Before you post

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Samuel Earick
  • National Air and Space Intelligence Center Public Affairs

The National Air and Space Intelligence Center recently created a Facebook account, and it is available for all members to “like.” While taking the time to check out the page, Center officials would like to remind everyone about the Air Force’s official guidelines for social media.

“Social media is an excellent communicative platform when utilized effectively. It gives you the ability to build meaningful relationship with people regardless of distance, time and accessibility,” said Senior Master Sgt. Darrius Smith, NASIC’s First Sergeant. “(However,) think before you post. You are an Airman 24/7.”

 

According to Air Force Social Media Guide, here are some tips to remember:

You are personally responsible for what you say and post on social networking services and any other medium.

Consider how a post can be interpreted by the public. Be cautious about crossing the line between funny and distasteful. If you have doubts about whether you should post something, err on the side of caution. If the post in question concerns the Air Force, discuss the proposed post with your supervisor or your local public affairs office.

Maintain appropriate communication and conduct with officer and enlisted personnel, peers, superiors and subordinates (to include civilian superiors and subordinates).

Here are some more tips to use when using social media:

·         Be aware of the image you present: Any time you engage in social media, you’re representing the Air Force. Don’t do anything that discredits you or our service.

 

·         Use your best judgment: What you write may have serious consequences. Once you post something on social media, you can’t “get it back.” Even deleting the post doesn’t mean it’s truly gone. Ultimately, you bear sole responsibility for what you post.

 

·         Obey applicable laws: You must keep federal law, Department of Defense directives and instructions, Air Force instructions and the Uniform Code of Military Justice in mind when using social media in official and unofficial capacities. As an Airman, you are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

 

·         Be cautious with information sharing: Maintain privacy settings on your social media accounts, change your passwords regularly and don’t give out personally identifiable information. Be cautious about the personal details you share on the Internet.

 

·         Avoid the offensive: Don’t post any defamatory, libelous, vulgar, obscene, abusive, profane, threatening, racially or ethnically hateful or otherwise offensive or illegal information or material.

 

·         Don’t promote yourself for personal or financial gain: Don’t use your Air Force affiliation, official title or position to promote, endorse or benefit yourself or any profit-making group or agency. For details, refer to the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 5, Volume 3, sec. 2635.702, Use of Public Office for Private Gain, in the Joint Ethics Regulation or Air Force Instruction 35-101, Public Affairs Responsibilities and Management.

 

“Always use your judgment, remembering that there are always consequences to what is written or posted,” Smith said. “Be respectful."

 

Did you know that the National Air and Space Intelligence Center has a Facebook page? You can find it by searching USAFNASIC.