The U.S. Army rolled out a new wide-ranging social media policy on Wednesday that may have serious consequences for soldiers who “like” and share information that the Army considers extremist.
The sanctions against such social media activity include being discharged from military service for something like displaying a flag or symbol, or wearing clothing associated with what the Army deems is a radical cause or a gang — even if off duty.
“The new rules clarify soldiers — on active duty or in the Reserve or National Guard — cannot knowingly participate in or support any extremist activity in or out of uniform, according to two new memorandums that Army Secretary Christine Wormuth sent to the force Wednesday. Those caught supporting extremist or gang activity — including wearing clothing, flying flags or sporting bumper stickers on their vehicles in support of extremist views — must be reported to their commanders, who are now required to report all such allegations to the Defense Department inspector general and the Army’s Criminal Investigation Division, according to the memos,” according to a report in Stars and Stripes.
“Active participation in extremist activities can be prohibited even in some circumstances in which such activities would be constitutionally protected in a civilian setting,” Wormuth wrote in one of the memos. “Enforcement of this policy is a responsibility of every command, is vitally important to unit cohesion and morale and is essential to the Army’s ability to accomplish its mission.”
Read more at Stars and Stripes.
