Online Conduct - Think, Type, Post
What is it?
The U.S. Army defines ONLINE CONDUCT as the use of electronic communications in an official or personal capacity that is consistent with Army Values and Standards of Conduct.
Online misconduct is the use of electronic communication to inflict harm; examples include, but are not limited to: harassment, bullying, hazing, stalking, discrimination, retaliation, or any other types of misconduct that undermines dignity and respect.
Electronic communications is considered the transfer of information (signs, texts, images, sounds, or data) transmitted by computer, phone or other electronic device. Electronic communications include, but are not limited to: text messages, emails, chats, instant messaging, screensavers, blogs, social media sites, electronic device applications, and web/video conferencing.
What has the Army done?
The Army has initiated a campaign to educate and inform the Army Family on the proper use of electronic communications. The Army understands the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect -- it is part of the Army being trusted professionals. Being online does not change this. The Army is reinforcing a climate where members of the Army Team -- including current and future Soldiers, Army civilians, contractors, and Family members -- understand that online misconduct is inconsistent with Army Values.
Why is it important to the Army?
Army senior leaders know that awareness must be raised and that as members of the Army team, the individual interactions offline and online are reflections of the Army and the values it upholds. It is crucial that the Army Family act responsibly and understand that the Army standards of conduct apply to all aspects of our life, including online conduct. Harassment, bullying, hazing, stalking, discrimination, retaliation, and any other type of misconduct that undermines dignity and respect are not consistent with Army Values. Individuals who participate in or condone misconduct, whether offline or online, may be subject to criminal, disciplinary, and/or administrative action.
“THINK” about what message is being communicated and who could potentially view it.
“TYPE” messages that are consistent with the Army Values.
“POST” if the message demonstrates dignity and respect for self and others.
What efforts does the Army have planned for the future?
The Army will modify future Army regulation updates to further clarify electronic communications and online conduct. Current contracts and agreements already contain language that covers misconduct; future updates beyond 2016 will further clarify electronic communications and online conduct. The Army will also modify the standardized Army program of instruction and training plans on equal opportunity, equal employment opportunity, and treatment of persons to include discussion points and vignettes with respect to electronic communications and online conduct.
What to do if you have experienced or witnessed online misconduct?
Members of the Army community can report incidents to their chain of command or family support services for resolution at the lowest possible level. Additional avenues for reporting and information include the Equal Opportunity (military), Equal Employment Opportunity (civilians), SHARP, the Inspector General, and Law Enforcement offices.
Resources
Cyber Misconduct: Awareness and Reporting Flyer
EO Online Conduct Contacts
Contact your assigned major command for assistance:
Army Command (ACOM)
AMC (U.S. Army Materiel Command) - (256) 450-6425
TRADOC (U.S. Training and Doctrine Command) - (757) 501-6932
FORSCOM (U.S. Army Forces Command) - (910) 570-5166
Army Service Component Command(ASCC)
Cyber Command - (301) 677-4922
USARNORTH (U.S. Army North) - (210) 221-1338
USASMDC/ARSTRAT (U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Strategic Command) - (256) 955-993
USARPAC (U.S. Army Pacific) - (808) 438-2678
EUSA (Eighth Army/Korea) - (1-011) 822-7913-8446
USARCENT (U.S. Army Central) - (803) 885-7126
USAREUR (U.S. Army Europe) - (49) 6117053157
USARSO (U.S. Army South) - (305) 437-0261
USASOC (U.S. Army Special Operations Command) - (910) 432-9293
USARAF (U.S. Army Africa) - (39) 0444-71-7093
Direct Reporting Unit(DRU)
MEDCOM (U.S. Army Medical Command) - (210) 221-7012
INSCOM (U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command) - (703) 428-4909
USACIDC (U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command) - (571) 305-4045
MDW (U.S. Army Military District of Washington) - (202) 685-2005
USMA (United States Military Academy) - (845) 938-3814
USARC (U.S. Army Reserve Command) - (910) 570-9119
IMCOM (U.S. Army Installation Management Command) - (210) 466-0634
USACE (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) - (202) 761-8707
ATEC (U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command) - (443) 861-9251
WAR COLLEGE - (717) 245-3151