BRAVE NEW WORLD: Air Force opens network, allows social media Published April 29, 2010 Air Force Materiel Command WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- Air Force officials announced April 26 that Air Force Materiel Command is one of six Air Force commands to receive access to social media sites beginning May 1, with AFMC bases implementing the change at different times in the coming weeks. "We expect the Integrated Network Operations and Security Center at Langley AFB, Va., to open up our firewalls to social media sites on May 4, at the latest May 5," said Kelley Butler, deputy director of the 72nd Air Base Wing Communications Directorate. This initiative comes as part of the service's two-week phased opening of access to social media sites Air Force-wide, which began April 26. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Google apps are among the sites that will be accessible on government computers. Command officials said that while using social media sites allows for broader communication with varying audiences, Air Force personnel should keep safety and security of the network foremost in their minds. Providing access to social media sites from Air Force government computers meets the intent of Department of Defense Directive-Type Memorandum 09-026 -Responsible and Effective Use of Internet-based Capabilities, issued Feb. 25. Air Force Space Command is responsible for implementing the changes. "As we leverage these new technologies, it is imperative that all Air Force personnel practice safe online activity to protect the network," said Gen. C. Robert Kehler, Air Force Space Command commander. "The Air Force views the use of social media sites as a positive way to communicate and conduct business. Providing more open access will allow the Air Force to communicate more effectively to all Air Force personnel, their families and external audiences." Various Air Force and DOD regulations provide guidance for Airmen using social media on government networks. Personal use of social media sites must be of reasonable duration and frequency that have been approved by supervisors and do not adversely affect performance of official duties, overburden systems or reflect adversely on the Air Force. Air Force personnel cannot post any classified or sensitive information and must follow the guidelines for appropriate social media and Internet use. The inappropriate posting of information on the Air Force network and any OPSEC violations are punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. What can our Airmen do? · Airmen must abide by certain limits to ensure good order and discipline...actions on/off duty are subject to UCMJ actions - OPSEC, legal, privacy act, etc. · When Airmen see misrepresentations made about the Air Force in the media, by analysts or by other bloggers, they may use their blogs or someone else's to point out the error - respectful and factual, not disparaging. · Airmen should be first to respond to their mistakes. Acknowledge and correct it quickly. · Use best judgment and remember there are always consequences to what is written. If any question whether/not to post, consult a supervisor or respective PA office; however, Airmen maintain sole responsibility for what they post. · 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 information or other material protected by copyright without the permission of copyright owner. · Do not use 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. · 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 should not discuss areas of expertise for which they have no first-hand, direct background or knowledge. · A link from an Airman's personal/social site to an Air Force website such as Air Force Link at http://www.af.mil is acceptable.