What is the proper protocol for senior officers/NCOs to connect with junior officers/NCO/Soldiers in Social Media?

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 13:31:04 -0400

As a Lieutenant Colonel, and a Battalion Commander, I often see junior members of my battalion listed for me to connect with as well as others stationed at the same post. What kind of protocol is proper for me to connect and for my responses to requests to connect?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 23 at 2013 6:46 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 18:46:24 -0400

LTC
Honestly sir, as long as you are connecting to enhance leadership development and to be available for advice through multiple avenues, and as long as the junior soldier to you understands that the connection is to be professional then I believe that connecting through whichever approach you deem necessary is acceptable.

With candid respect,
SPC Camron

Response by SGT Thomas Sullivan made Sep 24 at 2013 11:28 AM

SGT Thomas Sullivan — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 11:28:30 -0400

I must agree with SPC Benjamin. Social Media is not the future anymore, it currently IS the present and most popular way to connect and network with anyone and everyone. If you feel uncomfortable connecting, don't connect, instead start a group for your unit on Facebook and communicate via the group and make yourself available via group, this will keep you from connecting to individuals while still being able to interact with them on your terms. If you decide your the sociable kind of leader you could add your own "sub group" in your friends list and give limited permissions to those people within said group. There are different options available to you. A 3rd alternative is to make a "Military Commander" only Facebook/Twitter profile separate from your personal profile and utilize that for your social media interaction with other military/subordinates/foreign national work connections.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2013 12:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 12:02:09 -0400

Airborne Sir, I think a unit Facebook account is a good way to communicate with all of your Soldiers. When I was Stationed at Ft. Bragg that was a way for the BC and CSM to maintain contact and provide information. It also kept the families involved with the ability to view Photos and information of things happening at the Unit.

Response by CW2 Kameron Read made Oct 29 at 2013 3:31 AM

CW2 Kameron Read — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 03:31:33 -0400

Sir, that is a difficult one. The most significant issue I could see is for a Soldier to use social media as a means to jump the chain of command. Instead of a junior Soldier using his/her 1st line leader it may seem easier to get instant results by a direct message to you. I saw an example of this on facebook with the Sergeant Major of the Army page. A junior Soldier posted on the SMA's page a comment stating that all the E5s-E6s in his unit are overweight and always at appointments. Of course the SMA wanted to know what unit the Soldier was speaking of. The comments continued on and I'm sure the CSM in this Soldier's division or brigade was contacted because of it. This is obviously a negative example.

AKO Files has plenty of presentations on how to use social media for units and FRG if that is what you are looking to do. Connecting with your subordinates on rallypoint is a good thing, it is another way to mentor and influence. Unlike facebook you wont have to expose your personal life and it develops a long term professional connection to your Soldiers.

I wish I had official Army doctrine to give you a confirmed answer.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2013 10:42 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 Oct 2013 10:42:14 -0400

This is an excellent question - it's good to see it being discussed here. I would not be too concerned with connecting with subordinates on RallyPoint or milBook since these are professional forums. I would take great care with Facebook, however. I should not be posting things on my Facebook page that are unprofessional so that's not my concern but there are limits to how much of my personal and family life I want all of my subordinates aware of. My personal habit has been to accept Facebook requests from my immediate subordinates while I'm serving with them and with others after we have moved on to other organizations or transitioned out of the service. I have not had any issues with doing so and the social media contact has stayed appropriate. In one case, I had connected with an NCO with whom I had served in the past. I noted an inappropriate political post on his wall, let him know about it in a private message, and he removed the post. As several have mentioned the unit Facebook page or an alternative "Government Official" or "Military Commander" page - like many of our senior leaders use - can be very effective at building and maintaining the professional relationship with the organization and their family members.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Oct 30 at 2013 12:01 AM

SSG Robert Burns — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 00:01:38 -0400

I remember the first thing I learned when I became an NCO was that my soldier's were not my "friends". So if you believe that then how can you justify "friending" them on Facebook.

Facebook is a great tool but I think it has too much opportunity to be abused or put soldiers in a bad position when they decide they want to get on there and vent, someone gets offended, and now they are being reprimanded for something they put on their on Facebook page.

Response by SFC Charles S. made Oct 30 at 2013 12:52 AM

SFC Charles S. — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 00:52:34 -0400

Sir, for the current policies and procedures the United States Army Handbook for Social Media 2013 on page 15 leaves it up to you to determine your contact with subordinates in your command and offers examples for use.<br><br><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/USArmySocialMedia/social-media-handbook-2013">http://www.slideshare.net/USArmySocialMedia/social-media-handbook-2013</a><br><div class="pta-link-card"><div class="pta-link-card-picture"><img src="http://cdn.slidesharecdn.com/ss_thumbnails/socialmediahandbook3-1b [login to see] 36-phpapp02-thumbnail-4.jpg? [login to see] "></div><div class="pta-link-card-content"><div class="pta-link-card-title"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.slideshare.net/USArmySocialMedia/social-media-handbook-2013">Social Media Handbook 2013</a></div><div class="pta-link-card-description">This document provides extensive social media guidance. It contains information for Army leaders, guidance for Army Families, operations security tips, branding</div></div><div style="clear:both"></div><div class="pta-box-hide"><i class="icon-remove"></i></div></div>

Response by Cpl Ray Fernandez made Nov 6 at 2013 11:50 PM

Cpl Ray Fernandez — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 23:50:12 -0500

Keep it professional like many have suggested sir, it's tough to keep your personal life separate from your professional life but there are methods and features of many sites that would allow you to at the very least keep a buffer from your subordinates. The group pages on the more "informal" sites like Facebook would allow those you lead to maintain contact and post useful information. The more professional sites like RallyPoint, and Linkedin would allow more mentoring to occur. To allow subordinates to be "friends" on the less formal sites would likely create more problems than they're worth because some may perceive favoritism even when there isn't any. On top of that, I don't think even as a Battalion Commander you want to go home and still have to deal with the personal issues of those you lead or end up having work encroach on time you would prefer to relax and decompress from a stressful day.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2013 12:41 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 00:41:10 -0500

Sir,

I believe that the social media can be a great and proactive way for a commander/senior NCO/etc. to reach out the his/her soldiers. It must however stay professional if used in that sense.

I feel that anyone who puts anything military related on there page(s) is now at risk of being reprimanded by their CoC if they are unprofessional. A display picture or job listing as a soldier can not be next to one as a drunken party animal. The tactic can not only enhance unit cohesion and communication, but provide incentive for the soldier to stay professional in and out of uniform.

Respectfully,
SPC Meyer

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 19 at 2014 1:34 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 13:34:13 -0400

Connect with you through you personal FB page....NO GO

I would recommend that you make an OFFICIAL Bn FB page, that way everything can be kept at a proffessional level.

Response by CPT Zachary Brooks made May 23 at 2014 4:23 PM

CPT Zachary Brooks — Fri, 23 May 2014 16:23:42 -0400

I generally use Facebook for connecting with friends and organizing get togethers while using things such as LinkedIn for work related affairs or Rally Point for military. I am currently connected to soldiers within my unit of the SPC variety here on Rally Point because this is a professionally based and minded atmosphere as is LinkedIn.

I would simply explain that Facebook (or whichever site) is being used by you for social reasons and it is improper for the SPC in question and yourself to be "friends" as it were.

I guess I look at it by the atmosphere and the use of the site in question.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2014 4:23 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 May 2014 16:23:59 -0400

I personnally am not Friends on Facebook with my Soldiers or my Leaders while they are my Soldiers or Leaders. After I or they leave the unit then I accept/send the requestfor 2 reasons 1)Just to see how they are doing and progressing, and 2) in case they or I need to get in contact for assistance. I explain to my Soldiers why at the time I cannot accept their request and have not had any ramifications for the denial. Now if they request me on here then yes I will make them a connection because this is a profession growth site, but facebook can get people into trouble.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2014 4:45 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 May 2014 16:45:18 -0400

I consider maintaining a Facebook connection with my Soldiers to be a vital means of maintaining connection and monitoring for problems. If one of my Soldiers has money problems, I know about it. If one of my Soldiers posts something questionable, I know about it. If there are undercurrents or discontent, I know about it. I consider Facebook to the the leaders ultimate open-door policy with the extra benefit of providing an NSA-like wiretap into the social goings on of the E-4 Mafia.

Now this does not mean that I trade jello shot recipes with my Soldiers or post duck faces selfies of me in the john. I maintain one Facebook profile (professional) for my unit and one for my friends and family (Duck-face jello shot selfies et al.)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2014 4:58 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 May 2014 16:58:44 -0400

I feel as though it really boils down to how you behave on FB. If you plan on posting pictures of you out drinking with the boys and post things that could shine you in a negative light then it would not be a good idea to be friends with them on FB. If on the other hand you use FB in a responsible manor and watch what you say or do on there, it's not a bad idea. Showing your subordinates that you are a human being with interests outside the military can help your soldiers relate to you and can improve your relationship. I personally try to minimize my FB contact to people that I trust. I do not choose to be friends with every single one of my soldiers.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made May 23 at 2014 5:11 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Fri, 23 May 2014 17:11:32 -0400

Times are changing and connecting through social media is important...unless you or your subordinates/leaders are acting irresponsible on social media.

You (or other leaders) can disseminate unofficial information quicker than calling everyone in (face-to-face) and/or calling everyone via phone (mouth-to-ear?).

Response by SSG Laureano Pabon made May 23 at 2014 5:23 PM

SSG Laureano Pabon — Fri, 23 May 2014 17:23:00 -0400

2LT Rosa, I know why you mean by that, In my FB, I allowed many people from my old job into it to include all the supervisors and managers, This lets me know about them, but I also have a Group that I invite only people I can say I trust with what I put in there. In that group are many or all those in RP, to include people I've helped before with there computer issues and those whom I've known for years before the group. On my FB I post nothing I don't want anyone else to know and in the group I put what I feel like it's ok for every one to know. It's odd, but since I have allot of game players in my FB, non are in my group.

Response by SSgt Paul L. made May 23 at 2014 6:24 PM

SSgt Paul L. — Fri, 23 May 2014 18:24:42 -0400

I always wait until I leave the unit for subordinate friend requests on FB. It's a slippery slope.

I keep it professional. If we end up together in another unit after that they are more than likely an NCO by that point and understand.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 23 at 2014 8:15 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 23 May 2014 20:15:39 -0400

Sir,

I would think it would be up to personal preference and what you would be the most comfortable with. For example, my husband's 1SG was due to retire but hadn't left the unit yet when my husband had sent him a FB request. (My husband was the training room NCOIC and so worked pretty closely with 1SG). His 1SG politely declined the request at the time and told my husband that he would definitely add him after he cleared the unit which he did. My husband totally understood where he was coming from.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 23 at 2014 9:12 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Fri, 23 May 2014 21:12:35 -0400

This is a tricky one. My first inclination is to say no on the basis of decorum because there is that line of professionalism that must be maintained between officer & enlisted. I let (what's left of) my hair down on FB and don't know if I would have wanted my troops to see that side of me if I was their boss. Now that I'm retired, absolutely yes because its how we all keep in touch.

Though I do see some great comments for the opposite opinion - being able to gage your troops and know how they are doing. excellent points because we all tend to be a bit more loose lipped on FB. Just don't think friending troops under my command would have been for me.

Great discussion topic!

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made May 24 at 2014 3:48 PM

SSG (ret) William Martin — Sat, 24 May 2014 15:48:53 -0400

2LT Rose, Sir, you can add your soldiers to your FB and simply limit them to what you want them to able to see. One of my Team Leaders is on my FB list but we have a good working relationship and it hasn't effected our work environment. On another note, I have read more than a few articles about students being on a teachers FB list. The student or parents views picture of a female teacher wearing a two piece bathing suit and holding a beer. Now that teacher is in hot water because it violated someone's personal set of values and norms. Just be careful of what you allow your soldiers to view. I wouldn't want someone to get the negative perception over a picture of comment of a fine upstanding Commissioned Officer as I am sure that is what you are.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2014 4:24 AM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 04:24:37 -0400

Eric,

I got a lot of facebook requests from Soldiers in my first platoon. I just let them sit in my inbox until I was moved to another position. I have accepted many of their requests now. I think a lot of it has to do with how you use facebook. For me, facebook is a means to communicate with family and friends. It is an Army-free zone. Thus, I didn't think it appropriate to share that with my boys until I had moved on.

On another note, I am RP contacts with many of my current and past Soldiers. This is a professional forum and I have found that my Soldiers will engage me regarding the discussions we've participated in on RP. It's been an interesting means of professional development for all parties.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 3 at 2014 6:07 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 03 Jun 2014 06:07:40 -0400

I personally would decline or ignore the request until they are no longer part of my command. Then after one of us leaves, then send a request or add them.

As for the awkward moment at work, when you see them after they send the friend request, let them know that you aren't going to add them due to the inappropriateness of the situation. Also explain to them why it would be inappropriate in adding them. That should help diffuse the awkwardness at work.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 15 at 2014 8:31 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 20:31:57 -0400

Social media can be very tricky. Currently I am a Drill Sergeant so I will not accept any friend request from former Soldiers that I trained. Now if I was in a regular unit I would consider accepting request from Soldiers. Depending how the Soldier used social media you can monitor their well being or unit morale. Soldiers are more apt to put info out on Facebook before they approach you with a problem. Now I believe some NCOs won't accept Soldiers cause they do not want Soldiers in their personal lives.

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Jun 15 at 2014 9:54 PM

CMSgt James Nolan — Sun, 15 Jun 2014 21:54:39 -0400

Lt Rosa, it is an interesting dilemma. One that has only in the last few years really become an issue.
I personally have no issue staying in touch with my troops. Facebook can destroy your career if you are stupid.
I look at my Facebook as if my daughter could see it. If she would be shocked then there is a problem. If I see something really stupid, there will be a conversation. The great thing about the Facebook networking is the ability to stay in touch. My stance is that if simple rules cannot be followed-then we will not be friends on FB.
Good Luck!

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 16 at 2014 1:00 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 01:00:52 -0400

"The best rulers are scarcely known by their subjects;
The next best are loved and praised;
The next are feared;
The next despised:" -- Laozi, DaoDeJing

The traditional wisdom is, the greatest danger of being too close with your subordinate Soldiers is the appearance of favoritism or preferential treatment. Even if no such treatment exists, rumors will fly and will hurt your unit's morale and discipline.

I don't entirely buy into this though. I think the world is moving more and more towards information equality and ubiquity. Engagement and attention is becoming a premium, and we in leadership positions must adapt to this, not stick our heads in the sand in wishing for better days of yore. It is a fine line to maintain decorum online, but I believe the tradeoff is too valuable to dismiss without exploring.

My unit is mainly in the 18-28, E1-E5 demographic. I'd love for first line leaders and platoon sergeants to be engaged with their subordinates on social media. I think this is just the next evolution of "taking care of your Soldiers".

Response by SSgt Gregory Guina made Jun 16 at 2014 9:43 PM

SSgt Gregory Guina — Mon, 16 Jun 2014 21:43:30 -0400

Facebook is for people that I might hang out with and drink beers with on the weekend. I wouldn't want a junior guy on there because my personal life doesn't include them same with my senior leadership.

Response by MSG Lance Kelly made Jun 17 at 2014 12:40 AM

MSG Lance Kelly — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 00:40:48 -0400

My facebook is personal, it is family and friends and I keep it private. As a member of the JAG Corp, I have seen too many cases where facebook came back to bite the Soldier. My Soldiers don't need to see my inner personal life. Do people have multiple facebook accounts? I would consider that as an option by having once that is strictly a professional site. Maybe that's what rallypoint is.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 17 at 2014 7:20 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 07:20:46 -0400

I always added my Soldiers because you can ensure they aren't putting information out (sensitive, misinformation, etc...) and you can see if they have any larger personal issues (drugs or drunk on a monday afternoon, for example). It helps to keep an eye on the pulse of a unit. It's not like I put anything stupid in my Facebook feed.

Response by SFC Erin Barnett made Jul 7 at 2014 10:20 AM

SFC Erin Barnett — Mon, 07 Jul 2014 10:20:28 -0400

I personally connect with everyone. But I follow the rule that I am not going to say or post anything I would not say or do with my mother or my preacher. Like someone else posted, it lets you see problems before they effect someones work or the unit.

Like it or not, this is the direction the world is going and “privacy” is controlled by what you type and the pictures you let get posted. If you don't do keg stands, there can never be any pictures put on the internet.

You can connect with them and still have professional distance.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2014 10:24 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 22:24:20 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member, only if the two happen to be 2LT and 1LT who do not have to salute each-other

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2014 11:34 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 23:34:39 -0400

i can see why service members have their speculations on it but in my opinion it shouldn't matter other people will think that its unprofessional and it can be if they see you more of a friend than someone who is in charge of you, it has its pros and cons either way

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 22 at 2014 3:58 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 03:58:36 -0400

I have many people in my unit on Facebook its almost necessary just in case contact needs to be made a good bit of them wont answer phone or text but the second they get the message on Facebook they reply and being for my civilian job I work on boats that usually ill be a few hundred miles away from land it helps my unit make contact with me. It also helps monitor whats going on in the daily lives of each other incase someone is having issues at home or whatever it is but is not quite willing to ask for help but will post it on social media. So it allows leaders to identify problems before it escalates and offer help and guidance.

Response by MSG Brian Breaker made Aug 22 at 2014 7:17 AM

MSG Brian Breaker — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 07:17:43 -0400

I created a separate FB page for work. It seemed to work for me. I don't check it as much, but at one time I was managing the unit FB page and wanted to keep my personal life separate.

Response by PO1 Michael G. made Aug 22 at 2014 1:15 PM

PO1 Michael G. — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 13:15:07 -0400

CPT Private RallyPoint Member Sir, I'm on the other side of that coin from you, but I've had some experience with the delicate balance of personal and professional life requires us to have.

The most direct military instructions I've received has been from my instructors at BESS who put out to the class that it's pretty much verboten until 6 months after the course is complete, but that guidance was only in regard to instructor/former student contact. As for everyone else, I've head things ranging from "it doesn't matter at all" to "it doesn't matter, unless the person in question is in your direct chain of command."

I say I've had experience with this, though. Before I enlisted, my second job (roughly 25-30 hours a week) was as the social media marketing director and administrator and assistant youth minister at my Church. Our the social media guidelines for our diocese spelled out pretty clearly who could and could not be personal FB friends, and between superiors and subordinates, it was a no-go.

By and large, though, unless there is a specific regulation that gives guidance, the rule of thumb, that I developed over the last couple of years as a social media admin was to ask myself, "Will I be socializing with this person in real life, or does my position of authority dictate that I maintain a less-personal-more-professional relationship with them?" If the answer was, "No, we're not going to be socializing," then there really isn't a need for me to be their 'friend' on a social media site."

Now, connections here and on a site like LinkedIn are a little different; the point of the network is to maintain professional contacts, so such connections should probably be fostered. But, that is a significant difference; we're not coming on to RallyPoint or to LinkedIn (if we have one) to share photos from summer vacation or to take a BuzzFeed Quiz or share our opinions on sports. We're here to connect with other professionals for professional growth.

The long of the short of it is, sir: a *social* social media site (i.e. Facebook), I would steer clear of connections that might raise eyebrows; a *professional* social media site, I would recommend building that network.

Response by LTC Barry Hull made Aug 25 at 2014 12:12 AM

LTC Barry Hull — Mon, 25 Aug 2014 00:12:39 -0400

The first generation to grow up with the social networking we have now is in high school and college. I certainly hope they can develop some common sense rules to pass down to their kids. I had no experience to draw on for my kids. But I do know this --NEVER under any circumstances post anything you would not want to show to your Mother or your Sunday School teachers. Once it is out there, you can't get it back. It can be world wide in a matter of minutes. If you follow that one simple rule, you should not need to be worried who your FB friends are. My CSM in IRAQ came to me one day with the subordinate FB friend dilemma. He was not going to friend any of our Soldiers. Made sense, but like LT Rosa said, there is info there. It can't be ignored. In a number of cases we were able to stay head issues, often personal problems that for some reason a person will post on the net but not seek help form their COC. I don't see it as an issue as long as you stay professional -- as with all things.

Response by Capt Chris McVeigh made Sep 3 at 2014 12:42 AM

Capt Chris McVeigh — Wed, 03 Sep 2014 00:42:21 -0400

I would deny any FB request from one of my Marines. I don't see it as having anything to do with being personable and everything to do with a professional environment. FB is an environment for friends/family and entering your professional life into it with subordinates is not something I would consider appropriate.

Now if you maintain a "professional" facebook page I would see that as perfectly acceptable and potentially even beneficial as a leadership tool.

Response by COL Mike Walton made Nov 2 at 2014 12:34 PM

COL Mike Walton — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 12:34:50 -0500

Social media is a great way to interact with your peers and subordinates. However, you and they need to remember that they are interacting in a similar manner as meeting together at the Club or the food court.

You need to be respectful yet state your personal slant. Phrases like "personally" and "I'm taking off the rank for a bit" helps (you *never* take off the rank, but they understand that what follows is YOUR words not the command's words). You need to be aware that whatever you say or do reflects on the Army, your command, and your unit.

The best example of this is occurred as a Battalion Commander of a Public Affairs Operations Center in Iraq. The unit operated in rather close quarters in Kuwait and closer in Iraq. Conversations occur between subordinates and of course between superiors and subordinates. We had our opinions, ideas and some "this is screwy" comments also. They were professional, but personal. In a professional Army like ours, most of us know where that "line" is. There were conversations which were prefaced with "Sir" or "Ma'm" and some prefaced with "can I talk with you away from the rank, please?"

In my earlier days, it was prefaced by a command "permission to speak freely, sir?" That is kinda the same things which you should approach in social media also.

Accept your subordinates and peers' invites to join you in social media but remind them that it's NOT a substitute for using the chains of command and support to get things done. Most of them will know this, but a little reminder doesn't hurt. I played volleyball and lawn darts with several of my subordinates -- we cut up, tease each other, but it's done with respect and the appropriate level of ribbing. It builds espirt...

Final thoughts: like at that club or food court, you need to make yourself available as a human being -- for that separates our outstanding Army from all other nation's armies. When we lose the human aspect of being a Soldier, we lose impact that simple, honest and respectful communication can make. Also remember that when Patton slapped that Soldier in the dispensary and called him a "coward" didn't and wouldn't make for "thumbs up" comments then as now...make your comments known but keep your emotions in check. After all, most times they are looking to you...

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 12:46 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 12:46:17 -0500

Sir, JUST SAY NO! Sorry just had to say it. In all honesty I would say avoid connecting with subordinates on social media merely for sanity sake. I am continually surprised when I happen to browse the web and see some of the things my subordinates willingly post for all the world to see.
Connecting with peers has never been a problem as we are all about the same age, same maturity and have the same mindset about what's appropriate.
As a BN CDR I would say have a closed door session with you CSM about this, perhaps his/her reasoning as to why they do or do not connect with soldiers can answer your questions.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 2 at 2014 12:56 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 02 Nov 2014 12:56:32 -0500

In all honesty, I see it is a good way to gauge the interests and proclivities of subordinates to know them. I wouldn't ever message some of the higher ranking officers on my facebook with words like Whats Up or anything mind blowing, I still use forms of address and I am able to get insight on situations quickly.

I am also not saying tag in funny photos, send funny links or Memes. I don't post anything wild on my facebook page anyways but just thinking before posting can really clear any trepidation. If it is not something I would say at the unit or in conversation with XYZ, then why would I type?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2014 11:58 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 11:58:28 -0500

What you say or do on your personal social media sites reflects on you and your service regardless. It's the same as how you act anywhere else. If you discredit yourself, you discredit the military. "No one is more professional then I"....remember that.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2014 9:19 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 09:19:55 -0500

As a leader, it is not bad to have an additional way to keep tabs on your subordinates. That doesn't mean "creep" their page but occasionally checking and having the availability to gain possible insight into a potential personal issue with your subordinate is important, in my opinion.

Of course you do so knowing that anything you post as well can be seen by them as well.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 1:27 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 01:27:44 -0500

I have two FB accounts. One is my personal account. I tend to accept requests from people who are no longer under my leadership but are still in the Army. It is a good way to stay in contact and I don't say or post anything on there (or on here) that I wouldn't want my grandmother seeing. My other FB account is my work account. It is my "6" account and it will be passed to the next "6" who takes over. We will change the password together and he will take it on at that point. I believe in separation in the military. I'm not friends with my subordinates. I have UCMJ authority. That puts me in a bad position if I have to (and I have had to) take the bug red book to someone's backside. It ain't personal. It's business.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 1:33 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 30 Nov 2014 01:33:02 -0500

I've had this question asked to me before and I have told my Soldiers I would not accept them as long as I was their First Line. My main reason is that I do not want that connection to be the starting point of what blurs the line between personal and professional for us Supervisor/Subordinate. I've given the same reason on why my Soldiers and I cannot be friends....for the simple fact that I've seen how Soldiers treat NCOs they do not respect nor view as their senior but moreso someone they can smoke and joke with. When you cross over into the territory of going out with your Soldiers, partying, drinking and whatnot they start to get comfortable with you and that comfort will eventually spill over into the professional environment.

Once that connection is no longer in place, I am always more than willing to accept those requests.....mainly because I like to make sure they're staying on track with their commitments and goals.

Response by SFC Rick H made Dec 11 at 2015 3:00 PM

SFC Rick H — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 15:00:36 -0500

My thinking is CYA first and foremost Sir- if this soldiers requires conversation with you, I would suggest you either learn if his/her chain of command has been made privy first- we always like to handle soldiers requirements at the squad leader levels- where they should be handled! no real reason to chat our soldiers up using fb etc...