Basic Training: Are recruits taught Social Media Protocol?

2015-04-29T00:30:01-04:00

I went through Boot Camp in the 90s so social media was not a thing. Today it is. Is there a segment in basic training or boot camp today where recruits/privates learn the do's and don'ts of the Internet?

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Apr 29 at 2015 12:38 AM

2015-04-29T00:38:47-04:00

That's a great question. I'm following this one. I did basic in 1990 so I understand the question. I assumed they did but I never asked.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 29 at 2015 1:29 AM

2015-04-29T01:29:41-04:00

No, sadly there is not SFC Private RallyPoint Member ..the only thing that may come close is a 30 minute briefing of being mindful of what you do on the Internet or any environment. It's covered again every now and then in AIT but not often enough. It should be emphasized more due to the lack of common sense. Basic was a year ago so I doubt its being emphasized more as of this point in time.

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 29 at 2015 3:35 AM

2015-04-29T03:35:20-04:00

If there isn't, there damn sure should be! Great question --- I look forward to hearing more about this ...

Response by CPL Rob N. made Apr 29 at 2015 10:40 AM

2015-04-29T10:40:35-04:00

Shouldn't that be the tasked to the soldier's Company or Battalion once they reach their duty station? I understand the need for social media knowledge, but depending on the MOS, the information obtained or disseminated, equipment and/or travel requirements etc. to perform ones duty dictates the seriousness of posting to social media.

Let basic training/boot camp do what they are supposed to do and train the individual about military customs/courtesies, military tactics, weapons training.... how to be a soldier!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 14 at 2015 10:59 AM

2015-09-14T10:59:23-04:00

It should start at the introductory level. A private can tarnish a unit because of what they put on social media. We shouldn't just focus on OPSEC, we need to teach the do's and don'ts. Etiquette. I guess another question to ask is, "how have we adapted to tools like twitter?"

Our Public Affairs FM starts with this.

Today the world is changing faster than ever, and information moves around the globe at the "speed of Twitter". Leaders must be flexible, agile and prepared to engage multiple audiences on a variety of issues ranging from the tactical to strategic levels.

General Raymond T. Odierno
38th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 7 at 2016 12:49 PM

2016-04-07T12:49:59-04:00

I retired from the Recruit Training Regiment in 2007 and at that time we did not. To be honest with you in order to insert any subject into the schedule for male Recruit Training at MCRD SD, you would need to remove something. Every minute of everyday is accounted for. There are no extra minutes and any minute wasted can never be made up. I understand the concept but just don't see where it would be inserted. Possibly during Core Values time or SDI time but are our DI/TI/DS/CoCmdr's experts in this area? I would say not.