JOINT BASE CHARELSTON, S.C. –
Are you an online networking connoisseur? Do you Twitter your Facebook status to your friends on Myspace? Today's Airmen tend to use social networking websites to document their lives.
Airmen use social media to communicate, and meet new people, share pictures with each other or express their feelings.
But be careful with the power of technology because sometimes it can backfire! Whether you are in uniform or a civilian, you represent yourself, the military, and your country 24-hours a day.
During a recent incident off base, a local police officer and I struck up a conversation concerning Facebook. He stated the local police department had hired a person specifically to scrub social networking sites for new employees, tenured employees or any perpetrators of crimes. Talk about big brother watching over you!
Posting information about operational status, what part you replaced on an aircraft or personal comments about your chain of command can result in embarrassing and sometimes severe consequences. AFI 35-113, Chapter 15 is very informative concerning social media.
It is important to understand that what you type can be used against you. You can express yourself without defaming your character or service. Just make sensible posts and upload sensible pictures and everything will be great.
Have a fine Air Force Day, and I look forward to following you on the internet.