TOP STORY >> Think before you speak (or post)

By Arlo Taylor
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs



Now more than ever people have many outlets to support causes, express opinions and flat out rant via social media...and that’s a good thing.

But military members, and DOD civilians in many cases, should be mindful that even in the virtual world, you are still a member of the armed forces and are accountable for statements you make, particularly when it comes to politics.

According to Paragraph 4 of the Little Rock Operation Security Guidance, “When associating your military affiliation on a public website, remember that you represent the service as a representative of the United States Air Force.”

A lot of attention has been drawn to what military members post on Facebook in the wake of former Marine Corps Sgt. Gary Stein’s discharge for posting disparaging comments about President Barack Obama on the Internet. Just because you post a rant on your personal Facebook Page, doesn’t mean it’s private or hidden from the rest of the world.

So, it’s not a good idea to disparage anyone in your chain of command from the President down. All military members must be mindful that words or conduct of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces, or words and conduct that are prejudicial to good order and discipline, are punishable under Article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

According to base legal officials, this may include the use of disparaging or derogatory words directed towards the President and other civilian leadership. The more public the forum, the more likely it is the words or conduct will be considered service discrediting or to the prejudice of good order and discipline. In accordance with Article 88, UCMJ, it is unlawful for commissioned officers to use contemptuous language towards the President, Vice-President, or the Congress, by name or by clear reference.

Just because you rant online, doesn’t mean you are immune from comments just because you didn’t verbally utter them. According to base legal officials, posting comments on Facebook is the same as saying it. Posting offensive and/or disparaging photographs or links is the same as posting comments because they are attributable to the one who posted it. Keep in mind that on Facebook, the audience is potentially much larger. This means the effects of your posts may have more significant consequences.

The best advice? Watch what you say and post on Facebook, or your favorite social networking platform. The rules don’t prohibit members from having an opinion about politics or other issues, but it does require members to be respectful and display good manners.

“Be professional and respectful in your dissent and always think before you speak or write on political matters,” said Lt Col Shelly Schools, Staff Judge Advocate. “Military members are permitted to have personal opinions on elected leaders and policies; however, you should never express yourself in a manner that discredits you as a military member, or might be attributed to the United States Air Force or Department of Defense.”

If anyone has questions or concerns about Facebook posting and other social media rules, contact Public Affairs at 987-3434 or seek advice from the base OPSEC Manager, Gregory Call, at 987-3966.