Why does the US military give a fuck what it's members say online?

[Alcoholic_Wannabe]

My vet dad tried explaining this to me before but it sounded really bitchy and preachy so I stopped listening halfway through.

The fact of the matter is that you have most of the firepower and we don't.

What are us "civies" gonna do if we don't like what you say? Rebel?

You could slaughter us all if the order was given.

But, oh no! Better not say mean things online or Joe Average is gonna be mad! 😮

Joe Average

Updates

+1 y

I have one satisfactory answer and it doesn't address the people getting discharged for not being PC.

Step it the fuck up.

[BCA6010]

A soldier or veteran can pretty much say anything online as long as they don't claim to do so while representing the Army. This is, by the way, also true with pretty much all government organizations and even most corporations. In fact, the latter is usually much quicker and harsher with the reaction.

Now it was generally my experience and observation that in reality, not all political statements are treated as equally forbidden and would sometimes be applauded if it supported what would be considered "the current thing," and most actual punishment related to the matter is because some junior officer or an insecure first-line wanted to make themselves look proactive. Granted, this was before most of the issues that are taken more seriously today and would be considered petty by comparison.

[Goforit1010]

You've heard the term, "Loose lips sink ships"? Partly why the military cares, is they don't need their personal yapping about anything, specifically where people are going, how many, and why. There are a TON of other things they can give away to our enemies that seem so dang innocuous, but can and HAS resulted in causing us harm.

Additionally, when you put on the uniform, you effectively wear it 24/7/365. Like others have said, they're held to a higher standard, and they're expected to adhere to that.

Finally, the Chinese, the Russians, the Iranians, the N. Koreans, the Israelis, the British, the Germans & French, and a whole raft of others are listening, reading, and watching the US military. When they come across anything in social media, they take note. It affects not only the military, but the country as a whole, too. Believe me, those bad guys use EVERYTHING they see, hear, and read against us.

[Dinklex3]

We're held to a higher standard and "ambassadors" of the United States military.

It's not about "firepower".

It's more about what we represent.

[Alcoholic_Wannabe]

The more firepower you have.. the less you have to care about what people think you represent.

[Dinklex3]

Very narrow minded, lol.
That's fine.
Not everyone wants to join or can.
People know what they sign up for.

[SaoirseS]

The military is held to higher standards than "civies"

[Alcoholic_Wannabe]

The more firepower to have, the less you have to care about what standards you're held to.

[SaoirseS]

An enlistment in the military would do you some good.

[Alcoholic_Wannabe]

So I can be conditioned into no longer being an individual?

That's so.. fucking stupid.

[SaoirseS]

Your perception is warped. An enlistment would do you some good.

[Alcoholic_Wannabe]

That's nice.

[Anonymous]

Because what you post online can not only reveal who you really are, but who your team is. If the military or whoever is not proud of what someone within their group said then that can make the entire military look bad.

[joeldalton]

Are you drunk already?

[Alcoholic_Wannabe]

Nope.

[joeldalton]

So just dumb?

[Alcoholic_Wannabe]

Nope. Are you?

[joeldalton]

no, I’m also not whining on GaG.

[Alcoholic_Wannabe]

The only person whining here is you.
Answer my question or move the fuck on.

Oh also, if you answer, don't bring up the "oath." You can just break it lol.

[joeldalton]

Lol, you don’t tell me what to do, son.

[Alcoholic_Wannabe]

So you don't have an answer just the usual pro-military floundering.

Thanks. Idiot.

[joeldalton]

Blah blah blah.