FORT HOOD, Texas -In the past, there wasn't a clear set of Army rules to constitute inappropriate online behavior.
In response to this, the Army posted an all Army activities message (ALARACT) throughout the ranks last week that defines online misconduct and professionalism.
Online misconduct is defined by ALARACT 122/2015 as "the use of electronic communication to inflict harm."
In the message to all Soldiers, the ALARACT addresses online forms of communication and defines both proper and improper online behavior.
"The Army Values require that everyone be treated with dignity and respect," it says. "Harassment, bullying, hazing, stalking, discrimination, retaliation, and any other type of misconduct that undermines dignity and respect are not consistent with Army Values and negatively impact command climate and readiness."
Lt. Col. Shawana McKnight-Brazzle, equal opportunity program manager with Headquarters Support Company, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division said the ALARACT clarifies how Soldiers must behave.
"Whether online or offline, the Army has demonstrated that hazing and other types of misconduct will not be tolerated," the Deridder, Louisiana native said. "When posting to social media, Soldiers need to think before they post."
The ALARACT also explains commanders' responsibilities to foster a climate where troops, DA civilians, and Family members understand that online misconduct is inconsistent with the Army Values.
Leadership is key in creating this positive environment, said McKnight-Brazzle.
"Leadership has to be involved," she said. "They have to be aware of what their Soldiers are doing and saying, and ensure they know misconduct will not be tolerated."
The Army is expected to update its command policy regulation, AR 600-20, at a later date to outline social media violations.
Even though the Army has implemented these new rules, Solders are not discouraged from communicating online, but rather encouraged to "Think, Type, Post."
In other words, service members should always "Think about the message being communicated and who could potentially view it; type a communication that is consistent with Army values; and post only those messages that demonstrate dignity and respect for self and others," according to the ALARACT.
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