These open discussion seem like a good way for a quick tounge to get in a lot of trouble fast.

2014-01-27T14:46:44-05:00

As a SPC in a DIV environment, I have learned my left and right limits very well. I have understood the implied tones in emails with my Senior, Senior Officers as well as my Senior NCO's. I have picked up on when to be relaxed and when to be proper both digital and verbal interaction. What about the soldiers that have never said more than the morning greeting and yes sir, to a 0-5 or e-9?  I am concerned for the ease of access and supposed anonymity (meaning non face to face) of these discussions. What is said and posted here could have long standing consequences.  Say; a heated convo between a SPC and SGM or a disresepctfull soldier thinking they are fine because they are online. Or a disrespectful retort to an senior ranking officer? I mean is this web site "permission to speak freely" Is anyone else feeling this way? Do not get me wrong, I always welcome open platform, but It seems dangerous.

Response by CW2 Joseph Evans made Jan 27 at 2014 2:49 PM

2014-01-27T14:49:20-05:00

It is, and it has...

Some people come on here looking for a consensus of like minded people to go back to their command (or someone else) with an I told you so. Seen names named and units mentioned... and it only gets worse when they start defending being stupid when they get called on it.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 27 at 2014 2:53 PM

2014-01-27T14:53:07-05:00

As long as you stay within your left and right limits, there should not be a problem. All posts and comments I have seen on this website so far (which is not very long) appear to be respectful using military bearing and customs and courtesies. There may be some soldiers in our formations that appear not to respect others and use the customs and courtesies that they should, but in my opinion a vast majority of them know what is right and what is wrong.

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 27 at 2014 2:53 PM

2014-01-27T14:53:14-05:00

SPC,

Even in an open forum format such as here on RP, a junior SM knows or should know that even though not face to face that there is still the expected professionalism and respect that comes and goes with each rank and addressee in these forums. And yes, SMs could be subject to repercussions if they cross over that line at the perception (key word) of the senior participant or if addressed to someone of senior rank related to it, even though this is not a DOD or military controlled site, al members of the military are responsible and held accountable to their actions on social media as defined by military rules and regulations.

With that being said if the proper protocols and pre-requisites have been fulfilled and the person participating on the site has been vetted and is who they say they are then then can be held accountable for their actions (words) from forum discussions.

The issue that concerns me here as the current status is that we do have individuals on RP that mask their identities and speak quite openly and sometimes derogatorily towards other members that clearly outrank them, whether or not something can be done would be on whether or not the admin of the site revealed the personal data on that person if requested from a military COC for use of action is where a sticky situation could occur.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 2:44 PM

2014-03-12T14:44:52-04:00

I'm glad you posted this topic. I enjoy this site for the discussions and interesting questions raised by the members however as a junior enlisted soldier I hold my tongue more often than not when I disagree with something posted by anyone who outranks me.

Response by SSG Robert Blum made Apr 2 at 2014 2:32 AM

2014-04-02T02:32:28-04:00

Just because you say "With all do respect"(or you have permission to speak freely) it does not mean that you can be disrespectful. Bottom-line, remain professional, let your voice be heard, but don't cross that line. A Pv2 and a MG can have a professional disagreement, and the Pv2 can get his point across with out becoming disrespectful and nothing will happen. At the end they agree to disagree.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Oct 12 at 2014 12:49 PM

2014-10-12T12:49:03-04:00

I've seen the line crossed only once or twice here by AD juniors, and they have been put in check by responses pretty quickly. I think if people learn from that experience, it will most likely never go beyond that one post (i.e...ucmj action won't likely be a consideration). Repeated offenses would likewise probably result in being banned from the site before ucmj became an issue. There are, after all, rules here that are designed to keep this a professional environment and if someone got out of hand, might even protect someone from themselves before it became irreversible.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 12 at 2014 1:17 PM

2014-10-12T13:17:11-04:00

The only way that can really happen here is if an individual chooses to be, belligerent and/or disrespectful to another SM or in their responses. We all know the audience here and respect each other's rank and status. One may share differing opinions and points of views but nothing that any SM should get called on the carpet for by their CofC.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 12 at 2014 1:39 PM

2014-10-12T13:39:04-04:00

I did have that concern at first. Big gray area for the veterans and retirees. However, everyone does a good job of keeping comments respectful. I appreciate the responses and candor of the junior enlisted here. I am sure they sense a little more comfort in asking and commenting on issues. It is good also to gain perspective of folks outside their C of C.