More than a dozen service members have been suspended or relieved of duties for social media activity related to conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death.
An Army spokeswoman told Military Times on Wednesday that “approximately a dozen Soldiers have been suspended pending review of their social media account activity.”
“These numbers are subject to change as commands review social media activity and take appropriate action,” she added.
The Marine Corps confirmed to Military Times this week that the service branch has relieved a Marine from recruiting duties after “a social media post that does not align with our core values.” The matter is currently under investigation.
“Service members are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice at all times, including behavior conducted in the digital space. Sailors are expected to uphold Navy core values on duty, off duty, and online,” a Navy spokesperson told Military Times.
The Coast Guard has also identified a Guard member who carried out “inappropriate personal social media activity” that a spokesperson said was contrary to Coast Guard values.
“With the support of DHS, we are actively investigating this activity and will take appropriate action to hold the individual accountable. We recognize the harm such behavior can cause and remain steadfast in ensuring that the conduct of our personnel reflects the trust and responsibility placed in us by the American people,” the spokesperson added.
In 2008, an Army soldier was court-martialed for posting white supremacist views online. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces concluded that the soldier was not violating Article 134 of the UCMJ because speech cannot be in violation “solely because the speech would be offensive to many or most.”
“We conclude that a direct and palpable connection between speech and the military mission or military environment is also required for an Article 134, UCMJ, offense,” the court ruled.
The Pentagon could also discipline troops for social media posts by using nonjudicial means, such as letters of reprimand that could impact career advancement.