Social Media
Communication Channels
Communication Channels
Airmen interact with individuals via:
- Face-to-face
- Telephone
- Written letter
- Text messages
- Social networking services
- Social media
Social Networking Examples
Social Networking
Social networking includes:
- Weblogs
- Message boards
- Video sharing
…and services, such as YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, used by individuals and communities to stay in touch.
Appropriate Posts
Individual Responsibility
Individuals are responsible for what they say, share, or post on social networking services.
Avoid Offensive Content
Avoid Offensive
Offensive and inappropriate communication must be avoided.
Blog Comment Restrictions
Blog Comment Restrictions
Airmen who provide commentary and opinions on internet blogs may NOT place comments on those blog sites which reasonably can be anticipated or are intended to:
- Degrade morale, good order, and discipline of any members or units in the U.S. Armed Forces
- Be service-discrediting
- Degrade the trust and confidence of the public
Friends/Followers Security Implications
Security Clearance Implications
It is important to recognize that social network "friends" and "followers" may potentially constitute relationships that could affect background investigations and periodic reinvestigations associated with security clearances.
References
Social Media References
Additional information regarding social media can be found in:
- DAFH 33-337, *The Tongue and Quill*
- DAFI 35-101, *Public Affairs*
Operations Security (OPSEC)
OPSEC Vital
Operations security is vital to the accomplishment of the USAF mission.
OPSEC Risk on Social
Social Media OPSEC Risk
The use of social media and other forums that allow communication with large numbers of people brings with it the increased risk of magnifying operational security lapses.
Prohibited Posts
Prohibited from Social Media
Prohibited from being posted on social networking services or transmitted via non-Department of Defense e-mail accounts without proper authority:
- Classified information
- Controlled unclassified information
- Other official Department of Defense information and documents