Breaking News: “Marine Master Sergeant gets relieved for duty for failure to teach his subordinate Marine about social media do’s and don’ts”. Marine leaders don’t have to own social media accounts but, they have a responsibility to educate their Marines on the proper way to use them. Marine leaders have a responsibility to protect the Marines and the Institution. In doing so, this will help protect the United States Marine Corps’ image, which keeps us in good faith with the American public. Also, allowing Marines to maintain a life outside the Marine Corps which is key to their development. More importantly, Marine leaders have an obligation to hold those Marines that abuse social media to the Marine Corps standard, in order to uphold good order and discipline. It is paramount that Marine leaders ensure their Marines are informed of USMC policies on the use of social media. Leaders must counsel their Marines early and often, to remind them of these rules, and ensure there is an understanding. Moreover, Marine Leaders should remind them of the positive ways to use social media …show more content…
However, by not being their “friend” or a member of the same group, leaders are allowing their Marines the freedom to manage their social media sites as they choose, without fear of any repercussions. This gives them the opportunity to establish who they are, in their own environment. Many young Marines use social media to be socially active in the cyber community, and to find and meet new friends. Some young Marines may feel uncomfortable voicing their opinions or posting certain images if they know their leaders are watching. The same could go for the Marine leader, they could feel just as uncomfortable if they know their subordinate Marine is a “friend” or in the same group. Marine leaders must trust that their Marines are going to do the right thing, even when they are not