Posted on Aug 22, 2018
We need to stop posting legal issues to RallyPoint. How do we achieve this?
5.91K
52
28
12
12
0
At least once a week, a young soldier posts a question about an Article 15, or pending UCMJ actions. These posts usually only hurt the young troops foolish enough to post them. Is there any way we as a community can educate these troops to keep them from posting their legal troubles on a public platform?
UCMJ
Leadership
Social Media
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 17
8
8
0
Mostly the response is, talk to your lawyer and ignore what the barracks rats say which is perfectly fine. I, for one would not want to tell them no.
(8)
(0)
4
4
0
Most of the questions on here (legal or otherwise) stem from a lack of leadership and/or communication from first line supervisors and NCO Chain of Support. After that is the lack of knowledge by some of those leaders. I'm not saying every NCO has to be a part-time lawyer, but know enough to give their subordinates good advice on how to proceed through The System. For example, knowing his/her rights, when to seek SJA/JAG and/or IG assistance, etc.
I know the information is out there, because a lot of it is contained in the Army Studyguide that everyone seems to study from for promotion boards. The other sources are the regulations (ARs) themselves. Many leaders have this stigma against knowing the regs and enforcing them. It's not hard to find the information; it's out there and available.
If your subordinates are coming to an Internet board for advice that every leader should know, then you have failed your subordinate, yourself as a leader, and the Army. No, I'm not being snarky, but brutally honest. If this hurts your feelings, then perhaps the Military isn't for you. Leadership of young adults is NOT something to take lightly, especially if/when we ever get into another shooting war. Even in peacetime, leaders mold subordinates, and ultimately have a huge impact on who they become as Servicemembers, and people in general, as well as their outlook on leaders and leadership.
Lead or go home.
I know the information is out there, because a lot of it is contained in the Army Studyguide that everyone seems to study from for promotion boards. The other sources are the regulations (ARs) themselves. Many leaders have this stigma against knowing the regs and enforcing them. It's not hard to find the information; it's out there and available.
If your subordinates are coming to an Internet board for advice that every leader should know, then you have failed your subordinate, yourself as a leader, and the Army. No, I'm not being snarky, but brutally honest. If this hurts your feelings, then perhaps the Military isn't for you. Leadership of young adults is NOT something to take lightly, especially if/when we ever get into another shooting war. Even in peacetime, leaders mold subordinates, and ultimately have a huge impact on who they become as Servicemembers, and people in general, as well as their outlook on leaders and leadership.
Lead or go home.
(4)
(0)
SSG(P) (Join to see)
SFC Kelly Fuerhoff - That is correct. There was nothing personal aimed directly at you, SGT Tony Clifford
(0)
(0)
SSG(P) (Join to see)
SFC Harry H. - If your (generic) Soldiers are afraid to come to you with questions, concerns, or to seek advice, then your professional relationship with them is suffering. And yes, my Soldiers felt entirely comfortable coming to me and asking questions and even seeking advice on both personal and professional issues. Heck, I went with two of my Soldiers to the car dealership to help them buy their cars.
(0)
(0)
SFC Harry H.
SSG(P) (Join to see) - Well I'm retired and never had that problem, but I'm not speaking for myself, you, or other leaders. I'm speaking on behalf of the Soldiers. I will say, (generic) or not, those Soldiers better check themselves before coming to me with some bullshit. I'm a leader, teacher, mentor, adviser. What I'm not, is your dad or friend. So before anyone comes to me with legal advice, understand that we have just that, a professional relationship. And that as a professional, I have a duty to report violations and crimes. With that understanding established first, it's up to the Soldier how they want to proceed. I will help you and guide you as best as I can.
(1)
(0)
3
3
0
About 90% of the topics on RP are best answered by:
Google it.
Ask the Recruiter.
Read the Reg.
Ask the S-1
Ask the JAG
That said, people feel a bit more comfortable with the human touch and you never know what expertise is out there. I'd bet with the membership demographics, there'd be better experts than what you'd find locally. Hands down more leaders willing to take the time to work with juniors without the SM being fearful of getting sideways with the CoC. My only encouragement is to do some up front research yourself and pose more focused questions like "The Reg says this but....". There is a difference between making an effort and just being lazy. You can frequently tell the difference.
Google it.
Ask the Recruiter.
Read the Reg.
Ask the S-1
Ask the JAG
That said, people feel a bit more comfortable with the human touch and you never know what expertise is out there. I'd bet with the membership demographics, there'd be better experts than what you'd find locally. Hands down more leaders willing to take the time to work with juniors without the SM being fearful of getting sideways with the CoC. My only encouragement is to do some up front research yourself and pose more focused questions like "The Reg says this but....". There is a difference between making an effort and just being lazy. You can frequently tell the difference.
(3)
(0)
SGT Tony Clifford
I understand that, but the issue I'm more concerned with, is when these posts reveal too much. I've always understood that it's never a good idea to post details about any legal proceedings they're currently going through on social media. I'm afraid that these troops could inadvertently make things worse for themselves.
(0)
(0)
TSgt David Holman
SGT Tony Clifford I seem to recall a recent post by a soldier who had admitted to going AWOL and was seeking advice on what to do, and in instances like those you are absolutely correct.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google