What's your opinion on the Army's Social Media Policy?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 15:39:06 -0400

I have a female peer as a friend on IG & it appears as if she has picked up a modeling gig. However, these pictures are becoming to be VERY revealing. I am curious, do you think the Army/Leadership have their noses where they don't need to be when it becomes to Social Media?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 13 at 2018 3:47 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 15:47:52 -0400

Did her leadership say something to her? I'm confused by the question with the statement you mentioned.

Response by SPC David Willis made Mar 13 at 2018 3:48 PM

SPC David Willis — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 15:48:12 -0400

I wouldn't have a problem with it, unless she's wearing the uniform in various stages of undress which doesn't seem to be the case. However with all the scandals recently of soldiers/marines spreading images of female SMs leadership almost has to be more concerned.

Response by SFC Dennis A. made Mar 13 at 2018 3:48 PM

SFC Dennis A. — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 15:48:31 -0400

I am very thankful that when I was in there was not need for a Social Media Policy. When I got out I only knew one person with a cell phone and the Internet was just starting to become a thing.

Response by SPC Joseph Wojcik made Mar 13 at 2018 3:52 PM

SPC Joseph Wojcik — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 15:52:53 -0400

Unless you're leaking classified information, I don't think the Army or DoD should be going all Stasi on soldiers. If you're concerned about privacy you can always have a "professional" account and an account under a pseudonym (hopefully the NSA won't snitch on you)

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Mar 13 at 2018 4:18 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 16:18:52 -0400

I think that people need to learn to separate work from personal business. It was easier before social media, but I can imagine that it was still an issue. She's got a modeling gig, cool. Does that affect how she performs her duties? Probably not. Should it hold any bearing on her military career then? No... Maybe a supervisor or friend should make sure that she knows to safeguard certain things from her subordinates so that does not become and issue but other than that who cares. In addition, I think that as long as it does not violate UCMJ, as in if prior to the advent of the internet having put something on a poster board or sign and posting it in a yard would not be in violation of UCMJ, then I don't think that the military should have any authority over it. I think that my opinions are still just my opinions and just because I can scream louder doesn't make them any better or worse. On the flip side, I do believe that SMs have a responsibility to not be dipshits. If I'm 9 and I have a bunch of pictures posted recently of my doing keg stands at a barracks party then I guess I just told on myself for underage drinking and then I should be punished for being a moron. As far as leaders combing through FB, twitter, or whatever other stupid crap is out there, I think that they are wasting their freaking time over stuff that doesn't matter.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Mar 13 at 2018 9:28 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 21:28:20 -0400

I will asked four questions:
Is she a service member?
Is she committing an unlawful act?
Is she committing an immoral act and according to who's set of norms and values?
Is it interfering with work?
That is how I determine if someone needs to intervene from the CoC.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 14 at 2018 5:17 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 17:17:26 -0400

Maybe, but the other side of the coin, is that ISIS and other terror groups are using the same social media to turn people to them and engage in acts of violence.