A thread on behaviour, perceptions & reputation for UK Defence Commentators & paratroopers (serving & retired):

This weekend, a Twitter user whose handle suggests they’re a serving or retired paratrooper, failed to demonstrate the values or standards of our organisation. 1/7

The user’s comments on @doctorwibble’s valid observation regarding the automatic use of ‘Sir’ when answering the phone were unacceptable. 2/7

We know our people well. There’s one serving paratrooper with that name, but he’s in a part of Defence that isn’t generally on Social Media & he’s not interested in Twitter (believe it or not, there are plenty who aren’t). So the offending Twitter user is either: 3/7

a veteran who very few know or can remember (perhaps they didn’t have a very prestigious career); or someone who isn’t who they suggest. Our assessment, based on who that user is following, is that it’s the latter, & there’s not much we can do about that. 4/7

Sadly there are real paratroopers - serving & retired - who’s behaviour occasionally falls below our standards. Gen Montgomery said, of those who wear the maroon beret, that they ‘...set themselves the highest standards in all things...’. We must remember that. Always. 5/7

To UK Defence commentators: please don’t jump to conclusions based on twitter handles - anyone can set up an account. The majority our Regiment’s serving & retired family are good people who set & maintain high standards in all they do. 6/7

To paratroopers, serving & retired, who sometimes let the majority down: screw the nut. Reputation buys opportunity. There are many key leaders & decision makers on Twitter, who’s perceptions are influenced every day. Let’s show them the best of our Regiment, every day. Out.