caution.
I've been retired since '99, so I've gotten a bit undisciplined.
Having said that, I have to admit I've been a bit uncomfortable seeing some of the discussions on Rallypoint; particularly between officer and enlisted -- presumably by folks currently wearing the uniform (unfortunately, I've trended like most retirees and can't fit mine! LOL)
Are others feeling this discomfort? Is social media a place where folks can get in trouble?
Semper Fi team!
Pete Hoeft
Additional comments (repost of something I added below):
In response to everyone who responded, Thanks! I'm relatively new to Rallypoint. And if you haven't already figured out, I'm one of those folks who likes to share my opinion.
I agree that the majority of discourse has been appropriate and professional. And there are times some folks have danced around the edges.
Hehehee. As much as I like to think I keep up with times and that I'm not an old fart, I guess I grew up in a different time where we (SNCOs and Officers) had our conversations, but mostly in private.
Many of you represent a generation that has "grown up" with social media being part of your lives, with this just being part of it.
Something else to keep in mind, however, is that prospective employers (and maybe your current employer) will be checking backgrounds and public records prior to hiring and part of that is a check of social media. Many folks will benefit from intelligent conversation and the discourse will provide some good insights into how you think. As for those who choose to lay it all out there . . . . be careful to keep it professional. You might be persuading a hiring manager to pass you over. As a former Intel guy, I tend to assume HR types are reading anything I post, so I err on the side of caution.
Military bearing
Discipline
Respect
Edited 11 y ago
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 23
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It amazes me on how many people take everything that everyone posts extremely personal. It has gotten to the point that I just found out that one of my former squad leaders is possibly being bared from re-enlistment due to his comments on Facebook.
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CPT (Join to see)
The glories of social media. It'll come back to bite you in the rear if you dont bite your tongue. People also take social media as a source to just rant and complain about other people/things that are inappropriate (Personal experience) and it comes back to hurt you and make you look like a pretty crappy person.
Now, I dont know the circumstances. But, if you dont want what you say to be seen or heard then you should keep it of this wonderful internet box. I think we should all be able to express how we feel, but lets be serious... Telling the whole world your feelings over the net is not really idea. And, then there are the people who are too sensitive and find the need to share and tell everyone 'well I saw that Bob here said... blah blah blah.' Bob is now getting s negative remark on his NCOER, and a No in one of the Army Values that will take 5 years to overcome. Maybe its not all Bobs fault... I dont know. But... Yep. Thats how this crap goes.
Now, I dont know the circumstances. But, if you dont want what you say to be seen or heard then you should keep it of this wonderful internet box. I think we should all be able to express how we feel, but lets be serious... Telling the whole world your feelings over the net is not really idea. And, then there are the people who are too sensitive and find the need to share and tell everyone 'well I saw that Bob here said... blah blah blah.' Bob is now getting s negative remark on his NCOER, and a No in one of the Army Values that will take 5 years to overcome. Maybe its not all Bobs fault... I dont know. But... Yep. Thats how this crap goes.
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I think that there are advantages to having input to discussion from both sides, as long as it is done with the professionalism expected from military members. There are topics that lend themselves to poking fun at one side or the other, and I think that the authors knew that when writing the question. The (some would call infamous) saluting LT thread is one.
I have not seen much in the way of bashing from either side, but I tend to stay away from the usual suspects: Politics and religion.
I have not seen much in the way of bashing from either side, but I tend to stay away from the usual suspects: Politics and religion.
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CPT (Join to see)
It is the most infamous thread on RP will go down in history as such. But at the time I thought it be a serious question. I didn't realize it would turn into what it did. I will say I do enjoy trolling it sometimes. It is a bit humorous.
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Those on Active Duty must keep their rank/paygrade in mind and adhere strictly to the highest level of professionalism. However, rank/paygrade is not an excuse to "flex" your opinion or point over someone else's' nor will it be tolerated on RallyPoint. All members, Active, veteran and retired alike must adhere to the community guidelines and maintain some level of professionalism as if they were wearing the uniform themselves. Behavioral violations and responses that are seen un unsuitable on RallyPoint should be reported and the admin will handle it accordingly. A warning typically suffices, however there are other, more punitive means of correcting problems within our community.
I believe SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SSG Carlos Madden CPT (Join to see) would agree.
Cheers!
I believe SSG James J. Palmer IV aka "JP4" SSG Carlos Madden CPT (Join to see) would agree.
Cheers!
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Gunny, another thing that I'm not sure has been addressed is the caliber of service people has changed. What I mean by that is that in many cases the enlisted persons are at least as educated (formally) as the officers. It leads to a situation where in the office we become collaborators towards a common ends in a way with the O having final say. I experienced that as an IS1, and then as a paralegal NCO that was nearly finishing law school. The importance isn't the formality but whether there is a mutual respect, and a respect for rank.
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The beauty of this forum is it only takes a couple of days to spot the trolls, that like to get in a pissing contest. I tend now to just ignore the trolls and try to post things in a respectful way. If I find a topic that might set me off on a tangent then I just say to myself it is not worth getting upset over.
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To me as a former enlisted man it depends on the officer how I interact with him/her. Make a comment that sets you as some how better than me just because your an officer and watch out. As a civilian I don't have to take being looked down upon by anyone. As for anyone searching my social media to investigate me I don't really care I have been running my own company for 14 years. And my job performance speaks for itself. I always respect the rank and uniform just not always the person. I have known a few officers that I wouldn't want to follow to the chow hall never mind combat just because of their attitude.
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As an old retired guy, I'm often surprised and mildly flattered when somebody on RP shows courtesies I was afforded when on active duty. I don't in any way expect such things because I've gotten used to being "Mr. Coe" or "Jim" to most people and basically being treated the same as any other "Joe civilian." I have disagreed with RP members over politics and religion on occasion, but I am pleased to say the discussions have almost always been respectful. Very rare name calling did cause me to block one RP member, but that's a definite minority.
I recommend active duty and reserve service members keep it respectful on RP when addressing a person of senior rank. It's not disrespectful to express a different opinion or point out errors of fact. Remember anything you post here or on any other social media could be published in the NY Times or used in a legal proceeding.
I recommend active duty and reserve service members keep it respectful on RP when addressing a person of senior rank. It's not disrespectful to express a different opinion or point out errors of fact. Remember anything you post here or on any other social media could be published in the NY Times or used in a legal proceeding.
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I posted this a few times so it is deja vu for some of you....
I have my opinions and sometimes people disagree and I learn from them that the more I know or believe, I sometimes forget the context or I don't see the big picture as clearly and sometimes I am myopic and I have to reevaluate my stance. That is what I am learing from this forum is that with the collective ideas and respectful debate/disagreements from others we can be a better profession or be better people with better empathy of that with we disagree with or don't understand fully. I really like this forum!
I have my opinions and sometimes people disagree and I learn from them that the more I know or believe, I sometimes forget the context or I don't see the big picture as clearly and sometimes I am myopic and I have to reevaluate my stance. That is what I am learing from this forum is that with the collective ideas and respectful debate/disagreements from others we can be a better profession or be better people with better empathy of that with we disagree with or don't understand fully. I really like this forum!
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My only discomfort Ive had is from active duty weasels hiding behind their rank and thinking that I still have to adhere to UCMJ and kiss their back sides, along with someone who is no longer active duty trying to pull rank on me and shove their egoistic idiotices on me. For the most part I have met awesome people on this forum and wished I had served with most of them. If we could get all these people together... DAMN!!!!! what a unit we would have!!
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GySgt (Join to see) I think you raise a reasonable concern. We must, as a professional military continue to hold ourselves to high standards even in the digital domain, it is up to us to police each-other and keep our honor clean.
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