Using Social Media as a Member of the Air Force

There has been a lot of discussion about members of the military using social media, such as facebook, Twitter, and MySpace. Leadership understands the need for airmen to connect with family and friends across the country and the world. In fact, as of 26 April the Air Force cleared the following 30 social media websites for access on government computers:

• myspace.com
• facebook.com
• flickr.com
• photobucket.com
• mail.yahoo.com
• mail.google.com
• hotmail.com
• blogger.com
• twitter.com
• wordpress.com
• youtube.com
• hi5.com
• linkedin.com
• friendster.com
• webmail.aol.com
• chat.aim.com
• orkut.com
• mtv.com
• metacafe.com
• groups.google.com
• stumbleupon.com
• classmates.com
• myyearbook.com
• xanga.com
• moveabletype.com
• live365.com
• livejournal.com
• imgur.com
• gotomeeting.com

The Air Force Public Affairs Agency, Emerging Technology Division has created a guide to help airmen navigate the fine line between sharing information with friends and family and violating OPSEC and other Air Force regulations. It is entitled “New Media and the Air Force” and is available online at http://www.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-090406-036.pdf. This guide shares valuable information for participating in social media and creating your own website or blog. We will highlight some of the most important information here, but encourage you to read through the guide if you are considering blogging or dialoging in any way about your Air Force career.

The Air Force is engaged in social media as well. They have created a profile in Facebook called Hap Arnold (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1409442190) to interact with Airmen all over the world. There are five Air Force-produced Podcasts available at www.af.mil/newmedia.asp. Over on YouTube, the Air Force has created a channel called AirForceBlueTube. Air Force Link (www.af.mil) is the official Web site of the U.S. Air Force and the official blog is http://airforcelive.dodlive.mil/.

When engaging in social media it is important to communicate effectively and safely. Airmen are considered to be on duty and representing the Air Force at all times. Actions outside the workplace are still subject to the UCMJ. Think about the photos, videos and details you are posting on social networks. You can lose your job over a photo or comment posted online. Employers use social media too. Adversaries also use social media to their advantage. Don’t help them out by posting details or photos revealing classified information.

Some Basic Guidelines for Blogging and other Social Media
Use common sense!
Don’t give classified info. Think before you speak or film and ask someone if you’re not sure.
Avoid the offensive. It’s not okay to post things that are vulgar, obscene, profane, libelous, illegal, or hate speech.
Avoid copyright and trademark issues. Get permission from the copyright owner before posting protected information or material.
Don’t violate privacy. Write whatever you want about yourself, but don’t violate someone else’s privacy.
Avoid endorsements. Using the Air Force name to promote an opinion or product is not okay.
Use Disclaimers
Blog about what you know.
Don’t lie! Giving a false statement is punishable by the UCMJ.
Give your opinion! But make sure you state that it’s not the organization’s opinion and distinguish opinion from fact.
Always identify yourself. This makes you more credible. Don’t try and disguise or misrepresent you identity either.
Be aware of the image you present.
Remember, the enemy is engaged!