Be on your best behavior: Social networking Web sites are public domain

Published Oct. 25, 2007
By Brandice J. Armstrong
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- So, you've been introduced to a social networking Web site to reconnect with past acquaintances and meet potential dates.
   Maybe you've created your own Web page and listed information about your sexual orientation, marital status and background. And maybe you think no one is watching as you surf the uninhibited Internet. If so, you're wrong, especially if you're a military member.
   "People can get into some serious trouble using (social networking Web sites) thinking they're private and they're not," said Maj. Matthew van Dalen, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center Deputy Staff Judge advocate. "It's the opposite. (Social networking Web sites) are about as public a domain as you can get."
   Within the past two years, the OC-ALC/JA office has disciplined several Airmen for instigating trouble on social networking Web sites. Among the problems they've dealt with are Airmen who solicit pre-teens and teenagers for sexual favors.
   If a military member wants to use a social networking Web site, he is encouraged to conduct himself as though he is in uniform. He cannot disrespect a senior officer, insult public officials, or commit slander and libel, Major van Dalen said.
   The major also said military members do not have the same free speech rights as the general public. They are restricted to what can be said or written. If they disregard these guidelines, a military member can be found in violation of military justice codes and sentenced to jail time or other punishments including a bad conduct discharge.
   "(Social networking Web sites) are not a free-speech forum by any means, particularly for military members," Major van Dalen said.
   Military members are also not permitted to acknowledge a homosexual orientation, and should not display photos of a military member in uniform or use the Air Force symbol.
   "If you're going to have a (social networking Web page), conduct yourself as though you're in your office or on-duty," the major said. "Don't put anything on there that you wouldn't put on your desk or in on the wall in your office."