What are your thoughts on how the military community portrays itself in social media? How we should conduct ourselves on social media?

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Thu, 11 May 2017 01:14:44 -0400

Many of us follow different social media that are geared towards we veterans. FB pages like Dysfunctional Veterans (my personal favorite) and ASMDSS to maybe others of a more professional nature. My question is, what does everyone think of some of the ways our community portrays itself in such forums, and maybe what are your personal opinions for how we should conduct ourselves on social media?

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2017 1:52 AM

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 May 2017 01:52:52 -0400

Well I think we are an entirely different breed. We are extremely desensitized compared to most people who haven't served, it is for this reason why I follow mostly military pages. Civilians as of late seem far too sensitive and over emotional.

It also builds us a network. I have witnessed numerous times where a person posts something about a vet or service member in need and complete strangers flock to provide assistance. We take care of our own.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2017 7:29 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 May 2017 07:29:02 -0400

I tend to try and keep a lot of my military opinions off Facebook. The main reason I prefer Rally point is because you know who's account has been verified and who's accounts has not. I tend to veer away from those who have not validated their accounts because I don't know if their profile is 100% truthful. Facebook is a free-for-all and people like to spew a lot of BS on that site. I am really disappointed that the military has taken so much stock in the social media space know as Facebook. I have seen Facebook be used by Soldiers who put a lot of OPSEC related information on the site and this makes our military vulnerable to insider threats, not a good thing at all.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made May 11 at 2017 9:35 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Thu, 11 May 2017 09:35:30 -0400

The Military portrays itself just fine in Social media...
I think what your asking is how do individuals IN the Military portray them selfs and the answer is like individuals.
Most good, some bad, some really ignorant, hateful and worse.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 11 at 2017 10:05 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 11 May 2017 10:05:16 -0400

There may be views shown that may be off-putting to some thinner skinned people. That's the military though. We're different personalities with a different sense of humor. I do like the way that some pages (specifically USAWTFM) tend to act as something of a police force in an attempt to clean up questionable situations with questionable commands. That page seems to be a powerhouse and apparently has some key people monitoring it.

Most of the pages like USAWTFM, ASMDSS, DVs, and G4G seem to have established support networks as well. As PO2 Private RallyPoint Member said, I've witnessed numerous times where a person posts about a vet or SM in need and everyone flocks to assist.

And if anyone didn't know, Dysfunctional Veterans set up the DV Farm which is a nonprofit setup to help homeless vets and vets suffering from PTSD and addiction.
http://www.dvfarm.org/

I have nothing to do with them or the page other than being a follower on Facebook. I just thought it was an interesting concept and figured I'd share. I know we've seen situations with people here on RP that probably could've benefited from this type of program.

THE DV FARM

The Official Website For The DV Farm. Operated By Vets for Vets. Working Together To Reintegrate Back Into Civilian Life. Located In Gilsum, NH.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made May 11 at 2017 12:17 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 11 May 2017 12:17:47 -0400

Don't care. I think it is wise on a personal level to portray yourself with a certain level of decorum...if others feel the same, there will not be any problems. If others do not, then they should reap what they sow?