Twitter
Facebook
The Ramstein network will open more than 30 social media and networking sites next week.
Air Force bases around the world began a phased opening April 26, and U.S. Air Forces in Europe installations are scheduled to have full access to
previously blocked sites including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Hotmail and Gmail by May 14.
“The Air Force views use of social media sites as a positive and increasingly essential way to communicate with our Airmen and their families,” said Col. Doug Sevier, 86th Airlift Wing vice commander. “However, as Airmen, we must also abide by certain rules that govern the use of computers and social media sites. We’re on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and our actions are always subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.”
Though Air Force policy has changed to allow access to social media sites from dot-mil computers during duty hours, officials remind Airmen the
protection of the network is still a top priority.
“We are working to strike a balance between maintaining a safe and tightly controlled network, while allowing Airmen to have the access they need to get information and conduct business,” said Brig. Gen. David B. Warner, Air Force Space Command communications and information director. Experts at 24th Air Force and the Integrated Network Operations and Security Center have been called upon to ensure the right ratio is preserved, he said.
Beyond the addition of previously blocked Web sites, restrictions on Internet use at work have otherwise changed very little.
Air Force personnel cannot post any classified or sensitive information, and must follow the guidelines for appropriate social media and Internet use.
“When used responsibly, social media sites provide us new and powerful voice,” Colonel Sevier said. “I have complete faith in our Airmen to do the right thing, and use these sites in a professional manner consistent with Air Force policy.”
Air Force leadership at all levels encourages Airmen to communicate across the broad spectrum of social media about their Air Force experiences in a positive, truthful and credible way.
“Because we’re stationed overseas, social media is a great way for Ramstein Airmen to stay in touch with friends and family back home,” said Capt. Megan Schafer, 86th AW chief of public affairs. “But the reach of these sites goes way beyond our personal relationships. Airmen scattered around the globe can also use these sites to tell their story to millions of people, as it happens, helping to enhance public support and understanding of the Air
Force mission.”
The following tips are provided for users accessing social media sites:
• Review appropriate Air Force instructions and guidance prior to posting content on social media sites.
• Operational security, or OPSEC, should always be a consideration when Airmen engage in social media. There are always consequences to what is written.
• Users have sole responsibility for what they post.
• Users must not post any defamatory, libelous, vulgar, obscene, abusive, profane, threatening, hateful, racially, ethnically, or otherwise offensive or illegal information or material.
• Users must not post classified or sensitive information.
• Users must not post any information that would infringe upon the proprietary, privacy or personal rights of others.
• Airmen can discuss issues related to their career field or personal experiences; however, they should not discuss areas of expertise of which they have no firsthand knowledge.
“Airmen need to be mindful of OPSEC. Our adversary gets more than 75 percent of their intelligence needs from unclassified sources to include social media sites,” said Maj. Gerald Smith, 86th AW OPSEC Program manager. “Every Airman needs to be familiar with their unit Critical Information List, which details the unit specific sensitive info that should never be discussed on social media sites.”
For more information, visit the DOD Social Media Hub at http://socialmedia.defense.gov.
(Courtesy of Air Force Print News Service)
