According to Fort Carson officials in Colorado on Wednesday, they have started a probe over reports that a soldier shared an Instagram photo of her deliberately not doing a salute to the US flag. The Associated Press said that the allegations sparked criticism from an interest group who represents families of soldiers who died in service for the country.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors spokeswoman Ami Neiberger-Miller slammed the soldier's unfavorable conduct. Since 1994, the interest group had helped 44,000 people who lost loved ones during military service. She told AP, "I think any patriotic person would find this offensive."
The statement issued by base officials said that the Fort had acknowledge the post shared allegedly by Pfc Tariqka Sheffey which indicated that the soldier remained in her car while a flag ceremony was in session.
The story of the female soldier avoiding a flag ceremony was first reported by the Army Times, AP said. It pointed to the caption of a photo reportedly of Sheffey, which read, "This is me laying back in my car hiding so I don't have to salute the (5 p.m. flag ceremony)." Sheffey's comments allegedly told people off to keep their responses to themselves. AP said the social media post was later taken down.
Department of Defense policies on social media posts on the Internet dictate that soldiers ate required to avoid posting comments or visual images that would damage the image of the military. Moreover, the policies also require soldiers to seek permission from the military prior to sending sensitive information out, AP said.
The officials of Fort Carson also added that they will keep educating its soldiers on social media conduct and discipline. AP stated that a news conference regarding the military's policies on social media will be discussed, along with the reported violations of the soldier as well, on Wednesday.
