Why are so many Service Members and Veterans giving First Sergeant Moerk such a hard time for responding to an unethical online behavior?

2015-01-05T21:51:56-05:00

Correct me if i'm wrong here but are we not leaders 24/7? Some are upset because she received an Arcom. So what? I believe she did the right thing. What are your thoughts?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 9:56 PM

2015-01-05T21:56:06-05:00

I didn't see anybody angry about what she did - she did the right thing attempting correct it.
Some took her to task for her unprofessional language.
Some took her to task for jumping the chain-of-command clear up to the HRC EO Rep.
Some felt this action correcting poor behavior did not rise to the level of an ARCOM.

Can't say I disagree with any of that.

I also think that nearly everybody would have clicked on by without even bothering, and that too is wrong.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jan 5 at 2015 10:19 PM

2015-01-05T22:19:25-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member I do not think it was so much calling her out for trying to stop idiotic behavior by military members, but in that she received an ARCOM for it.

Not sure it had to get elevated as it did, but it did.

Yep, leaders 24/7 and stop stupidity when we see it, Roger That. A medal for it? Excessive. That is what was being said.

Response by SFC Vernon McNabb made Jan 5 at 2015 10:36 PM

2015-01-05T22:36:23-05:00

You should go back through and re-read some of the posts. Not everybody is giving her a hard time so much as disagreeing with the fact she received an ARCOM for "doing her job".

Response by CW5 Jim Steddum made Jan 5 at 2015 10:34 PM

2015-01-05T22:34:38-05:00

I applaud her for being the leader she (and we all) is/are supposed to be. Leaders at all level are responsible for ensuring social media policy is enforced while ensuring OPSEC. At first, I thought the ARCOM was too much. But, with the attention and discussion going on, I think it is appropriate. It is kind of like the trailblazer award. She was first to be widely recognized for executing a leadership responsibility that is still hard for some people to wrap their heads around. Further, I got an AAM as a W4 for scoring 40/40 with my assigned weapon at an ASCC. An ARCOM is probably more suited for raising world-wide attention to social media pitfalls.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 10:48 PM

2015-01-05T22:48:47-05:00

Here's the thread on that subject.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/arcom-for-calling-out-inappropriate-use-in-social-media-appropriate-or-not

Response by MSgt Bj Jones made Jan 5 at 2015 11:36 PM

2015-01-05T23:36:37-05:00

I saw an Air Force Captain get an Air Force Commendation Medal for doing CPR on a 9-month-old baby girl. I thought that was extreme. What of all those other service members who saved lives, possibly risking their own, who did not get a medal, let alone a pat on the back? How many times have others of us taken action online to correct bad behaviour online but were never recognized for doing so? Is a new standard being set for for medals that just isn't widely known? There has to be more to this story. It's hard to believe she got a medal just for her online activities.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jan 5 at 2015 11:39 PM

2015-01-05T23:39:43-05:00

Does anyone have a screen print of what was stated that prompted the Army 1SG to take action? I would like to see it for myself.

Response by MSgt Bj Jones made Jan 5 at 2015 11:48 PM

2015-01-05T23:48:51-05:00

This thought just hit me: It isn't First SGT Moerk's fault if her commander decided to give her a medal. Giving her flack for something she may not have asked for is crazy. I don't think that was anyone's intention, though. It seems the issue is the value of the medal appropriate to the actions for which it was rewarded? Only those who were there know for certain.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 5 at 2015 11:53 PM

2015-01-05T23:53:16-05:00

I'm not upset with what she did, I appauld her efforts. I believe she should have been recognized with a COA or a Coin of Excellence. My personal issue with giving an ARCOM is that it doesn't meet the standard for an ARCOM. Per AR 600-8-22: b. The ARCOM is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army after 6 December 1941, distinguishes himself or herself by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service. Award may be made to a member of the Armed Forces of a friendly foreign nation who, after 1 June 1962, distinguishes himself or herself by an act of heroism, extraordinary achievement, or meritorious service which has been of mutual benefit to a friendly nation and the United States.
c. Awards of the ARCOM may be made for acts of valor performed under circumstances described above which are of lesser degree than required for award of the Bronze Star Medal. These acts may involve aerial flight.
d. The ARCOM may be awarded for acts of noncombatant-related heroism which does not meet the requirements for an award of the Soldier’s Medal.

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Jan 6 at 2015 12:24 AM

2015-01-06T00:24:02-05:00

I just did some research some information on the incident, and I read enough to know what went on was despicable and disgusting. I am glad internet shananigans wasn't really a big deal when I was a private - specialist. If I did the reporting, I would want not this to be public at all. I would not want my name in the Army Times or all the publicity. I am a modest and quite person.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2015 1:02 AM

2015-01-06T01:02:57-05:00

My only issue with it was: 1. She took it straight to higher echelons without utilizing lowest level leadership. 2. She turned right around and called a critique an "asshat". If she is setting the example and doing the right thing, why is she being unprofessional and calling someone an "asshat" when the individual was respectful he just didn't agree she deserved an ARCOM.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2015 1:17 AM

2015-01-06T01:17:51-05:00

She jumped so many chains of command. Contacting the sharp program director?? Wtf...What she did is like going to the pentagon because your soldier was late to formation. She elevated the situation way more than what she needed. She killed her own career basically. I don't think one senior leader would pick her up now for SGM. I wonder how her Soldiers feel about her.

Response by SPC Susan Brown made Jan 6 at 2015 8:22 AM

2015-01-06T08:22:01-05:00

Description In accordance with AR 600-8-22 (Military Awards), the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces who distinguishes himself or herself by heroism, meritorious achievement, or meritorious service. This award can also be granted to a foreign national who distinguishes himself or herself by an act of heroism, extraordinary achievement, or meritorious service which has been of mutual benefit to a friendly nation and the United States. The ARCOM can be given for heroism in combat or noncombat and for achievement or service during peacetime or wartime. The approval authority for a wartime award is U.S. Army Human Resources Command (HRC).

Above is the description of what the ARCOM is and what it can be awarded for. Did this person deserve that award according to this description? In my own honest opinion, I do not believe so. A challenge coin, sure. A handshake, sure. ARCOM? No.

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Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2015 9:24 AM

2015-01-06T09:24:06-05:00

My issue was not that she responded directly to the people involved. It was the immediate inclusion in her response to base-level agencies that training was lacking across the entire base, using only the isolated incidents of several young troops as evidence.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Jan 6 at 2015 9:58 AM

2015-01-06T09:58:06-05:00

I have a bunch of ARCOMs, why didn't I make the Army Times.

The actions weren't a problem, the award wasn't a problem...

The publicity was a problem.

Why make this a media event? It's kind of ridiculous.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2015 11:29 AM

2015-01-06T11:29:28-05:00

I think its absolutely ridiculous to award her something for talking down to service members. She was not professional nor tactful in doing this and I believe it cheapens the worth of an ARCOM....

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2015 1:59 PM

2015-01-06T13:59:17-05:00

I believe it was not so much the fact that she tried to correct some shady behavior, but more about the way she went about it. Brining attention from senior leaders to the fact she was doing it, rather than simply taking care of it through her peers and bragging about it.

Response by SPC Stephanie Oanes made Jan 6 at 2015 2:30 PM

2015-01-06T14:30:23-05:00

Maybe she did the right thing, but she didn't deserve an ARCOM.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2015 3:11 PM

2015-01-06T15:11:25-05:00

She jumped her chains of command. That's the issue I see. Part of being a leader is setting the example. Correcting it was the right thing. Jumping the chain of command at so many echelons wasn't.

Response by SPC Mickey Bennett made Jan 6 at 2015 6:05 PM

2015-01-06T18:05:38-05:00

Honestly, when did trolling the internet like a CSM at the Base exchange correcting junior enlisted soldiers become a new responsibility within the senior NCO corps? To me, while she may have "done the right thing," this says to me that she has way too much time on her hands and you may have to assign her some additional responsibilities. Trolling the internet for content she finds offensive is not the responsibility of senior leadership or the mark of a true leader, it's the mark of a busy body on a power trip! And where IN THEE HELL in the regs did she go to justify Operation: "Xena Moerk: Keyboard Warrior Princess?" And an ARCOM...REALLY ...SERIOUSLY? In no uncertain terms, if I was handed an award of any kind for being a Facebook troll/busybody, and I didn't promptly take it home and light it on fire, the following sequence of events would take place:
a) my Great Uncle who survived the Battle of the Bulge would dig himself up out of his grave,
b) my Great Uncle would then find my father, a Vietnam Veteran,
c) my great Uncle would then say to my father, "I'm going to kick his ass for being a pussy, you're going to kick his ass for being a pussy, then I'm going to kick your ass for letting him become a pussy, THEN I'm going back to my grave, AFTER I have a case of cold beer
d) then after all of the ass kicking and drinking, I'd get lectured within an inch of my life on what REAL LEADERSHIP IS, and MARK MY WORDS, it is NOT trolling Facebook to find something to be offended by so I can "FEEL" useful and worthwhile as a leader!

BOTTOM LINE: It is this brand of Garrison induced HORSEFUCKERY that makes the NCO Corps a mere shell of what it was downrange! DEEP BREATH.........MOOSFABA

Oh, BTW, me: OIF 05 & 07-08

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2015 7:20 PM

2015-01-06T19:20:26-05:00

Doing the right thing doesn't merit an ARcom. Equal effort, equal reward.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2015 7:29 PM

2015-01-06T19:29:06-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member , I agree that we are all leaders 24/7, even more nowadays with social media, new technology etc. Society and certainly our soldiers have changes over the past several years. Some are upset that she received and ARCOM for what some people would say was her job and her duty. I believe she did the right thing and someone else did as well and wanted her to be recognized for it. I know about 1% of the details of the situation.

I know that I have put soldiers in for awards that others did not think were warranted. I respected their opinion and they respected mine.

If anything else it was a good learning point.

Response by Cpl Peter Martuneac made Jan 6 at 2015 8:10 PM

2015-01-06T20:10:23-05:00

She did her job, that doesn't warrant a medal. Grunts do their job every day in Afghanistan and get told to go shave their nasty faces before they can have decent chow for the first time in months.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Jan 6 at 2015 8:35 PM

2015-01-06T20:35:19-05:00

So first of all, I'll not be making derogatory comments about the 1SG's actions.
What I will speak to is, were her actions of such a nature in regards to rank, duty position and what she specifcally did worthy of awarding the Army Commendation Medal

Ar600-8-22 states In peacetime, U.S. Army military decorations recognize achievements which have significantly contributed to the readiness or effectiveness of a unit or organization, or have made notable contributions to the morale or esprit de corps
of units or organizations.
This is of course subjective on the approval authorities personal opinion.

I key in on the words " significantly contributed to the readiness or effectiveness of a unit or organization, or have made notable contributions to the morale or esprit de corps"

My personal opinion from the outside looking in (with NO insider knowledge of the units effectiveness before or after her "achievement" is that telling a few SM to"knock it off"... does not rise to that standard above.
Further AR600-8-22 states
"3–18. Army Commendation Medal
b. The ARCOM is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces of the United States who, while serving in any capacity with the Army after 6 December 1941, distinguishes himself or herself by heroism, meritorious achievement or meritorious service.
c. The decision to award an individual a decoration and the decision as to which award is appropriate are both subjective decisions made by the commander having award approval authority. Awards for meritorious achievement or service will not be based upon the grade of the intended recipient. Rather, the award should reflect both the individual’s level of responsibility and his or her manner of performance. The degree to which an individual’s achievement or service enhanced the readiness or effectiveness of his or her organization will be the predominant factor."

Again, based on that 1SG's duty position and the inherent responsibility required of that position... I would say, what she did not dot exceed what I would require from a 1SG to simply meet minimum expectations of duty performance.

So, while I applaud the 1SG for doing what was expected, required and pretty standard for her rank and duty position, I do not personally see how it rates an award for meritorious achievement.

Signed, no one that matters as I don't recommend anyone for awards any longer.

Response by SGT Royd Miller made Jan 6 at 2015 8:48 PM

2015-01-06T20:48:32-05:00

She did the right thing but it was her job and duty, moral obligation. Back in my day you actually had to earn an award!

Response by 1SG Cameron M. Wesson made Jan 6 at 2015 10:43 PM

2015-01-06T22:43:33-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member She did the right thing... no argument. I try to do the right thing as much as humanly possible. That was not the challenge. The challenge is the award... an impact award if you will for a SNCO doing what we are suppose to do. Period.

AR 600-8-22 3-18b provides the circumstances for award of the ARCOM is "meritorious achievement" Merriam Webster defines Meritorious as " deserving of honor or esteem" and Achievement as "something that has been done or achieved through effort : a result of hard work".

I speak only for myself; however, the award that was written on her simply was not appropriate based on the criteria... regardless of how well an award is written.

Award of a certificate of achievement. Possibly. At least it meets the specified requirements per AR 600-8-22; 10-7... Commanders may recognize... acts...which do not meet the standards required for decorations by issuing to individual U.S. military personnel a DA Form 2442 (Certificate of Achievement) or a Certificate of Achievement of local design.

Again, I speak only for myself... it was not an appropriate award for the act.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2015 10:40 PM

2015-01-06T22:40:16-05:00

If you are acting the fool, expect to get called out. There are some things I don't think you should be awarded for, such as doing your job. If the 1SG had dealt with the issues at the local command issue, I really believe the 1SG would have actually gotten respect for that. Hell, I would by all means had supported her on what she had done. She is correct for fixing the problem. Where she went excessive is involving the Pentagon; starting investigations which resulted in killing the careers of some young knuckleheads before they realized they could have had a career. How often do you as leaders tell your subordinates to deal with issues at the lowest level? I have not seen the video, but you should never disrespect/demean your fellow soldiers in ways which could be very embarrassing to them.

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 3:50 AM

2015-01-07T03:50:51-05:00

Here's my two cents for what it is worth. I believe the young 1SG did exactly what she should have as a senior NCO. Joking around or being unprofessional on social media is uncalled for and unprofessional. Directly disrepecting a senior NCO and human being after being corrected is also uncalled for and unprofessional. Being recognized for it by being recommended for and receiving an ARCOM is not her fault, that is the chain of commands responsibility. I am prettty confident that she didn't tell her CSM that she deserved an award for what she did. My personal opinion is that I would of recommended to the battalion and brigade commander that it be downgraded to a coin or something like that. The thing that bothers me is it seems she went directly to a high level of command instead of contacting a fellow 1SG or CSM of the Soldiers in question. Once issues are brought to the highest level instead of handling it at the lowest level it reflects poorly on the entire unit for the behavior of a very few bad apples. Maybe she tried but, everything I read pointed to division level and above reporting. Be professional about what you post in public forums.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 4:24 AM

2015-01-07T04:24:19-05:00

She did the right thing that all leaders should do. You are right it is the job of leaders to do what is right 24/7, but to give her or anyone else an ARCOM for doing that...come on man! Doing the right thing and your job is not deserving of an ARCOM. If she was a junior NCO and stood up for something in the pressure of superiors, then sure, but she is a senior NCO. I am tied of people expecting to and/or getting awards for doing their job in a satisfactory manner. I know it isn't the most popular thing to say, but sometimes we just need to be happy with the pat on the back or the "job well done" and a handshake.

Response by SGT Chris Hill made Jan 7 at 2015 8:41 AM

2015-01-07T08:41:33-05:00

This is a situation that can be touchy, because in some units, awards are handed out like candy, not necessarily meaning each award isn't earned, BUT there are units out there that are strict on how they award and for what. One unit will award you for achieving a 300 on the APFT, whereas another unit requires an act of God.

For her to receive an ARCOM for calling out Soldiers on the internet, just doesn't seem like it would have proper credentials as a bullet for a recommendation. In my opinion, you reward meritorious actions, bravery, above and beyond and commendable achievements.

Calling people out on the internet doesn't make you an effective leader, we are leaders because we are expected to lead, mentor and train Soldiers. Can't really say that I'm leading Soldiers 24/7 because that would require literally being with my Soldiers 24/7. However, we are all adults and expected to act as such 24/7.

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 9:38 AM

2015-01-07T09:38:45-05:00

Nothing about this situation is right! Period. I also don't have whole story. Were the soldiers active or reserve? Where they expressing opinions as SGT so and so or as PFC Snuffy? Was an ARCOM really the way to go? Was her reaction the "right" way to correct? I ask these things because as soldiers we are allowed our own opinions and voice as long as we aren't doing so AS a PFC or SGT. Now that does get fuzzy between active and reserves, not because of the quality of trooper, but because you are a soldier 24/7 on active. As a reservist, JUST because I have pics of me in uniform on my page doesn't mean I am expressing my opinion as a soldier. As a man and a citizen of the USA, I am allowed to have any opinion or say anything I like constitutionally. So if I want to make mysoginistic comments or anything else, while perhaps unprofessional, I have a right to do so. Let's see this 1SG page and see what she posts? Is it all 100% kosher? I bet not. Were these soldiers mentioning troop movements or troop strengths or any other OPSEC violations? Sounds more to me that she didn't personally like what they posted and because they had some uniform pics on their profile she took it upon herself to be net nazi. This thing with policing personal time on social media etc is a little out of hand. We should focus on shit that matters. This 1SG should have better more important things to do with her time (unless she was doing facebook recreationally and if so then she shouldn't have been acting militarily) And an ARCOM is just absolutely ridiculous. This is my opinion of course no matter how unpopular it may be.

Response by MSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 9:45 AM

2015-01-07T09:45:03-05:00

I'd also ask, since I don't know 100%, what was these soldiers' "unethical" behavior??

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 12:59 PM

2015-01-07T12:59:38-05:00

I agree with what she did but not with receiving an award for it.... to me that would be similar to receiving an award for showing up early to work all the time. If the whole point was to show that she did the right thing then great, but you don't need to award someone for doing their job.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 1:36 PM

2015-01-07T13:36:01-05:00

I agree it's not the actual correcting of the behavior is that she got an award for doing it. To me that's like getting an arcom for correcting someone for say leaving a patrol base with gear behind or something. It's just seems as if the current political leadership wants the military to run like a corporation when obviously not. I wonder who wrote the award?

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jan 7 at 2015 2:42 PM

2015-01-07T14:42:35-05:00

I think the issue is more the idea that the military is starting to implement "thought police".

Response by PO1 Donald Hammond made Jan 7 at 2015 2:57 PM

2015-01-07T14:57:27-05:00

I finally read the original article. She is right in what she did. We were always told that we were ambassadors of the Navy no matter if we were in our out of uniform. As a Leading Petty Officer I used to patrol the bars in foreign ports to keep them from doing stupid stuff and getting them back to the boat safely. Luckily there was no internet when I was in so I didn't have to worry about that.

Response by Sgt Pedro Morales made Jan 7 at 2015 3:36 PM

2015-01-07T15:36:04-05:00

You correct one, you correct them all. Reporting unethical behavior is part of "Doing the right thing, especially when no one is looking." When was the last time you saw somebody receive an award for reporting an incident in the barracks, or for reporting insubordination?

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made Jan 7 at 2015 11:06 PM

2015-01-07T23:06:18-05:00

Because you don't get churchmarms to bayonet another man in the chest. An organization which primary function is the application of violence in the defense of its people is not the place for nor does it have the time for political correctness or anyone who fails to understand that. Beware Staff Sergeant. RallyPoint auto shares these discussions on Army Times and Facebook. You may find yourself the next to be meme'ed. People are getting fed up with the shenanigans and butt hurt people.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jan 7 at 2015 11:13 PM

2015-01-07T23:13:04-05:00

For me it's the way she did it. As a SNCO, I'd want to know what my soldiers are doing and have the ability to correct them myself, instead of someone from the outside walking over me.

She should have use the proper chain of command / chain of concern. She should have notified their 1SG and dealt with it the proper way. Have some respect for their leaders.

I've been in the position where I could have stepped in on some situations, but didn't. What I did was sought out the leaders and let them take care of their problems.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2015 10:47 AM

2015-01-08T10:47:08-05:00

What CMSgt James Nolan said. Otherwise I think most of us are short a few medals for showing up for work ontime last month for more than 3 days in a row.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Jan 8 at 2015 11:19 AM

2015-01-08T11:19:17-05:00

My issues are:
1.) the fact that she got an ARCOM for doing her job
2.) taking it above and beyond resolving it at the lowest level
3.) acting unprofessional when called out

I once served in the same battalion as the 1SG -- I'm absolutely not surprised one bit that she took the time to go to the extreme lengths of looking them up outside of Facebook, contacting their unit EO reps or whatever they call it now, and all that jazz. Nor am I surprised that someone at echelons-above-1SG Moerk decided "hey let's put her in for an ARCOM!" And realistically speaking, having seen how ridiculous that unit is, I'd say that someone had to have submitted her for something much higher so that it would get downgraded -- that's how the game is played. So I'm curious if it was an MSM that got downgraded or what. But not curious enough to actually care.

I don't know anyone who has an issue with 1SG Moerk confronting the offenders. As a leader she should point out any conduct that does not meet the standard. This is, in my mind, without question. But I question her professionalism when she later called John Lilyea of This Ain't Hell an asshat -- despite the fact that I know of him and think he is, actually, an asshat. It's hypocritical of her to fry up some soldiers but then turn around and act that way.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2015 2:14 PM

2015-01-08T14:14:52-05:00

The thing that stands out to me the most, in 1SG Moerk's actions, is that she COMPLETELY jumped the chain of command. Yes, she tried to correct the Soldiers on Facebook. But when that didn't take, she sent out a nasty gram to the Army's SHARP director! Holy smokes Batman! Now, I'm not a SHARP agent (or whatever they want to call themselves), but I'm fairly certain that NONE of the briefs I got about SHARP said "If your feelings are hurt, go ahead and contact the Army's SHARP director." I'm fairly certain it was beat into our heads that you handle it at the lowest level possible. When confronting the Soldiers online didn't work, this stellar NCO should've attempted to contact their Command, NOT THE ARMY'S TOP OFFICER FOR SHARP!

That's why she's getting ridiculed, she's a Chain Jumper. No one likes a Chain Jumper. No one.

Response by SMSgt Judy Hickman made Jan 8 at 2015 2:14 PM

2015-01-08T14:14:00-05:00

I do not have a problem for a First Sgt doing her job. I believe the problem lies in her earning a medal for doing her job, as someone else said it cheapens the medal.

Response by CPT Ahmed Faried made Jan 8 at 2015 8:23 PM

2015-01-08T20:23:36-05:00

Exactly right SSG Private RallyPoint Member . We are leaders 24/7 and leaders should make the necessary corrections wherever necessary. Those giving her a hard time, especially the NCOs and some of the Officers..need to be reminded of that.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2015 8:54 PM

2015-01-08T20:54:06-05:00

Why did her CoC even know she corrected anybody?

Why did she get a ARCOM? It's a cheap shot IMHO. She got a freaking award for trolling the internet. I turned down an ARCOM for doing my job as Infantry Plt Sgt. It's a medal not a pat on the head from a teacher for being an internet hall monitor.

I had an officer get a ARCOM with a V for actually doing a stand-up job during a raid. I saw a AAM from WWII for taking out a German machine gun nest.

That whole chain of command that signed off on that needs a class on awards.

Response by SGT Mark Sullivan made Jan 8 at 2015 8:59 PM

2015-01-08T20:59:09-05:00

She did the right thing, for sure, but, receiving an ARCOM, or any other award is just plain politics. The leadership job is 24/7, you set the standard, and nothing in this should be political. Hell, by this example, I should have received a Meritorious Service Medal for working as a Tech Supply Sergeant, (an E-7 slot) while newly pinned SGT/E-5 during a unit deactivation for a Hover Craft Unit.

Response by SFC Mark Bailey made Jan 8 at 2015 10:22 PM

2015-01-08T22:22:24-05:00

It is not her actions that I objected to,
...it is the permanent service ribbon she was awarded for doing so.

She corrected 'Virtual Soldiers' in a 'Virtual Social Media site'
I stand by my original recommendation

She should have gotten nothing more than a 'Virtual Award'
A Facebook Commendation Avatar

We are NCO's 24/7 and it is our duty to make sure that no officer has to step in complete our job so her emailing things out without giving the NCO's of the soldiers the opportunity to do their job with their soldiers was something I thought was also inappropriate.

Response by 1SG Rich Martinez made Jan 9 at 2015 3:00 AM

2015-01-09T03:00:28-05:00

She did the right thing. We are leaders 24/7 on and off post. AS for everyone disagreeing about her award, well who cares. Its really none of your business. If more Soldiers were worried more about themselves and their own Soldiers or battle buddies and doing the right thing then less we would not so many issues in the military.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2015 5:17 AM

2015-01-09T05:17:07-05:00

HAD A SOLDIER STEP UP ONE DAY AND DO SOMETHING GOOD. the first sergeant called him up to the formation and gave him a coin and recognition. forced us privates to clap and stuff. we called him "1sg's b!t**" for a while thereafter. we were a little jealous this cat got recognition for shit we all did. guess he just did it at the right time.

how many of you are LTG or above? if this commander saw fit to reward her for her action, well i say his 40 years of experience outweighs my 18 and he can make better command decisions than i. it aint like any of you would ever tell anyone that you didnt want the award. specially a GO.

i get it. you did some awesome shit and never got a coin, an award, a flippin pat on the back. i did too. i grieve with you. let me make up for it. THANK YOU. if you want a coin, inbox me. i will send you one. i have about 1000. just tell me what you did and provide me one witness and i will send you the rank of coin that should have recognized you. i only have one presidential one, so only one can tell me how you killed bin laden.

BTW: if you got offended by this. maybe you need to look at "suzy" as being someone you care about. maybe a sister, friend, daughter.. what would you do if guys referred to one of them as "Suzy"?

Response by SSG Richard Reilly made Jan 9 at 2015 9:44 AM

2015-01-09T09:44:12-05:00

They are giving her a hard time becuase;

1. They are ignorant. SM's believe that their private life is private. However they don't realize that they represent the service on and off duty. And nothing on social media is private. The internet is a great tool but you don't have to put every thought on it.

2. They are jealous. Most SM's aren't use to getting impact awards for doing their job. They are use to leaders not recoinzing them for the work they do. Between downgrades (for what I call rankcism, but that is another topic) and/or just ignoring the great job SM's do, people are jealous of seeing someone get awarded for doing her job.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2015 11:18 AM

2015-01-09T11:18:35-05:00

She did the right thing. I am proud that she did what she did. Soldiers are just mad that she "flexed her rank online," but that isn't the whole story. She didn't even mention her rank until she start private messaging the Soldiers that were posting retorts to her original post of "this is inappropriate," telling them "be careful what you post on social media when you profile picture has you in uniform." She did everything right, and I think it is wonderful that she received praise in the form of an award for it. It is a way for the Army to start encouraging like behavior.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2015 1:06 PM

2015-01-09T13:06:07-05:00

Responding to it is one thing, but to get award for it? That is overkill. If this is what the Army is coming to, then why dont we get ARCOM or AAM for being a Designated Driver? Or for helping a soldier pass the board? That sort of thing.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jan 9 at 2015 2:02 PM

2015-01-09T14:02:41-05:00

I followed the conversation on line and participated myself. The vast majority of responses seem to justify their opinions in their comments. Are you asking them now to repeat what they have already said?

Response by SP5 Richard Maze made Jan 9 at 2015 5:09 PM

2015-01-09T17:09:34-05:00

The question is how far outside the box you think she stepped. Was this above-and-beyond, or was it exactly what she's supposed to do? Army leadership seems to think she did more than she had to do. I'm OK with that.

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Jan 9 at 2015 5:13 PM

2015-01-09T17:13:08-05:00

Simply put;

A good leader deals with situations at their level until no longer possible, she followed protocol, in other words; She did her job and gets an award for it? What was the chain of command thinking?

I am not sure what her MOS is but I can only assume it is a rear element that would otherwise only receive awards for tours of duty. No disrespect intended.

Response by SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA made Jan 9 at 2015 5:42 PM

2015-01-09T17:42:44-05:00

looks like SMA Chandler trumped us all!
http://www.armytimes.com/story/military/careers/army/enlisted/2015/01/09/sma-chandler-defends-moerk/21464883/

SMA defends 1SGT's actions that earned her an ARCOM

Sergeant Major of the Army Ray Chandler stepped up to defend an NCO's online on-the-spot correction of soldiers, who berated her online.

Response by Cpl Brett Wagner made Jan 9 at 2015 10:42 PM

2015-01-09T22:42:03-05:00

SSG Yvens Saintil - that is what is great about RP. We all get to voice opinions, retired & veterans more so that you who are currently serving.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 9 at 2015 11:33 PM

2015-01-09T23:33:45-05:00

It just seems like such a dumb thing to give an Arcom?

Response by SFC Nikhil Kumra made Jan 10 at 2015 9:16 AM

2015-01-10T09:16:04-05:00

To echo basically what it looks like the vast majority are saying:

1) It's offensive that an ARCOM was awarded for a spot correction/corrective action administered

2) The decision makers on this are ultimately to blame for the uproar. How many individuals spent a year or more in either Afghanistan or Iraq to earn an ARCOM?

I personally believe that she should still give it back. Because she is a SNCO and she is supporting it, she is just as much to blame for the backlash. She should personally request that the award be rescinded. If this created this much of an issue among so many people, I doubt that the few who made the decision are right, and EVERYBODY else is wrong.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2015 12:15 PM

2015-01-10T12:15:18-05:00

SSG Saintil, I'm sure most will agree with me on this but your question is ambiguous as well as slightly misleading. I am NOT in any way saying you are dishonest so please bear with me.

Many of us are not giving 1SG Moerk a hard time because of this situation. I surely don’t expect a senior NCO (or Petty Officer, to cover our esteemed Navy and Coast Guard brethren), especially a 1SG or CSM/SGM, to abdicate their responsibilities commensurate with being an NCO and a leader. On the same token though, these individuals should not be going around “searching” to correct subordinate soldiers.

In this particular situation, 1SG Moerk was on a website where several service-members were publicly stating certain negative comments. I honestly can’t state what those comments were but that is the general problem as I understand it. I also don’t know the reasons why 1SG Moerk was even on the website to begin with. If she was on there to look around because that’s what many of us do on websites then so be it. If she was deliberately on there looking to find inappropriate comments then her behavior and reasoning is a concern that needs to be addressed. Overall, none of us can answer those questions. Only she can.

The second part to this deals with her correcting soldiers stating inappropriate comments. I posit the vast majority of us have NO issues with it because inappropriate comments need to be called out and corrected. In addition, it is incumbent on a senior NCO, let alone ANY NCO, to do the right thing by calling out the inappropriate behavior. Such actions are part of what makes an NCO a leader. It’s what WE do and who we are. I would bet that 99% of us on here have ZERO issue with her correcting the soldiers.

Now, as far as what concerns me the most is twofold. First, the way she approached the situation as well as her language has a lot to be desired. Calling someone “stupid” is not the best way to teach or to correct an error. In addition, calling someone an “asshat” (pardon the language) is also uncalled for as well as being unprofessional.

The last but most critical part to all this is whether her actions warranted an award. This is what many, including me, have an issue with. Her actions do NOT warrant an award because she was just doing what a good senior NCO, let alone ANY NCO, is to do when inappropriate behavior rears its ugly head. For her to deserve an award for doing something inherent with her rank is equivalent to you getting one for correcting a uniformed soldier who walks halfway across the Fort Carson PX parking lot without their headgear. Totally ridiculous.

SSG Daniel Deiler, Cpl Brett Wagner, CMSgt James Nolan, 1LT Scott Doyle, 1SG Private RallyPoint Member, PV2 Private RallyPoint Member, SSG Justin McCoy, 1SG Private RallyPoint Member, 1SG Private RallyPoint Member, SSgt Private RallyPoint Member, PO1 Private RallyPoint Member, Cpl Dennis F., MSgt Keith Hebert, SSG Private RallyPoint Member, SGM Erik Marquez, SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL, 1SG David Niles, SGM Private RallyPoint Member, SGT Richard H., SSG Private RallyPoint Member, PO2 William Allen Crowder, SGT Steven Eugene Kuhn MBA.

Response by SSG(P) Matthew Bisbee made Jan 10 at 2015 1:09 PM

2015-01-10T13:09:57-05:00

I commend her for what she did. I just don't think it warranted the award of an Army Commendation Medal. Its kind of like MAJ Frank Burns being awarded a Purple Heart for an (egg) shell in the eye. The condemnation is on the individuals that wrote up and approved the award. The 1SG should keep doing her duty and exemplifies leadership both on and off duty.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2015 2:11 PM

2015-01-10T14:11:58-05:00

I think the point of contention here is that is was he duty to do that. I would be like getting a ARCOM for passing a PFT. You are expected to pass one. Another point is that she was trolling. Like it or not that is what it is called. The internet is a crazy place. You see some things that don't make sense or some things that are inflammatory. I don't know if I could as fair as actually reporting it to their unit. How would it look if I was disrespected here on RP and I called their command and told them they disrespected an officer. I hope no one could take that serious. I think the Army was trying to make a statement. It did make one and it went over horribly. I think the Army has and will always have a horrible public relations issue.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2015 2:53 PM

2015-01-10T14:53:32-05:00

I have not been following this situation, so comments I make are based on third hand information, and should be ignored if you wish.

What I have read suggests 1SG Moerk attempted to correct unprofessional behavior in an unprofessional manner.

First point, you can't teach professionalism if you aren't being professional.

Second point, and this is the big one, you correct in private and reward in public. I learned that about 35 years ago, and any NCO who hasn't learned it needs to take their stripes off.

Third point, this is an open forum and an expression of freedom of speech. That doesn't prevent anyone from wrongly airing dirty laundry in public (unprofessional) nor does it prevent anyone from unprofessionally harassing someone in public. But if you haven't considered that airing your opinion in public might be considered unprofessional, a security risk, or otherwise damage your career, then you need to return to basic training to be taught how to pour sand from a boot with instructions printed on the heel.

In case anyone hasn't noticed, employers on the outside often want to know what social media sites you frequent (like this one) and what your account name is. Have you considered why? Is it possible they want to find out if you are a hothead, unable to control yourself, a politician with an unpopular axe to grind, suffering from a disease, disability, have PTSD, have sex with animals, are agitating for nude Fridays, or whatever?

If I were an employer, I think I'd want to know if a prospective employee can engage his brain before operating his computer. YMMV

Response by SFC Aaron Finley made Jan 10 at 2015 5:45 PM

2015-01-10T17:45:48-05:00

Leaders recognize people in many different ways. Some would say a POB (Pat on the Back) would've sufficed for what she done. Personally, I have no issue with her receiving the award she received, but I've seen other situations I thought should've been awarded but wasn't. I've seen first hand a Soldier that worked part time on the weekend as a life guard. He saved a young mans life after a drowning while performing CPR. The incident hit local news but the Soldier received no recognition from any leaders. If we're going to elevated things like this then do so, but do it all the time. Sorry for getting off topic but I felt compelled to use this example to so a reason why people thinks her merits doesn't deserve an ARCOM. Yes, there is no doubt she did the right thing.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2015 7:49 PM

2015-01-10T19:49:54-05:00

There I was, no shit... a PFC waiting for my AAM for cleaning the latrine. (Because PFC's are "perfect for cleaning" 24/7)

Response by TSgt Nathan S made Jan 11 at 2015 2:08 AM

2015-01-11T02:08:21-05:00

I did a tour in Iraq w/200+ outside the wire missions and got an AFAM. She got a higher medal than I did. Two reasons, rank and gender. If you are in the military these days it is very obvious.

Response by 1SG David Niles made Jan 11 at 2015 12:17 PM

2015-01-11T12:17:45-05:00

The only issue I have with the whole situation is that she received a medal for it, a certificate, maybe, but she was doing her job, the same as I would had I come across the same situation. I think that the whole thing blew up because, one, she is a female and two she received an ARCOM.

Response by SGT Criss M. made Jan 14 at 2015 4:58 PM

2015-01-14T16:58:52-05:00

I got an MSM for informing the Bn CSM that someone was planning to piss in his canteen!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 14 at 2015 5:36 PM

2015-01-14T17:36:33-05:00

It is not the fact that 1SG Moerk responded to unprofessional and unethical online conversations. It is the fact that there are thousands of Servicemembers who have done things of greater significance and received only an ARCOM or less. I know of a small team of Soldiers who averted a major insider attack on Kandahar Airfield and they received AAMs. Their NCOIC who recommended the Soldiers for the awards that were downgraded, received nothing. I know of a former SSG who deployed multiple times throughout his career, culminating as an MOS instructor and for 20 years of his time received an ARCOM for retirement.

So seeing as how a 1SG stopping internet trolls holds more weight apparently than 20 years of distinctive service or saving an untold number of American/coalition lives, Stevie Wonder could be able to see what is wrong with that picture.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 18 at 2015 4:08 PM

2015-01-18T16:08:56-05:00

And it made Duffel Blog.

http://www.duffelblog.com/2015/01/ncoer-facebook-bullet/

Response by SSG Timothy Sharpe made Jan 19 at 2015 11:14 PM

2015-01-19T23:14:42-05:00

If anyone watched the 16:00 some odd minute video the Army did for her where she describes the situation from her point of view, it was very evident that the video is not what made her take it to the Pentagon level. It was the people who replied to the comment that made her angry. She distinctly said that after people told her that she was "sucking the fun out of everything" or that she was "that girl in the barracks" she started "pacing around her house infuriated" . Now, don't get me twisted I'm not defending the people who said those things or the people who made the video. I'm simply saying that it seems she took it to the level she did with a retaliation motive rather than a leadership/"stewardship of the profession" motive. To put it simply, her feelings got hurt, being a SNCO she thought about how she could best get back at these "bullies" in the worst way.

Response by SCPO Joshua I made Feb 11 at 2015 7:43 AM

2015-02-11T07:43:22-05:00

What she did in calling out bad behaviour on the internet I think no one has an issue with. In fact that's expected.

Where it crossed the line into wtf territory is calling in the Army's director for this program instead of dealing with this as an adult NCO does.

The Arcom is just icing on the cake.

Response by SGT James Mosley made Feb 11 at 2015 8:01 AM

2015-02-11T08:01:25-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I retired from the Army in August of last year. At my retirement ceremony I recieved an ARCOM for 20 years of service. An ARCOM...for 20 years..? My entire Chain of Command approved my award for a MSM, because my CoC looked at my many achievements not my rank at the time. Yes, I retired as a "buck Sergeant". When the award made it to the Commanding General, only my rank was seen, downgrade to ARCOM. I was heartbroken. The staff sergeant beside me, with 10 years in service, being medicaly discharged was awarded a MSM. Well..what can I say.

I play alot of online games with family and friends, like World of Warcraft, to pass time and to socialize with different people. Sometimes I too come across some asshat in social chat, I call them out and just tell them to tone it down a notch or two. Do I, being a civilian now deserve an award from the Army for making a correction like this on a social media site? No..I do not. Reguardless of what was said, reguardless of what was done, the internet is a grey area. Did 1SG Moerk deserve a ARCOM for responding to ONLINE behavior? The answer..of course not. She was correct however, on making that correction, but to receive an award for it, come on now..people.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2015 4:51 PM

2015-12-05T16:51:55-05:00

"I will be loyal to those with whom I serve seniors peers and subordinates alike I will exercise initiative by taking appropriate action in the absence of orders"
Any of that ring a bell. Make corrections at the lowest level and then take it higher as necessary following proper chain of command. No I don't think the 1sg deserved what she got.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 27 at 2016 9:41 PM

2016-03-27T21:41:41-04:00

As NCOs you are suppose to try to handle the situation at the lowest level possible I say again lowest level possible.

Response by SFC Harry H. made Sep 4 at 2018 1:21 PM

2018-09-04T13:21:36-04:00

Not sure why people are mad at her. You can't write your own award. The process for recommending someone for an award starts with a form called a DA 638. There is no place on that form for a recommended Soldier to accept or refuse an award. So it's not like she could refuse it either.

I will say in defense, was her intentions an impact? Because one could say the award was given as an impact award. I mean hell, Bronze Stars are given to E-6 and above's just because they were in a war zone. How many of you walked away from overseas with an BSM, JSCM, ARCOM, JSAM, or AAM and had no clue what it was for? Be honest. What for being in country? That's what your campaign medal was for.