AETC grants social media access
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Hotmail, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Gmail; these are just a few of the 29 social networking Web sites that Air Education and Training Command officials recently authorized access to on government computers. Starting Saturday, this amount will increase to 85 sites.
While access to social media sites is a great tool, Col. Thomas Geary, 17th Training Wing commander, heeds Team Goodfellow to use caution.
"Although we now have the privilege to access these sites, remember this is a privilege and we all need to be vigilant and professional in what we post," the colonel said. "Social media sites are a great way to get our Air Force message out, but it's up to your supervisor if you can access them."
Airmen around the base agree that it is a privilege and that upholding their integrity is going to be essential in making sure it's not abused.
"As with any change, there are benefits and the possibility of misuse or abuse," said Airman 1st Class Chadwick McGuire, 17th Training Support Squadron. "Military members accessing social media have to have the integrity to follow the (guidance) to prevent (social) media from becoming more of an issue than it could be."
As representatives of the Air Force, Colonel Geary reminds users to keep all posts professional, follow the guidance set forth for internet use and always keep operational security in mind.
It remains each individual's responsibility to be aware of not only the information they're accessing, but the information they're sharing as well.
"Our government systems are targeted by threats daily," said Senior Master Sgt. David Gorham, AETC Communications Infrastructure Branch superintendent. "Users accessing social media sites must keep OPSEC at the forefront at all times."
With OPSEC being a forefront concern, why did the Air Force decide to open access to these Web sites?
AETC communications director, Col. Mona Lisa Tucker, said it provides another avenue "to better educate and train the best Airmen in the world."
Colonel Tucker explained that Department of Defense and Air Force officials see using these sites as a positive way to effectively communicate to personnel and their families as well as external audiences.
Since every Airman plays a role in promoting public understanding of the Air Force, the social media sites can be used as tools to provide that information and network among their peers.
"Using social media sites gives the Air Force quick access to a lot of people and can increase brand awareness for recruiting," said Robert Martinez, 17th Training Wing Public Affairs. "It's a great way to build community."
Initial testing to gauge the associated risks and see if any additional guidance was needed to govern access to the sites was done within Pacific Air Force Command. In February, a DoD directive was published authorizing use. Although access of the sites is now permitted, as Air Force and DoD representatives, users must abide by the regulations.
According to a memorandum sent April 28 from AETC commander Gen. Stephen Lorenz, even though social media access is now authorized, the rules for internet use have not changed. Guidance for use is outlined in Directive-Type Memorandum 09-026 and Air Force Instruction 33-129 Web Management and Internet Use.
Personal use must be approved by supervisor, must be limited and cannot harm the mission. Official use must comply with Privacy Act and OPSEC policies. Any information posted must also be relevant and accurate; it cannot have personal identifiable information or prohibited content.
"We must continue to abide by the same basic rules of engagement within any public forum," the general said.
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
Social Media access
- All Airmen must abide by certain restrictions to ensure good order and discipline. All actions on and off duty are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
- Airmen should use their best judgment, remembering that there are always consequences to what is written. All Airmen will take direct responsibility for what they post online.
- Do not post any defamatory, libelous, vulgar, obscene, abusive, profane, threatening, hateful, racially, ethnically, or otherwise offensive or illegal information or material.
- Do not post any information or other material protected by copyright without permission from the copyright owner.
- Do not use any words, logos or other marks that would infringe upon the trademark, service mark, certification mark or other intellectual property rights of the owners of such marks without the permission of such owners.
- Do not post classified or sensitive information.
- Do not post any information that would infringe upon the proprietary, privacy or personal rights of others.
- Do not forge or otherwise manipulate identifiers in posts in an attempt to disguise, impersonate or otherwise misrepresent their identity or affiliation with any other person or entity.
- Make sure you identify to readers of a personal social media site or post that the views expressed are yours alone and that they do not necessarily reflect the views of the Air Force. Use a disclaimer such as: "The postings on this site are my own and don't necessarily represent Air Force positions, strategies or opinions."
- Airmen discussing issues related to their career field or personal experiences is acceptable, but they cannot discuss areas of expertise for which they have no first-hand, direct background or knowledge.