Social media as a military "leadership tool?"

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Nov 2013 12:37:52 -0400

What are the pros/cons of this? First just a bit of background: throughout our lifetimes and careers, technology has advanced at an exponential rate; it has rapidly changed processes, the way we interact, the way we problem solve, and the way we do business. Social media is a relatively new phenomenon; however, to say that it is a "game changer" is an understatement to say the very least... So, how has this changing dynamic impacted your leadership style? How do you see it changing the way we communicate, interact, problem-solve, and do business in the future? As we've seen right here on RallyPoint, collaboration at this scale (and with this level of diversity and knowledge) is extremely powerful! The idea here is to generate thoughtful discussion, brainstorm and have some fun in the process. So, in your opinion what applications does social media have in the military realm? Now, let's get this thing started, so grab those keyboards and... see you all in the discussion threads!

Response by SFC James Baber made Dec 19 at 2013 9:06 PM

SFC James Baber — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 21:06:21 -0500

Sir,

We all know every leader at least in the Army has a blackberry, so it just goes hand in hand for the future, as we have seen the issuance of smart phones to Soldiers with the apps for getting information easier and communicating on the battlefield. It only makes sense that social media is now becoming a bigger part of all that as well, I see orders being sent to SMs for various things from PCS's to Awards to actual taskings and OPORDS. It is and will be the way of the future for the military.

Do you agree or disagree?

Response by SFC Rocky Gannon made Dec 19 at 2013 9:27 PM

SFC Rocky Gannon — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 21:27:20 -0500

Because so many are on Social Media, I could see it being used to pass information on to others in a unit.

Response by 1SG Steven Stankovich made Dec 20 at 2013 5:27 AM

1SG Steven Stankovich — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 05:27:13 -0500

Interesting question sir. Social media can be a powerful tool, but it can also be the unraveling of some folks who believe that they can use Social Media as a "soap box" or a venue to express themselves in unprofessional means.

I used Social Media as a tool to guage the "pulse" of my Company when I was a 1SG. I have a Facebook page and I would on a regular basis "friend" members of my Company. Soldiers and Civilians alike would use Facebook to vent about various things and I could see what was going on "in the trenches." I would then visit those folks in the various courses in my Company and talk about, or around, "things" to see how they were doing. I could offer additional advice and guidance where needed.

Since leaving my 1SG position, I still have regular interaction with the members of my former Company and I have developed friendships that will last a lifetime.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 22 at 2013 8:36 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 20:36:00 -0500

It could also cause problems with Soldier/Leader relations...I had a Soldier "forget" to put a pass in for a long weekend she was planning and still go on the trip. I wouldn't have found out about it except for the fact that she posted on FB and tagged her location at a casino 572 miles away...her battle buddies went blue falcon on her and sent me screen shots of her post. When I confronted the SM, she lied to me and told me she was 241 miles away and didn't go out of the mileage radius. Caused a headache for me and my chain. So, powerful, yes....but also troublesome. I would refrain from using it unless a "worse case" scenario or "last resort" situation.

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made Dec 22 at 2013 9:14 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 21:14:25 -0500

Sir thank you for posting this thread. I personally have a Facebook account with my work employers, it is a good way to reach me if they cant call me, but it also has its down falls.

What one puts in the Facebook can get an employee fired, posting images that can be seen by the company one may work for may be used as an excuse to terminate your stay in that job. Posting images can be stolen and used by those whom are out to do illegal things such as scammers. I practice not putting much in my Facebook, and if I feel I need to express my self, I just create a group add those whom I will feel free to express my self with and do what I had to do. So social media can have its benefits, but it also has its down falls. Even posting a comment here in RP can get me fired. All I need is someone to point me out and copy what I stated that may seem "not appropriate about where I work" and that is enough grounds for termination. Consider that 2 weeks ago, I took a mandatory class on security do and don'ts. I would not have any excuse. In RP I much rather interact with enlisted members, NCO's, Officers and put only my opinion based on my experience only from my time period in service. I don't know how the military handles there media interaction, since in my time we never had computers, mouse was something we kill in the house, flat screen was in all theater's, internet may have been something the army developed but it was not known to me, words like laptop were not known, cell phone? we had the rotary black phone in the base. keyboard? we used typewriters with ribbons, email? we used stamps envelopes to send mail. Orders, I remember the good old COD, if you didn't want to send cash or checks, debit card? I didn't know that ever existed in my time if it did. Only credit cards and you have to be really good to have one financially of a very good liar to obtain one lol,

Response by CPO Jon Campbell made Dec 22 at 2013 10:05 PM

CPO Jon Campbell — Sun, 22 Dec 2013 22:05:26 -0500

Social media has one inherent flaw when used in a military setting and that is it so efficient at passing information that it is seen as undermining the chain of command. I don't personally believe this is true, but I believe that commands are leery of using it because they are used to passing information down and having information trickle back up with detractors, whiners, layabouts, and slackers having their opinions dealt with by NCOs and JOs. Hearing raw, unfiltered, feedback almost instantly is not what commands are used to and they don't want to hear it. Social media is the same as scuttlebutt - something that needs to be nipped. It will take a few more years before it is accepted as a legitimate communications tool farther up the chain.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2014 3:33 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 05 Jan 2014 03:33:03 -0500

At one time we had party lines, pay phones and teletype and as change happened, society changed along with it. Social sites have a way of connecting people but there is that risk of harassment and other things. Personally employers have no right to snoop. It is online voyeurism and detrimental in building trust.

In other words, employers should not spy and neither should anyone else. Intelligence Agencies have a vested interest in rooting out dangerous subversives so I get that.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2014 7:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 19:50:31 -0500

I use Facebook to connect with my Soldiers.  It provides a way to know your Soldier in a generation where people have difficulty with face-to-face communication.  It also allows for leaders to identify behavioral issues with their Soldiers and keep it at the lowest level.  While it is beneficial, it can lead to issues with certain leaders not knowing how to conduct themselves online.  It can also cause issues with people who can not separate "work and play".  I think social media is a powerful tool.  

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 3:51 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 15:51:11 -0500

In order to promote maximum interaction and professional discussion, here are just a few related topics that you'll want to check-out; thank you for all that you do, and... see you all in the discussion threads!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 2 at 2014 4:04 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Mar 2014 16:04:04 -0500

Maj Burns,

I feel like social media has already become a military leadership tool. We are using RallyPoint to connect with military professionals from other services, ranks, and MOSs. We are able to learn from one another and almost see the military through their eyes via this online forum. But even before this, we had services like facebook. FB allows family members to communicate with their loved ones (especially while deployed) and it allows units and organizations to setup their own pages to more easily disseminate information. I have seen some instances where people can get into trouble posting to FB, but these usually resolve around OPSEC violations or unprofessional behaviors.

It is amazing to me how quickly technology has advanced and how ingrained it has become in our society. With so many people being 'plugged in,' it is difficult to ignore the significance of social media as a leadership tool.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2014 2:16 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 02:16:13 -0400

SFC Doe,

Great Topic! I agree with your approach and appreciate your enthusiasm in getting involved to implement a way or strategy to embrace social media with a bottom up approach!

In the global landscape, the Internet has great power to connect people from every corner of the world as well as the potential to cause great damage and destruction if used as a weapon for cyber crimes, etc. Social media is a great resource for networking and maintaining distant relationships as well as a platform for expressing one's personality, view points, and is now pretty much a virtual extension of self. So to speak. The problems and challenges that arise through the use of social media are definitely not going to disappear due to policy or regulatory guidance. It will take patience and adaptive leaders to place emphasis on social media in a creative way that allows for individuality without crossing boundaries and ruining reputations. We have to incorporate a positive attitude towards the use of social media, but we must also formulate adequate consequences for misconduct. There are definite negative concerns about it as you mentioned in your opening statement. As you already are aware, TRADOC regulations address social media pertaining to inappropriate relationships pertaining to Cadre and Soldiers in Training. However, once a service member leaves BCT/AIT/OSUT and arrive to their first unit, it is difficult to track. Therefore, we must get the "buy-in" to maintain professionalism in all forms of social media from the lowest levels. It will take more than a few leaders, it will take everyone as a whole to combat the reality of social media and its negativity. Without getting into a laundry list of all the possible bad things that can occur on social media because there are too many to name, there are personal responsibilities we must uphold as well as maintaining a conscious effort and high level of awareness as leaders. Perhaps the best outlook is to create an environment that is "Do as I do" not "Do as I say" and abstaining from verbalizing our dislikes or disagreements in unprofessional mannerisms about government leadership to include appointed and elected officials.

It's going to be a very tough challenge, however it can be done with the right approach!

Response by SGT Donald Croswhite made Mar 13 at 2014 2:30 AM

SGT Donald Croswhite — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 02:30:21 -0400

Social media is a great litmus test for military bearing of
a soldier. Can a soldier be trusted in an OPSEC situation with social media?
The problem is once you know that they are not, UCMJ is usually the
consequence. Team leaders have to be aware and involved with their soldiers and
have a positive attitude about social media. They have to set the standard and
attitude towards it. Soldiers need to be aware of FRG and Battalion sites for
information that they might not have through their chain of command. They also
need to have a bullet on their initial counseling stated what is not
appropriate so that they are not caught off guard.

Response by PO2 Rocky Kleeger made Apr 17 at 2014 11:28 PM

PO2 Rocky Kleeger — Thu, 17 Apr 2014 23:28:23 -0400

My personal feeling is no. Unfortunately, there are still people in leadership positions that would read something on someone's page/wall/whatever, take it personally and bring it to work. I know that leaders aren't supposed to do that, however it still happens. So, as a leadership too, no

Response by MAJ Keith Davis made Apr 20 at 2014 9:07 AM

MAJ Keith Davis — Sun, 20 Apr 2014 09:07:06 -0400

Various states and forms of Social Media tools are emerging as great leadership tools. This is one. and another great example is the Maneuver Center of Excellence Linked-In discussion: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=5097658&mostPopular=&trk=tyah&trkInfo=tarId%3A [login to see] 53%2Ctas%3Amission%20command%2Cidx%3A2-1-2 Each class discusses Mission Command in the open. Many other Social media tools reside behind the firewall that leverage the informal leaders (Outside the chain of command) across the force.

Mission Command | LinkedIn

The purpose of this group is to facilitate study and discussion for the Maneuver Self Study Program on the topic of Mission Command.

Response by MAJ Keith Davis made Apr 20 at 2014 9:23 AM

MAJ Keith Davis — Sun, 20 Apr 2014 09:23:00 -0400

I can tell you those on the forward edge of the organization understand the power of a social interaction does not matter what platform it happens on. After 20 years of being a communicator, and another 5 years running a community of purpose (A Social group of informal leaders). And spending two years in Recruiting myself, I understand the need for your social interaction with the DEPs and potential applicants. We have some social media guides if you are interested for your folks with a CAC. https://s6.army.mil

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 23 at 2014 3:12 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Apr 2014 15:12:24 -0400

<p>I have made it a point to keep everyone I work with off of my social networking pages (at least until after I PCS and only if we were THAT close). I understand embracing the "challenge" but I absolutely love my privacy. I have a decent enough working relationship with my Soldiers for them to come to me in their time of need; I have earned enough respect to say-  "here is the reg on social media, here is the action that can be taken against you, you already have seen what I'm capable of, don't do it". I do not have to add people to see what they are doing and/or saying. I don't care what they are doing in their off time as long as it is not illegal, unethical, immoral. </p><p>                                                                                                                  </p>

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made May 6 at 2014 8:00 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 06 May 2014 20:00:40 -0400

Social media can be a powerful tool, when used in moderation of course; thanks for all that you do, and... remember to "Look Up!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7dLU6fk9QY

Look Up

A spoken word film for an online generation. Subscribe for more videos: http://bit.ly/Subscribe_to_Gary_Turk 'Look Up' is a lesson taught to us through a lov...

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 7 at 2014 12:55 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 07 May 2014 12:55:48 -0400

The way the question is written is as if there is truly a question of "IF" social media is a leadership tool or not. I think the reality is not "IF", but more "HOW BEST" to use Social Media as an Army Leader.

Communicating purpose, direction, and motivating subordinates is a fundamental requirement and challenge of leadership in the past, present and will be forever in the future. Mobile Computing and Social Media is an intrinsic/integrated construct within US Society and definitely a core facet of the environment soldiers have/are growing up in.

The key word per this issue is "communicating" and the key issue is the leader's position on the burden of responsibility for ensuring communication takes place. I for one, as a leader in and out of the Army (and as a Parent), own the burden of communicating effectively, i.e., if communication is not happening it is my burden to ensure it is happening. Since social media is so pervasive in soldiers lives, their dependents, family, and other circles - I see it as folly to avoid this very effective, near real-time communication capability. Is a paper-based, mailed newsletter the best way to communicate to my soldier's family members or via social media? Since all soldiers likely have mobile phones, not Army issued, why not use this communication opportunity appropriately.

The problem of how to effectively communicate has not changed - all communication mechanism have risk and vulnerabilities and the leader should IPB Social Media and operate from this perspective. For example, how is using social media any different from screening personal mail way back in the day - it's not.

A leader can dictate that soldiers will not use Social Media, the Chain-of-Command must conduct ALL Business on GOTS furnished capabilities, etc. although this is well within an Army's leader authorities to set policies as such, I'd argue this is naive and unreasonable and contradicts making Mission. The real issue is to understand the different classes of Social Media and understand how to set effective policies that dictate HOW social media should be used. An example of effective policies are those that the Soldiers can understand "why for" and "impacts", e.g., posting mission sensitive pictures on social media, i.e., metadata on photos and/or content in photos can compromise mission security, etc. Policies based on opinion and a luddite's perspective will be hard to abide and enforce. Anyways, my 2-cents.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 28 at 2014 10:42 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 28 Jul 2014 22:42:53 -0400

Military Report - AF Policy on Social Media and Politics http://www.military.com/military-report/af-policy-on-social-media-and-politics?ESRC=miltrep.nl

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 29 at 2014 11:45 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Jul 2014 11:45:38 -0400

http://www.arcent.army.mil/docs/default-document-library/social_media_handbook_version3-1.pdf?sfvrsn=2

I think Social Media is like any weapon in the Armory; dangerous unless it is properly discussed, and trained upon. Just like an M4, facebook has the capacity to assist the operator, but if used recklessly and without consideration to others, can prove just as fatal. Especially in the realms of Public Affairs, the use of Social Media is paramount to discuss the Army's story and let the world know what we're doing.

There have been enough recent issues that have shown the threat or problem with social media if it is not trained or discussed (hiding in car from saluting flag, and soldiers posing in front of a casket).

Response by Cpl Matthew Wall made Aug 18 at 2014 12:10 PM

Cpl Matthew Wall — Mon, 18 Aug 2014 12:10:42 -0400

This is one thing that disturbed me when I got out of the Corps and started doing training for the military. I would go around to different Army bases training engineers. When we had classes these turds were on the phone half the time. I would ask what they are doing and they would say "talking to my squad or team" or they were talking with their platoon Sgt or platoon commander. It seemed as though face to face interaction was not needed anymore. It was rather disturbing.

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2014 5:31 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 17:31:23 -0400

Here's an interesting article entitled "Blogging General, Reaches out to Troops..." Courtesy of SGT Tom Cal from the RallyPoint LinkedIn Group page, you check out the article here: http://www.wired.com/2009/01/tf-mountains-so/

If you're on LinkedIn and haven't already done so, you can view/join the RallyPoint Group on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/RallyPoint-7415795?gid=7415795&mostPopular=&trk=tyah&trkInfo=tarId%3A [login to see] 06%2Ctas%3ARallyPoint%2Cidx%3A4-1-8

Also, you can ollow the RallyPoint Company Profile on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2589131?trk=tyah&trkInfo=tarId%3A [login to see] 09%2Ctas%3ARallypoint%2Cidx%3A2-1-4

Blogging General Reaches Out to Troops, Blows Off Security Fears

Response by PO1 Rodney Bracey made Aug 24 at 2014 12:06 PM

PO1 Rodney Bracey — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 12:06:46 -0400

Before I retired, my Public Affairs Officer had stated, "Never say anything on social media that you wouldn't say to the press or your mother."

I told my Sailors the same thing.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 24 at 2014 4:14 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 16:14:26 -0400

I believe, as some of our esteemed colleagues do, that social media is not a leadership tool and IMHO should not be used as such:

1) Too much personal opinion and information is "handed out" on sites like Facebook to get leadership value out of it. Do I want to know what my soldiers are doing on their personal time and who they're doing it with - no

2) There is so much personal information out there that anything and everything one says in or out of professional context can and will be used against you. Some civilian employers have started using the tactic of trolling FB and LinkedIn for your name and using what they find against you w/o your knowledge. This has been happening a lot with job searches where some companies require you to list your social media URLS on a job application.

3) Leadership at some point requires in person, face time. The more digital tools we put between us - video conferencing, webinars and now social media, the more excuses we use to diminish that face time. Besides with the anonymity potential on social media, even here on RallyPoint - do you truly know who you are talking to as you address SGT Servicemember, or someone with a teddy bear icon where their face should be?

4) Security - see all the above. Do we need to build another over bloated, over secure, over cumbersome, over specified and ultimately uber-underused DoD sponsored, AKO-wanna-be site, to do this, "by the book"?

Response by CPT Franklin D Rivera II made Sep 3 at 2014 1:13 AM

CPT Franklin D Rivera II — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 01:13:30 -0400

I can only speak from my own experience. I run a social media and business strategy company and the way that it has impacted my leadership style is that I have been able to impact many more people from a distance. Social media is about connecting, and finding a common ground with potential clients or just friends. I rarely use social media for "personal" reasons. Most of the time I am making connections and introductions for people that will ultimately help their business flourish. Many see this as being selfless and genuinely caring for their success. This is the same way I treated my men while serving and I can always remember how much they had my back. Isn't selflessness a cornerstone of great leadership. Social media just removes the geographical boundaries and enables one to expand their leadership influence on a larger scale.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2014 12:01 PM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 12:01:26 -0400

I have encouraged all of my subordinates to join Rallypoint. I haven't found any other social media that is worth the time of an officer like Rallypoint. This is simply the best medium on the internet to network and talk about things that are important to the profession. There are some fluff questions on here, and some point mongering, but for the most part, it's an outstanding forum. The questions asked on here, especially by junior leaders are questions most people have. I had to read a ton of books to get the knowlede that is available through a search on this site.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2015 3:12 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 03:12:06 -0500

This is a double-edged sword for the most part. While on one side, it allows you to see what your subordinates are doing pretty much at all times because, well, people post anything and everything to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vine, etc. But being "friends" with your subordinates on a social media site can be misconstrued; your subordinates could stop viewing you as their supervisor and see it more as a friendship.

Thin ice, if you ask me.

Response by 1SG Dale Cantrell made Aug 27 at 2018 7:36 PM

1SG Dale Cantrell — Mon, 27 Aug 2018 19:36:59 -0400

I do not like it, but it is better than making it federal law and sendings US troops on US citizens