What is the proper protocol for senior officers/NCOs to connect with junior officers/NCO/Soldiers in Social Media?

Airborne Sir, I think a unit Facebook account is a good way to communicate with all of your Soldiers. When I was Stationed at Ft. Bragg that was a way for the BC and CSM to maintain contact and provide information. It also kept the families involved with the ability to view Photos and information of things happening at the Unit.

I have two FB accounts. One is my personal account. I tend to accept requests from people who are no longer under my leadership but are still in the Army. It is a good way to stay in contact and I don't say or post anything on there (or on here) that I wouldn't want my grandmother seeing. My other FB account is my work account. It is my "6" account and it will be passed to the next "6" who takes over. We will change the password together and he will take it on at that point. I believe in separation in the military. I'm not friends with my subordinates. I have UCMJ authority. That puts me in a bad position if I have to (and I have had to) take the bug red book to someone's backside. It ain't personal. It's business.

As a leader, it is not bad to have an additional way to keep tabs on your subordinates. That doesn't mean "creep" their page but occasionally checking and having the availability to gain possible insight into a potential personal issue with your subordinate is important, in my opinion.

Of course you do so knowing that anything you post as well can be seen by them as well.

Lt Rosa, it is an interesting dilemma. One that has only in the last few years really become an issue.
I personally have no issue staying in touch with my troops. Facebook can destroy your career if you are stupid.
I look at my Facebook as if my daughter could see it. If she would be shocked then there is a problem. If I see something really stupid, there will be a conversation. The great thing about the Facebook networking is the ability to stay in touch. My stance is that if simple rules cannot be followed-then we will not be friends on FB.
Good Luck!

2LT Rose, Sir, you can add your soldiers to your FB and simply limit them to what you want them to able to see. One of my Team Leaders is on my FB list but we have a good working relationship and it hasn't effected our work environment. On another note, I have read more than a few articles about students being on a teachers FB list. The student or parents views picture of a female teacher wearing a two piece bathing suit and holding a beer. Now that teacher is in hot water because it violated someone's personal set of values and norms. Just be careful of what you allow your soldiers to view. I wouldn't want someone to get the negative perception over a picture of comment of a fine upstanding Commissioned Officer as I am sure that is what you are.

This is a tricky one. My first inclination is to say no on the basis of decorum because there is that line of professionalism that must be maintained between officer & enlisted. I let (what's left of) my hair down on FB and don't know if I would have wanted my troops to see that side of me if I was their boss. Now that I'm retired, absolutely yes because its how we all keep in touch.

Though I do see some great comments for the opposite opinion - being able to gage your troops and know how they are doing. excellent points because we all tend to be a bit more loose lipped on FB. Just don't think friending troops under my command would have been for me.

Great discussion topic!

I always wait until I leave the unit for subordinate friend requests on FB. It's a slippery slope.

I keep it professional. If we end up together in another unit after that they are more than likely an NCO by that point and understand.

2LT Rosa, I know why you mean by that, In my FB, I allowed many people from my old job into it to include all the supervisors and managers, This lets me know about them, but I also have a Group that I invite only people I can say I trust with what I put in there. In that group are many or all those in RP, to include people I've helped before with there computer issues and those whom I've known for years before the group. On my FB I post nothing I don't want anyone else to know and in the group I put what I feel like it's ok for every one to know. It's odd, but since I have allot of game players in my FB, non are in my group.

I generally use Facebook for connecting with friends and organizing get togethers while using things such as LinkedIn for work related affairs or Rally Point for military. I am currently connected to soldiers within my unit of the SPC variety here on Rally Point because this is a professionally based and minded atmosphere as is LinkedIn.

I would simply explain that Facebook (or whichever site) is being used by you for social reasons and it is improper for the SPC in question and yourself to be "friends" as it were.

I guess I look at it by the atmosphere and the use of the site in question.

Sir, 


I believe that the social media can be a great and proactive way for a commander/senior NCO/etc. to reach out the his/her soldiers.  It must however stay professional if used in that sense.  

I feel that anyone who puts anything military related on there page(s) is now at risk of being reprimanded by their CoC if they are unprofessional.  A display picture or job listing as a soldier can not be next to one as a drunken party animal.  The tactic can not only enhance unit cohesion and communication, but provide incentive for the soldier to stay professional in and out of uniform. 


Respectfully,
SPC Meyer