Military Blogs go Silent for Fellow Bloggers

Submitted by kpaul.mallasch on Wed, 12/16/2009 - 12:42pm.

Milblogs Go Silent Across the Internet

CYBERSPACE - On Wednesday, December 16 2009, many military blogs (milblogs) have decided to go silent for the day, while others are choosing to go silent for a longer period of time. This is happening because milblogs are facing an increasingly hostile environment from within the military.

According to Mr. Wolf of Blackfive.net, "While senior leadership has embraced blogging and social media, many field grade officers and senior NCOs do not embrace the concept. From general apathy in not wanting to deal with the issue to outright hositility to it, many commands are not only failing to support such activities, but are aggressively acting against active duty milbloggers, milspouses, and others. The number of such incidents appears to be growing, with milbloggers receiving reprimands, verbal and written, not only for their activities but those of spouses and supporters."

The catalyst for the day of silence across the blogosphere is the treatment of milblogger C.J. Grisham who writes A Soldier's Perspective. Grisham has earned accolades and respect, from the White House and people across the Internet because of his honest (although sometimes blunt) discussion of military issues - particularly PTSD.

The Military Times recently did a story on Grisham. While there have been new developments, the core problem remains, and he is trying to raise funds to help with legal expenses to protect his name and his career.

"One need only look at the number of blogs by active duty military in combat zones and compare it to just a few years ago to see the chilling effect that is taking place. Milblogs have been a vital link in getting accurate news and information about the military, and military operations, to the public. They have provided vital context and analysis on issues critical to operations and to the informed electorate critical to the Republic.," Mr. Wolf of Blackfive.net recently wrote in a release about the milblogs blackout.

"Today, many milblogs are gone and others are under attack from within and without. Today, you have the chance to imagine a world without milblogs, and to do something about it. Make your voice heard by writing your congressional representatives and others, and by making donations as you see fit," he wrote. "The battle for freedom of speech and the marketplace of ideas is fought on many fronts and in many ways. Without your help, the battle may well be lost."

Those wanting to support Mr. Grisham can make donations:

Grisham Legal Fund
c/o Redstone Federal Credit Union
220 Wynn Drive
Huntsville, AL 35893
Please write "Grisham Legal Fund" in the memo line if you use this option.