Service members and positive social media

SPC David Wyckoff — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 09:31:32 -0400

I have searched through the archives and I have found several discussions that pertain to SMs and social media. They are always negative connotations with regards to what SMs are posting.

There are websites, specifically Facebook pages, such as USAWTFM, Beer for the Fallen, Tipping Point with Boone and ASMDSS that have actually rallied other SMs and veterans to the aid of SMs who were lost, stranded, needing advice, needing help in real time.
I watched the other week as one of those pages brought together enough money to help a soldier that had his transmission go out and was stranded. I believe he was trying to PCS. The page used a donation website and brought together hundreds of page fans to donate small amounts of money to repair the car and get the SM on his way with a little extra gas money. They even got a vet in the area to do the work for little to no cost.

Has anyone seen, been involved with or highlighted in their Friday safety briefings the ways social media can be used positively?

It might be worth it to add to the Friday Safety brief that SMs, especially the younger ones that live by email and FB or similar medias, to use that to keep tabs on their battles.

Just got to thinking this weekend, decided to share.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 10 at 2014 9:48 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 09:48:29 -0400

SPC Wyckoff,

My personnal opinion. Social media is a powerful tool in our Army today,
which has the potential to be a positive influence on an organization as well
as a distraction to good order and discipline.

As a company commander I used Facebook as a way to integrate family members
who wanted the information from the company, but didn't want to show up for FRG
events. I appreciated the fact that not everyone wants to be involved in those
groups, yet still want to stay informed. We would share photos, stories, and
highlight promotions. In an attempt to keep our company page on the up and up,
I had two volunteers (one officer, one NCO) that monitored the content and kept
things running smoothly.

Back to your point. I think it is definitely something commanders should
leverage in their formations. Many of my NCOs used FB to stay in touch with
their Soldiers and in one extreme case, prevented a planned suicide through the
use of FB (early indicator).

It’s the leaders job to connect with the subordinates, not the other way
around. Our job as leaders and future leaders is to find out how to connect and
stay connected through any means possible.