Why do people in the military post stories, pictures, and videos that make the military look bad on social media?

SSG Kory Clausen — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 16:53:26 -0400

I think the people in the military should have the backs of other people in the military. Instead of posting on social media they should correct the discrepancy, keep it in house.

Response by SPC Paul Jennings, J.D. made Apr 28 at 2016 4:58 PM

SPC Paul Jennings, J.D. — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 16:58:56 -0400

It really depends, in my opinion. I don't see a lot of posts about some PVT wearing their rank wrong. I do, however, see posts about some soldier hiding in their car during reveille, or a SGM with obvious and blatant uniform violations. I am less concerned about the fact that these are posted online, and more concerned about the fact that it had to come to that. It's easy to say keep it in house when you are not subjected to toxic leadership that retaliates against you for pointing out errors. The easiest way to avoid having dirty laundry aired online is to simply not have any. Abide by the regulations, present yourself in a proper manner, and don't bring discredit to your service or the uniform.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2016 5:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 17:01:08 -0400

Social Media is the devil!! That was my best Waterboy's mama voice. Social Media has made it entirely too easy for "disgruntled" individuals to vent their anger etc. Should some things be kept "in house"? Yes some should that's why we have Chain of Command and NCO Support Channels. But, what happens when these channels break down or don't give the Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine the answer they want? They fall back to Social Media i.e.: US Army WTF Moments etc.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2016 5:02 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 17:02:57 -0400

Unfortunately, as in the civilian world, everybody has different ideas about what is appropriate and what is not. Soldiers need to understand that we each have our own different social filters, and we need to understand civilian perception/filters might be different from our own. We can then do our best to post being sensitive/aware of those filters and attitudes.

Then again, some individuals just don't care.

Furthermore, as service members, we already have to be cautious about what we post taking into account OPSEC etc.

If the posts are public, it is probably a good idea that NCO's are also aware of what is being posted by their junior enlisted as well as their own peers.

Response by CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2016 5:08 PM

CW3(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 17:08:37 -0400

I think some take social media waaaaay overboard. Then some use it as a platform to say things they may not be comfortable saying otherwise and just go bonkers

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2016 5:24 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 17:24:46 -0400

Some people just don't care. Don't be so naive to think that everyone that joins the Military has joined to actually serve their country. A lot of service members have different reasons for joining and loyalty and respect for the country isn't one of them. It's unfortunate but it's the truth.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2016 5:30 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 17:30:43 -0400

Its mostly due to the Soldier being corrected acting the fool. Trying to use their rank to intimidate people into thinking they are above the rules. If the Soldier just said roger thank you I will fix the issue then there would be no need to blast them on social media.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Apr 28 at 2016 5:31 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 17:31:47 -0400

Because they're disgusted by what they see around them on a daily basis and want to vent...

Response by SSG Kory Clausen made Apr 28 at 2016 5:42 PM

SSG Kory Clausen — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 17:42:13 -0400

I need to clarify what I mean my social media. Posting videos or pictures on military websites that only people in the military can be a part of is fine. But we shouldn't share the videos and pictures of soldiers being tore up on Facebook.

Response by SSgt Dan Montague made Apr 28 at 2016 6:44 PM

SSgt Dan Montague — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 18:44:02 -0400

I can assume that the people posting are younger service members. These are the ones tied to social media. They must post everything about their life. They have no sense of backlash or common sense when it comes to posting some things.

Response by CPO Andy Carrillo, MS made Apr 28 at 2016 9:03 PM

CPO Andy Carrillo, MS — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 21:03:39 -0400

SSG Kory Clausen by keeping 'dirty laundry in-house' one also runs the risk of hiding what should be transparent--misconduct, corruption, graft, moral turpitude, conduct unbecoming, etc. Case in point: the Green Beret who recently faced discharge over dealing with an Afghan commander/child rapist. It was public pressure and Congressional interventions due to negative publicity that pressured senior personnel to reverse their decision and retain this 1st Sgt/Hero (IMHO). Kept 'in house' and this Green Beret would have been 'hung' to slowly twist in the wind. Better to experience institutional embarrassment on social media than hide injustice, the tenets of a free press.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 28 at 2016 10:52 PM

Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 22:52:26 -0400

I think it's because we often feel we can't get any traction within the chain of command. By highlighting it to the outside world, it usually gets the attention of senior leadership way faster than any attempt to just talk with the senior leaders one-on-one. The black mold at AUAB is an excellent example of this...thousands of people had been complaining up their chains for years. A few posts on social media, and suddenly it has congressional attention and the wing is actually working to fix the problem.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 1 at 2016 7:00 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sun, 01 May 2016 19:00:10 -0400

No Forethought about their actions and what affect they can have on themselves and others. One of the Drawbacks of an Open Society. Got to take the Good with the Bad Sometimes. I prefer room for people to trip on their feet to a society controlled by the Stasi.