What are regulations regarding enlisted-officer interaction on social media?

2021-09-13T13:04:33-04:00

Say an E2 and a 2LT are within the same company, not same platoon. Officer is mobilizing for a year and E2 is staying behind. Would they be allowed to follow each other/add each other on social media platforms? I’m trying to prove a point!

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Sep 13 at 2021 1:07 PM

2021-09-13T13:07:34-04:00

This is a pretty useful bit of material that tries to examine a lot of the hypotheticals. You may be able to find a parallel example to yours. It's a DA PAM, but the examples give answers that cite all the applicable regulations for each scenario.

You're going to get a lot of "I know a guy who knew a guy back in 1987" type comments on this site. Ignore them, stick to the regs, and you'll be better off.

Department of the Army Pamphlet 600-XX
This draft DA Pam contains hypothetical scenarios for training purposes only.

The discussion following each hypothetical is not meant to represent the only correct answer, but to illustrate how relevant personnel should approach issues that may arise under the new Army policy. Readers are invited to submit comments on these hypothetical scenarios and to submit additional scenarios for possible inclusion in the final version of the Pam.
As a draft document, this document is subject to change.

https://www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/command/docs/dap60035.pdf

dap60035.pdf

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Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2021 1:49 PM

2021-09-13T13:49:22-04:00

Most of the fraternization policies relate to those under the same command or being involved with someone who is in your command. I don’t believe this officially violates any policy or procedure, however, the officer needs to look at the etichal dilemma and how the officer would be perceived by his/her peers for being involved with a lower enlisted SM.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Sep 13 at 2021 1:51 PM

2021-09-13T13:51:42-04:00

Fraternization.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Sep 13 at 2021 2:11 PM

2021-09-13T14:11:09-04:00

Depends on the context. Is it professional or private? A private relationship between a private and an Officer within the same Unit raises a lot of red flags.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2021 4:33 PM

2021-09-13T16:33:06-04:00

Personally I don't accept requests nor do I add anyone I work with at the time. After we no longer work together, then I will allow friend requests on social media. If I work with someone or they are in the same unit at the same time, no.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2021 5:05 PM

2021-09-13T17:05:35-04:00

There is a serious lack of context for this hypothetical scenario that you wish to prove a point on. Enlisted and officers can communicate via social networking platforms and that does not cross into the boundary of fraternization. The context of their communication is what determines that.

I message NCO's and Officers all the time, sometimes on social media platforms or alternative messaging applications. Being in communication with your leaders and those with subject matter expertise has a multitude of benefits, one of which is getting your name out there. The Army is in part about networking, the more people you know the more you learn and have access to.

There's nothing inherently negative about communicating via these various means, what makes it potentially negative is the content of the communication. Customs and courtesies can be observed even while on social media.

Response by SSG Brian G. made Sep 13 at 2021 8:49 PM

2021-09-13T20:49:38-04:00

Yes they would. There is nothing wrong in them following, adding each other on social media. Now once they have done this, what they pass back and forth matters. As long as it is of a non personal nature it is fine. It is another line of communication.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 13 at 2021 10:18 PM

2021-09-13T22:18:18-04:00

Allowed, sure. but that will be scrutinized heavily. It’s a massive risk to the LT.

If they are different genders, it’s absolute danger.

Response by SP5 Charles Gould made Sep 14 at 2021 2:58 AM

2021-09-14T02:58:13-04:00

It’s a brave new world! When I served, the “Internet” did not exist (as we know it today). Tim Berners Lee had not yet invented the WorldWide Web (WWW). The military did use “Arpanet”, “Undernet”, and other scientific networks. Cell phones were a fantasy in the Dick Tracy comics, as was the idea of a “Videophone”. Personal Computers - any - had not been invented until 1980, almost twenty years after I left Vietnam.

The only place that “Fraternization” could happen was a private bar, or club in town. There were EM Clubs (Enlisted Men’s) on bases, along with Officers Clubs. And never the Twain shall meet.

Social media meant a bar, letters passed seruptitiously, or dances where the military sometimes mixed.

More challenges today, to be sure! BUT!
The co-mingling of Officers and Enisted soldiers makes a sour soup, especially in a true combat unit.

Today’s military seems to have devolved into a tense, paranoid environment, where everyone is looking to “correct” another soldier.

We were trained to fight. Let’s not fight each other! One mission, one team.

Stay ready!
My old unit motto: In Omnia Paratus

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2021 3:23 AM

2021-09-14T03:23:57-04:00

Being friends on social media does not violate any military policy, especially if you are NG. Most people are trying to keep you in the steer clear lane which is always a smart option but if you know your does and don’t of the policy you will be fine. Also, think is it really worth it sometimes to go against the grain to prove a point. At the end of the day the choice is yours and what follows with it. Wish you the best of luck and hopefully this provided you some insight.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2021 12:09 PM

2021-09-14T12:09:41-04:00

Active duty no. I wouldn’t add anyone under me or above me on Facebook Instagram or anything like that. Reserve and guard I think it’s different and depends on the situation I think. It’s been awhile since I had a class and talk about reserve and guard fraternization.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2021 7:05 PM

2021-09-14T19:05:53-04:00

Just do what you want if y’all are cronies. No one cares.

Response by SSgt Jeanne Wallace made Sep 14 at 2021 10:19 PM

2021-09-14T22:19:15-04:00

avoid the situation ..better safe than sorry