Should leaders "friend" their Soldiers on Social Media?

As a BN CSM I created an official facebook page that Soldiers and their families could "like" not "friend". I put out in battalion formation that the page was maintained by me and nobody else. It was direct communication to me that was there for Soldiers to use if the chain of command/support channel could not solve a problem. I always stressed the importance of using the chain of command/support channel.

The page was a huge success, Soldiers and families (mostly families when we deployed) loved it. I was also able to help numerous Soldiers with problems they were afraid to talk to their chain of command/ support channel. I identified and personally talked with four Soldiers and two NCOs that were thinking about committing suicide and got them the help they needed, none of them took their own life. I also helped with some family issues for several Soldiers.

That worked well for me as a leader. When I left the battalion I turned it over to the incoming CSM and told him what a great tool it was. Once PSCd I friended several NCOs and officers that I served with in that battalion on my personal facebook, we keep in touch and I am always there to give advice and guidance. The NCOs come to me a lot for questions or advice and some come to just shoot the shit and see how I am doing.

It's a great tool if used properly.

Nope, it's unprofessional and blurs the fine line between Sokdier and leader. Though, some Soldiers don't make their accounts private and when they are "sick" forget to mention the fact that they were at a party the night before.

Slippery slope. However, for me, it depends on the level of professionalism of my subordinate. Most times you can tell if your subordinate is a professional and a future leader. You can also tell when your subordinate is the exact opposite.

Also, I don't use FB to get too personal in general. I am very private and cognizant of what I place on the Internet. I never do, much less post, anything that would deter from my professionalism or undermine my authority. The subordinates that I do "friend" follows suit.