Soldiers are abusing cell phone privileges in basic training


Fort Benning, GA – A video recently posted to Snapchat by an Army private in Infantry OSUT – combined basic and infantry training- poses the question of whether soldiers in basic training should be allowed to use cell phones.

“Cell phone use depends on the drill sergeants. Some drill sergeants allow them, others do not,” according to Fort Benning’s FAQ website. “If Soldiers are allowed to use them they will not have them at all times. The phones will be locked up with the Soldier’s other personal belongings and distributed when phone privileges are earned.”

The unnamed soldier posted a video of himself and another soldier using profanity while fooling around in a barracks laundry room last night.  While this is known to occur in basic training and AIT, outside the view of drill sergeants, is it something the general public should see?

If you were to ask Public Affairs soldiers, who work hard to portray a well mannered and disciplined Army to the public, they would say no.

“Soldiers using social media must abide by the UCMJ at all times, even when off duty,” according to the Army social media policy. “Commenting, posting and linking to material that violates the UCMJ or basic rules of Soldier’s conduct are prohibited, along with talking negatively about supervisors or releasing sensitive information.”

Fort Benning Public Affairs told Popular Military, “the conduct of these trainees will be reviewed.”

Long story short, if you are going to post humorous material that might be inappropriate, don’t make it public and don’t identify yourself as a soldier -especially by wearing your uniform.

As many know, it only takes a small group to ruin a good thing for everyone.

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