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New Soldiers Blog - Need Your Feedback
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
The CG wants to set up another blog in addition to The Mountain Sound-Off, with the topics and discussion on the new blog driven by YOU - the Soldiers, Family members and community partners.
We'd like your thoughts on how you want this new blog to work: How do we choose topics for discussion? How often should we update the topic? Do we limit participation? Do we limit topics to just military matters? What do we call it? Etc.,
Comments (30)
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This is just one example there are many others, just a thought.
(Moderator Comment: To clarify - the question is about how you the contributors want this blog to function. Not necessarily about a specific topic.)
The fact that you even host a blog in the first place is amazing in itself. It is the first time I have ever seen a Division Commander have something such as this even exist.
The unfortunate thing is the point to which people abuse and misuse it. Being that anyone can post stuff it will be impossible to keep people from being negative and critical of everything around them. Most of these kids don't know how good they really have it.
In order for a new spin-off blog to be successful it has to pertain to the issues and pertain to something that could actually happen. Everyone wants miracles but the reality of it is that red tape a bureacracy always seem to hinder every move.
One idea would be to have a topic forum where people can input 100 characters to suggest a single topic. Then at the end of a set period, maybe a week, have a weekend voting session where all the forum users can vote on the topic of the week. Once the weekend is over talk about that topic for two weeks. Subsequently folks are still adding new topics to the "Topic Forum" for the next voting block. That way you will get to talk about the topic that the "Users" voted for thus making it fair to all.
Thanks for all you do.
(Moderator Comment: Negative or critical comments are okay. Incessant off-topic babble is not. Incessant, negative or critical off-topic babble is right out.)
(Moderator Comment: No chuckles intended; the point to be made and question asked to our community is: While people are allowed their opinion on topics, at what point do we draw the line on obviously off-topic comments like the one in question? Should the Soldier's Blog be a free-for-all or should there be limitations (besides obvious limits on hate-speech, personal attacks, etc.,)?
Anyone on AKO can start one, but it would be great to see some command blogs there.
This would be ONE option, among many -- wouldn't meet the needs of all who've commented here, but would be one place that would be internal discussion only, cheap, "safe," etc.
I believe the blogs can be branded just like pages; not sure about anonymous postings...
Stay safe.
whats the point of a army if you dont have discipline
if dont have discipline in your ranks you might as well throw in the towel which is where we are headed faster than any cg or commander can see open your eyes, you have all these issues because there is no discipline get that back and you may have an army your ncos and retires can be proud of!
p.s. give back the power to your ncos that is your first line of defense against problem children and you know what i mean by that!
(Moderator Comment: Which is why the comments will be moderated. Opinions are necessary - but only if they are addressing the topic at hand. Over the last eight months we have seen many comments that initially address the question at hand (quite well) but then veer off into ancilary bomb-throwing. We do not delete these comments completely - to do so would ruin the nature of the blog. But we do edit the portions that have little to do with the topic and are better served for another audience.)
1. Let's all stop with the "In my day we had to walk 10 miles in the snow... uphill... both ways just to get to school." If you served you served. Stop comparing the crosses you carried.
2. This isn't the JeffCoWebboard. I've been on that site a few times and it seems to be just a place to rant, rave and stew. All fine and good if that's what you're looking for. Personally, what I would like to see as a professional soldier is a blog where we can submit OUR issues and open them up to the rest of the generations out there. (No offence to the CG, but the issues he's been raising are his, not necessarily ours. I hope he keeps posting his topics, but I'd like us to have our own section.)
Here's my suggesions:
1. Solicit subjects every Monday via email; choose a topic to post on Tuesday; allow comments through Sunday.
2. Keep it open to everyone who wants to comment.
3. Encourage (but don't require) some anonymous background info so we know who we're dealing with.
4. Monitor/moderate the comments to keep the b/s to a minimum.
Good luck - I think it has potential. I hope the new CG keeps up with this kind of thing.
When I say that we have the server and domain I meant this .com. I am aware of limitations that we would have on a .mil domain. If you incorporated forum software (on the .com) it would be no different then adding a new area to an existing page, such as having this "mountain-sound-off " added.
I'm not saying that this is a solution to a problem but it could be a start. It can be run as a message board and could be a good tool for the service members, leaders and the local community. Jefferson County has their own version of forum software and host it on there site, http://www.jeffcowebboard.com/smf/index.php.
Of course, as Amy P said about message boards, it would have to be moderated and have a general Terms of Use (rules) laid out. Any users that stray from it can be banned temporarily or permanently by IP/e-mail/etc.
My wife is still active duty on drum and a senior NCO with lots to share. This blog could serve as that bridge between enlisted and senior enlisted regardless of unit. Just soliders helping soldiers.
As far as the limiting to AD, that is not fair. Retirees have a wealth of knowledge to share and could actually help those leaving miliary service to an easier transition. FYI, my husband is active duty and I have a GS job. So, it isn't just retirees and their spouses in GS jobs. Further, I've been around the military for almost 18 years and work daily with Soldiers. The Retirees worked a lot harder during their time in then Soldiers do now, especially the WW2, Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm era Retirees. For that matter, their spouses worked harder than spouses now. Spouses whining about paying for cell phones or satellite to talk to their Soldiers, when spouses during these conflicts relied mainly on letters. If any group would be "work horses" it would be the ones in the afore mentioned groups, NOT the Soldiers today.
(Moderator Comment: This blog will be command sponsored. There will be rules and policies similar to the ones currently in place.)
(Moderator Comment: Not for an official command-sponsored site.)
HELP!!!
(Moderator Comment: This will be the last comment posted on this thread regarding the issue of Soldier misconduct. This is not the topic.)
You could have it run with one topic at a time the way this one does--perhaps you could have an e-mail link where people could send topic suggestions. I wouldn't let topics run longer than a week.
Alternatively, you might want to consider a message board where several topics could run simultaneously. You could have some permanent threads--for example, one for newcomers--but some topics could be started by individual posters instead of by the CG or his staff. A thread for teens/older children could be very useful as well.
Regardless of which method you choose, there have to be moderators who can step in to stop a flame war, reprimand or block people who deviate from the terms of use, etc. People should have to agree to terms of use before they can post (no profanity, no personal attacks, etc.).
People need to have a thick skin and be open to new ideas if they want this to work. If not it just becomes a place to insult and argue with no real input value.
1. Most of the software is free (from most companies, such as phpBB).
2. You can create/delete/moderate any forum that you like (if you have the appropriate permissions). This way you can have a several areas that will meet just about every topic of discussion and it decreases the time it would take to search for an answer/advice.
3. We have the server and domain available, so again, little cost.
(Moderator Comment: The reason we are hosting the blogs and chats on this .com site is mainly due to .mil restrictions and security requirements that would limit many of the features you advocate. Cost IS an issue in that regard.)
Of course it would need to be moderated and rules would have to be set forth to keep things under control and on a professional level.
(Moderator Comment: This purpose of this thread is to get your thoughts and opinions on the mechanics of how the blog should work - NOT the specific topic to be addressed. Soldier behavior was addressed at length in previous threads - and if the community so chooses may be discussed again. But it is not the topic of discussion today.)
For you Sir I will say, one day you too will be that “Old School Soldier” and at that time you will be looking for individuals such as myself for help and information on how to navigate the VA system, Benefits, ACAP, CPOL, CPAC, Resumes and other General Information that just isn’t provided to Soldiers as they transition from military life to civilian.
If in fact this blog is started I would suggest that you some how include a section called Old School where the younger Soldiers can go and ask questions or find a listening ear of the Older Soldiers that may have shared some of those same experiences. Say what you want but for the most part we’ve been there, done that and understand what’s going on and for most of us we still BLEED ARMY GREEN!
In the year 2009, who knew that we (America) were going to be knee deep in 7-8 years of consistant conflict. When I joined the Army in 2004 I had no idea that I was going to be deployed for 3 outta 5 years away from my newborns and people who really care about me. That said, I wouldn't mind to hear from 'like minded' individuals. I believe someone like the CG should hear also hear from more individual with like situations...
Young soldiers are not going to take a whole away from an individual that doesn't have to consistantly swallow their pride (in this day and age) and get food stamps. Sure, those 'retired' individuals might have something to say... "suck it up" "drive on" "get promoted" "use this and that program"... These things, young soldiers are already force-fed day in and day out. (They are lying if a young Soldier says differently.)
What is being said, is there needs to be more topics/forums/blogs for 'young' soldiers to air their concerns without the backlash from a retired CSM/1SG/SFC and his/her spouse telling a young a soldier to 'stop whining' or about the time when this or that happened or how they 'made it' through their troubles (5-10-15-20years ago). Nobody is taking away from the value of said experiences, but Soldiers like myself don't want/need to hear all that from people who seem to be 'made' now, this year.
General Oates is outstanding for coming up with this kind of idea. With that, his idea will truly bear fruit if active duty soldiers and there spouses are allowed to speak without said backlashes...
Not looking for handouts/answers/mentorship/big brothers and sisters... just looking to be Heard...Sometimes, just being heard, helps... Thank you
hmmm...an SSG and Below Blog with CG/Staff Mediation? Has Merit... an opinion.
(Moderator Comment: Your last suggestion is indeed an option being discussed. But if the CG or staff moderates the discussion, does that make the blog too much like the current Mountain Sound-Off? And how do we moderate the 1 v. 1 quips between individual bloggers? Allow them their own chat room to debate the issue? Questions like this is why we are asking the community for their opinion. Thanks - yours counts too.)
on the base for the family members to do.i lve near 5 army families who didnt relieze that thier was a craft place on drum or even where the bowling ally is .i like to more surport going out to the new familied coming into the north country maybe thy should be given maps and a list of thing thy can do family wise...
I am slightly agitated by the comment above. I am a retired "old school" soldier working in a GS job. the comment was obviously made by someone who hasn't done their homework. I retired as a SFC over 20. My annual sallery was close to $60,000 per year. I am now a GS7 that makes somewhere around $34-36,000 per year. That's QUITE a drop. Even though I am retired. I still give advice to soldiers. If I can give advice to even one soldier that may save his life ...or make his family's life just a little better, I will do it. Today's military takes a team to operate both Civillian and Active!
If the ideas from the Soldiers/Officers and Civilains have a chance for being implemeted and listened to (by someone with enough authority)the idea should fly over well. If questions get answered that will be good as well. More people need to know about this blog/forum in order to make it worth the time.
While I applaud MG Oates for creating this and taking time to answer, maybe other Commanders can add their input. I did see MEDCOM Commanders answer a few awhile back.
More and more the internet is where communication takes place, so this blog/forum idea is great. I like to post here, armystudyguide and United States Army-together we served forums. I learn quite a bit or am pointed in the direction for an answer, or I see that I'm not the only one who feels a certain way about something.
Great idea Sir. Just need more people aware of this. CTG!!
(Moderator Comment: Cannot speak for MG Terry at this point. This is an initiative driven by MG Oates. He shares the philosophy that the Internet is where a lot of our community is talking/getting their information. We're just trying to open the spaces. The Garrison and MEDDAC commanders both monitor these forums and there have been several suggestions that have been taken on for further consideration (shuttle bus, wi-fi in the barracks). So the ideas and comments the community puts forth truly are heard. Not perfect yet by a longshot, but moving in the right direction.)
As for the "agitated" who think those who "retired" from the Army have no input into care and concern of life. I do not have a "General Salary job" I have Social Security Disability and Permant Disability Retirement pay with VA compensation. These things didnt come automatically they were faught hard for by 'old school' retired soldiers who still care. I will be working for the VA as a social worker and yes I have 2 sons deployed, one from 10th MTN DIV(L)
And how do you know they had their turn to speak? This is the first time I've seen such interest in the feedback of soldiers and their families (in the relative anonymity of the internet). Furthermore, are you implying that once retired they don't understand military life anymore? My husband retired last summer after 23 years, I hardly consider him 'old school' and those years of military life are still very fresh and real. Along with all the sacrifices we've made along the way. We still consider ourselves military just in a different phase of military life. I think my husband was the workhorse of the Army for long enough and a little respect for the 'retired' soldiers is in order. There is a fine line between 'active' and 'retired' and once you cross it, THEN you'll know what you really meant to the Army. Not much of anything. And your statement only propagates the sentiment.
Hope to see something more about this in the near future!
(Moderator Comment - This is exactly along the lines the CG is thinking.)
(Moderator Comment: Thanks for the suggestions. FYI - We do have a regularly scheduled chat session with the CG most every week in the Lima Charlie Chat Room.)
(Moderator Comment: While this post does not address the question at hand, it does illustrate we get a number of off-topic comments that have value. This was one of the driving factors in creating a second blog - to have a forum for our readers to post THEIR concerns.)
(Moderator Comment: We do not provide email addresses to anyone in the chain of command. The only time they are used is if we need to respond directly to an individual outside the context of the public forum. In all of those cases it has been to explain why a post would not be published or to ask for clarification or a reference on a particular issue.)
Topics should include however, how military matters affect the military family with family members 'encouraged' to participate. FRG's are good but for things like this but only to a point. The comfort of anonimity may give a voice to those family members that are not comfortable airing their concerns in a 'live' format. There is so much going on out here in the community that, I believe, 'higher' leadership needs to be made aware of. In other words, people need to know how many families are continually torn apart by repeated deployments and high op-tempos at garrison.
Might not be a bad idea to open a forum for deployed soldiers who hold a job skill, but due to mission requirements, are not able to do their jobs. For example, a cook that is running patrols outside the wire. Not complaining, but some soldiers are feeling betrayed because they might actually 'want' to do their jobs. Okay, so, I'm complaining...
Participation should most definatly be limited to active duty military and their family members... I, for one, am a slightly agitated to consistanly hear from the 'old school' retired soldiers and their spouses who are living comfortably in their General Salary jobs and have their nest eggs all squared away... They had their time to speak, sir, it should be our turn (the work horses of the Army.)
Thank you