Sheppard joins social media revolution

  • Published
  • By 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Beginning today, AETC will begin opening access to about 30 social media sites. That means that within a week or so Sheppard users will be able to access Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Gmail, Hotmail and other sites from their unclassified network computers.

The change is the result of a DoD policy announced in February directing all services to provide access to Internet-based capabilities. Air Force personnel may use Internet-based capabilities via the Air Force Network, including social media sites, for official use and limited personal use.

It is imperative, however, that users practice safe online activity to protect the network, and that theyabide by ethics regulations, OPSEC and information protection principles.

"Social media sites like Facebook and Twitter are often referred to as 'New Media'," said George Woodward, Director of Public Affairs at Sheppard. "But with a few exceptions, there's nothing new about the rules governing what and how we communicate. We still have to protect sensitive information, we still need to follow ethics rules and we still need to protect people's privacy rights. A basic rule of thumb is that if you wouldn't put it on the front page of a newspaper or give a speech about it, you probably shouldn't post it on a social media site."

One thing that has changed, Mr. Woodward said, is the level of engagement and responsibility expected of individual Airmen and civilians.

"We used to tell people never to talk publicly unless Public Affairs was present. But not only is that unrealistic, it's not in the Air Force's best interest. Our Airmen and civilians are our most effective voices, and we need them to tell their stories and engage in the public conversation."

The key is to do it smartly, Mr. Woodward said. To help, the Air Force has provided some rules of engagement for Airmen and civilians who engage in social media (see attached file for complete list). Some highlights include:

· Remember that for Airmen, all actions--on and off duty and online--are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Keep in mind that government information systems are subject to monitoring at all times, and use of the Air Force Network constitutes consent to monitoring.
· Do not post classified or sensitive information.
· Do not post any information that would infringe upon the proprietary, privacy or personal rights of others (think Privacy Act or Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA).
· Identify yourself and your connection to the Air Force--don't hide or misrepresent who you are. If you feel you have to hide your identity in order to say something, there's a good chance you shouldn't be saying it.
· Use a disclaimer that makes clear that personal views you express are yours alone and do not reflect the official position of the Air Force.
· Stick to what you know--talk about your career expertise and your experience, but avoid topics for which you have no direct knowledge or background. Stay in your lane.
· Abide by copyright and trademark laws, and do not post defamatory, libelous, vulgar, obscene, abusive, profane, threatening, hateful or other offensive or illegal material while using a government network.
· As a general rule, if you're not certain you may post something, don't. Contact your chain of command, the staff judge advocate or public affairs for guidance.
And what about concerns of wasted official time and low productivity?

"Lots of supervisors are concerned about people wasting time on social media sites, and it's a valid issue--but it's not a new one. It's really no different than wasting time on the telephone, on e-mail or on the Internet. Individuals need to know the rules and take responsibility for their own behavior, and supervisors and leaders need to hold abusers accountable."

Consequences for inappropriate behavior on social media sites are similar to those for misusing e-mail or the Internet. Those who waste time or misuse network resources could face administrative action such as letters of counseling or reprimands. They could also have their network privileges revoked. Those who violate policies, laws or orders could also face UMCJ action.

"People need to know there are serious consequences for bad behavior. But again, it's nothing new--these are the same rules that apply to all network usage. It's just that the opportunity to engage is far greater than it ever has been."

That ability to engage is a two-edged sword. There are risks, but it's important for people--especially leaders--to assess and mitigate the risk even as they take advantage of the opportunity to engage, Mr. Woodward said.

"For those who've been around for a while, this will be an adjustment," he said. "But the fact is that social media is how our young Airmen communicate. Even e-mail is passé for them. If supervisors and leaders want to engage with their young Airmen and know what they're thinking and doing, then they need to be engaged and active in social media. We're here to help them do that."

Sheppard currently has a number of official sites on major social networks, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. To find them, go to www.sheppard.af.mil and click on the social media links on the right had side of the page. For information and guidance on how to engage in social media, contact the public affairs office at 82trwpa@sheppard.af.mil (82 TRW/PA in the global address list)--or visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/SheppardAirForceBase and click the "Discussions" tab.