MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. -- Though social media may be entertaining, service members must abide by the rules and regulations governing the dos and don’ts of posting online.
There are numerous references that outline proper and improper uses of internet-based capabilities. Air Force Instruction 33-129, “Web Management and Internet Use,” AFI 35-107, “Public Web Communications,” and Department of Defense Instruction 8550.01, “DOD Internet Services and Internet Based Capabilities,” are just to name a few.
In a video posted online by the Air Force at www.af.mil, Tech. Sgt. Holly Roberts-Davis warns viewers of items to stay away from when posting to social media websites.
There are good and bad people browsing the web, and the bad may be looking for ways to slip in and steal vulnerable information.
“As Airmen, we have been briefed on operational security probably too many times to count,” Roberts-Davis said in the video. “Yet, we still put ourselves and our identity at risk from simple (social media) posts.”
She continues to say what individuals may think is common knowledge, may actually be critical information that can be pieced together to tell a bigger picture for an adversary.
Posting usernames, passwords, social security numbers or banking information online may be common sense as something not to do, but it must be assumed this has happened before.
It is best to remember that no matter an individual’s security settings, there are always ways around privacy when someone wants information.
Another issue occurring with the use of social media is the misunderstanding of freedom of speech as a service member.
Roberts-Davis said the best bet is to assume everything written on social media will be public and individuals should maintain an understanding of responsibilities.
“Venting about a coworker or badmouthing the Air Force in general has the potential to be seen by people you may not want to see it,” Roberts-Davis said. “Make sure what you’re posting is cleared for release and within (regulations).”
Michael Ward, 341st Missile Wing chief of information protection, said though personal profiles are indeed personal, the Office of Personnel Management is able to take information from an individual’s social media page in the event of an investigation.
“The OPM is now authorizing the collection and use of publicly available social media information during the conduct of personnel security background investigations,” Ward said. “(It may be used) for determining initial or continued eligibility for access to classified national security information or eligibility to hold a sensitive position and retention of such information.”
Ward said as a bottom line, be careful posting distasteful content to social media.
Being a part of the Air Force does not void an Airman’s first amendment right. It does, however, narrow the scale on what is acceptable to say, and what can land an individual into hot water.
According to Roberts-Davis, active-duty military members are not able to campaign for a political candidate, to include handing out brochures or other information to coworkers.
According to DOD Directive 1344.10, “Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces on Active Duty,” posting political candidate information on personal social media pages is considered a violation of that guidance.
If the chain of command is thought about as a pyramid, the president of the United States is at the top of the pyramid with the service members falling below. When Airmen swear to support and defend the constitution, it is stated they will obey the orders of the president. Voicing a disagreement about the president’s political affiliation may give the perception of disloyalty to the commander; and as it’s said, perception is reality.
“The DOD regulation (1344.10) states that active-duty members should not engage in partisan political activities and should avoid the inference that their political activities imply, or appear to imply, DOD sponsorship, approval or endorsement,” Roberts-Davis said. “What’s important to know is that (the regulation) can prohibit (Airmen) from participating in partisan political activities whether in uniform or not.”
Some examples of partisan political activities include campaigning for a candidate, asking for contributions, marching in a partisan parade or wearing the military uniform to a partisan event.
Airmen are able to publicly voice generalized personal opinions of issues on social media, but if the page says or implies the individual is an active duty member, it must clearly be stated the opinions expressed are for the individual only and not that of the DOD.
Listed below are more tips for using social media:
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Only reveal information you would feel comfortable revealing in a public setting.
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Lock down privacy, access, searching and sharing settings.
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Disable automated GPS and location tracking features when not in use.
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Do not reveal mission-related information.
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Limit personal information posted online.
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Permanently deleting a profile is ultimately the best way to prevent personal information from being collected on an individual, family or friends.