The Army’s Moral Dilemma
As most of you know, someone jerkwad has filed an inspector general complaint against me for things I say in my blogs. I have no idea exactly what I’ve said, but I should know next week after my trip to D.C. to answer to the charges. While this is a pain in the ass, it’s a bump in the road and not indicative of the Army’s attitude towards bloggers – at least not publicly.
The Army has embraced whole-heartedly the military blogging community. We are invited to official functions, able to participate in blogger round tables, and given tours of the Pentagon. We’ve met with the Secretary of the Army and general officers within the leadership chain. We’ve been embraced by people like General Caldwell and others, who have asked us to help share their messages to the troops and American citizens.
Fellow milblogger – and personal devil’s advocate – John of Argghhh has a post up about how Army leadership is training our field grade officers on the wonders of “new media”. Often times, the problems military bloggers will have is at the Battalion leadership level. The younger guys generally get it – and probably blog themselves. One you get to the Lieutenant Colonel level, the technology knowledge gap takes on the dimensions of the Grand Canyon.
Yesterday, the Chief of Army Public Affairs, Major General Kevin Bergner, and his oh-so-able deputy assistant underling for New Media, Lindy Kyzer, were at Fort Leavenworth where MG Bergner addressed a packed room of soon-to-assume-command Lieutenant Colonels attending the Pre-Command Course. MG Bergner’s presentation was an over-lunch optional seminar, but the room was full.
Read John’s entire piece. It’s good news and gives me hope that at least the Army gets it, even if other idiots don’t.
Tom Goering
May 11th, 2009 at 8:31 amThe Army has charged you with something and are flying you to DC to answer those charges? They are bypassing your local chain of command?
Jason
May 11th, 2009 at 12:57 pmThis sounds ridiculous, and a waste of more money and they did not ever tell you what the charges are? Please let us know what the charges are when you learn.
On another note – please pass this on to all military members – current and former.
Patriot Outreach http://www.patriotoutreach.org/
Supporting all Military Service Men, Women, Retirees, Veterans, Government Civilians, Battlefield Contractors and their Families.
Claire
May 11th, 2009 at 3:35 pmCJ, Do you get to “face your accuser,” or is the person making the allegations anonymous? If the person is known, I hope there is some way you can bill him for any and all of your incurred costs of said trip if you are absolved of the charges.
What a waste of time and money.
I hope you get swift resolve with a reaffirmation from the Army to keep up the good work that you do.