Use caution when using social media sites

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Washburn
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Youtube make sharing and sending out information extremely fast and easy. Even D-M has a Facebook page which used to communicate base activities and updates with more than 4,000 followers.

"It's important for the Air Force to adapt to new forms of media and social media is just another form," said 2nd Lt. Sarah Godfrey, 355th Fighter Wing public affairs officer. "It's faster, quicker and it's easier for us to get out information."

When used correctly, social media sites can be very beneficial. But Airmen need to keep in mind that they are representing the Air Force 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Godfrey said. They should be aware of what they're saying online and understand that people may be looking for any information they could use to potentially harm us. The Air Force treats social media as an official form of communication and individuals could get in trouble to anything they post.

"A lot of people get complacent in their privacy settings or what they're writing," Godfrey said. "I suggest people review what they're going to post because once they do, they can be held accountable. They need to review it to make sure that nothing is inappropriate or could violate operational security."

Along with understanding what Airmen should and shouldn't be posting, it's also important to inform other family members on social media etiquette. If a spouse is deploying or on a temporary deployment, it's okay for significant others to talk of the deployment, but nothing mission specific should be mentioned. Location of troops, time, what the mission is, anything that could be used against troops should be left out.

Good judgment and common sense is the way to avoid any possible consequences to what individuals post. If any information seems like it could be sensitive material or harmful in any way, just don't post it, Godfrey said.

"I want to encourage the use of social media," Godfrey said. "It's a great and positive way for Airmen and their family to tell the Air Force story."