Damon Mcknight
US soldiers are allowed to use social media in Afghanistan, but they must be mindful of what they post. The US Army is a values-based organisation that expects its soldiers to treat everyone with dignity and respect, both online and offline. Soldiers are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) at all times, meaning they can be punished for posting negatively about their supervisors or releasing sensitive information. They are also prohibited from engaging in political activity on social media while on duty or in uniform. Soldiers are encouraged to express their opinions about the political process when off duty and out of uniform, as long as they are consistent with the Army's values.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Personal social media use | Soldiers are allowed to use social media for personal use, but must be mindful of what they post. |
| Official social media use | Soldiers are allowed to use social media for official use, but must have delegated release authority and completed OPSEC II training. |
| Online conduct | Soldiers must abide by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) at all times, even when off duty. This includes not talking negatively about supervisors or releasing sensitive information. |
| Political activity | Soldiers are prohibited from engaging in political activity on social media while in the federal workplace or on duty. |
| Reporting misconduct | There are mechanisms for reporting online misconduct, including misusing online communications, sending harassing or intimidating communications, and other online misconduct. |
| Endorsements, ethics/personal gain | DoD personnel should not present themselves as spokespeople for the DoD on personal social media. They must also avoid using DoD titles, insignia, uniforms, or symbols that could imply DoD endorsement. |
| Geotagging | Soldiers are advised against using location-based social networking services or geotagging, as this can reveal sensitive information about their location. |
What You'll Learn
Innocent posts can reveal sensitive information
Innocent posts can inadvertently reveal sensitive information. This is a serious issue that can endanger soldiers and their families. Geotagging, for example, can reveal the precise location of a photo, and this data can be used by adversaries to target soldiers or army installations. This is why the US Army warns users about the geotagging feature, which is automatically turned on in some smartphones and digital cameras.
Geotagging is the process of adding geographical metadata to online content to identify the physical location of where it was posted. It can be in the form of latitude and longitude coordinates or tagging a place name. It is a convenient way to reach local customers on a variety of online platforms. However, it can also be dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands. Geolocation can be very specific, sometimes giving an address down to the door number. This can put people at risk of being followed or revealing that they are somewhere they shouldn't be.
Innocent posts that reveal sensitive information are not limited to geotagging. Even unclassified information can be harmful. According to Tonya Heinbaugh, a US Army Garrison Bamberg security officer, "it's those small pieces of information that could be the most harmful." She cites the "Manchester Papers," an Al-Qaeda terrorist training manual found in England in 2000, which stated that more than 80% of the information the terrorist group received was through unclassified material. With the proliferation of social media, this number has likely increased.
To avoid revealing sensitive information, the US Army recommends that soldiers and their families do not use location-based social networking services when deployed or in classified areas. They should also refrain from posting specific dates or locations of deployments and set privacy settings to 'friends only' on personal accounts. Additionally, soldiers should be mindful of what they put online and maintain their professionalism at all times, even when off duty.
The Enduring Deployment: Examining the Continued Presence of Troops in Afghanistan
You may want to see also
Soldiers must be mindful of what they put online
Social media is a powerful tool that allows soldiers to stay connected with their loved ones and share their experiences with the world. However, it is crucial for soldiers to be mindful of the potential risks associated with their online activity, especially when deployed in sensitive regions like Afghanistan. Here are some key reasons why soldiers must exercise caution and be mindful of what they put online:
Operational Security:
The primary concern with soldiers' social media usage is maintaining operational security. Seemingly innocent posts or comments can inadvertently reveal sensitive information about military operations, locations, security measures, or troop movements. For example, posting photographs or mentioning specific locations can compromise security and put soldiers at risk. It is essential for soldiers to understand that even unclassified information can be pieced together by adversaries to gain valuable intelligence. Therefore, soldiers should refrain from sharing any details that could endanger themselves or their fellow service members.
Adherence to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ):
Soldiers are subject to the UCMJ at all times, even when off duty. This means that their online conduct must abide by military rules and regulations. Posting content that violates the UCMJ, such as insulting superiors, releasing sensitive information, or engaging in discriminatory behaviour, can lead to corrective or disciplinary action. Soldiers must maintain professionalism and uphold the values and standards of conduct expected of them, even in their personal capacity.
Online Misconduct and Bullying:
"Online Misconduct" as defined by the U.S. Army, includes hazing, bullying, harassment, discriminatory harassment, stalking, and other types of misconduct that undermine dignity and respect. Soldiers must refrain from any form of online bullying or misconduct, as it can have legal consequences under existing federal laws and the UCMJ. Additionally, service members should be cautious not to post content that violates service regulations, such as showing contempt for public officials or posting unprofessional material.
Political Activity:
Soldiers must be mindful of the limitations on political activity when using social media. While they are allowed to express their personal political views when off duty and not in uniform, they must refrain from engaging in partisan political activity or advocating for specific candidates or causes while on duty or in uniform. Soldiers should also be cautious not to communicate contemptuously about public officials, as this is considered a violation of the UCMJ.
Privacy and Personal Information:
Soldiers should be cautious about revealing personal information online, such as their rank, unit locations, deployment dates, names, or equipment details. They should also be wary of location-based services and geotagging features that can reveal their precise locations. Adjusting privacy settings to "friends only" and regularly reviewing them is recommended to prevent personal information from falling into the wrong hands. Additionally, soldiers should educate their families about these risks and encourage them to exercise similar caution when posting online.
In conclusion, while social media provides valuable connections and communication opportunities, soldiers must be vigilant and mindful of the potential risks associated with their online activity. By following guidelines and using social media responsibly, soldiers can maintain operational security, uphold military values, and protect themselves and their fellow service members.
The Great Afghanistan Rescue: A Nation's Effort to Bring Home Its Own
You may want to see also
The US Army encourages soldiers to share security lessons with their families
The US Army provides training for soldiers on the dos and don'ts of posting on social media. Soldiers are advised to use social media to get out the message of their command, inform the public of Army activities, or stay connected with loved ones. However, they must not reveal sensitive information about missions, units, or soldiers. This includes specific details about deployments, such as dates, times, locations, and missions. It is also recommended that soldiers include a non-endorsement disclaimer when posting any content featuring official titles, insignia, uniforms, or symbols.
Additionally, soldiers and their families should be aware of the security risks associated with social media. For example, the geotagging feature on smartphones and digital cameras can reveal the location of a photograph, which could be used by terrorists to target soldiers or Army installations. It is important to regularly check privacy settings and ensure that they are set to "friends only". Soldiers and their families should also be cautious about who they accept as "friends" on social media, as it is easy to fake an account.
By sharing security lessons with their families, soldiers can help ensure that their loved ones do not inadvertently put them at risk. It is crucial for soldiers and their families to understand the importance of practicing good operational security measures when using social media.
Enduring Coalition Presence: Examining the Numbers in Afghanistan
You may want to see also
Soldiers must maintain professionalism at all times
It is important for soldiers to remember that when they are logged on to a social media platform, they still represent the U.S. Army. They must abide by the UCMJ at all times and avoid posting anything that could be deemed unprofessional or prejudicial to good order and discipline. This includes not only their own social media activity but also any comments or posts that they may share or retweet.
Soldiers should also be mindful of the security risks associated with social media use. As Staff Sgt. Dale Sweetnam of the Online and Social Media Division, Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, said, "Once it's out there, it's out there... You can delete it, but if the wrong person took a screenshot, that's actionable intelligence and you can't get that back." Soldiers should avoid posting any information that could reveal locations, security measures, mission operations, or troop movements. This includes not only text posts but also photos and videos, which may contain geotagging information that reveals the location where they were taken.
The Army encourages soldiers to use social media to stay connected with friends and family, but it is crucial that they do so in a way that maintains their professionalism and does not compromise security. Soldiers should also educate their families about the risks of posting sensitive information online, as this could inadvertently put soldiers or their units at risk.
The Mineral Wealth of Afghanistan: A Geological Perspective
You may want to see also
Soldiers can face disciplinary action for violating rules of conduct
US soldiers are allowed to use social media in Afghanistan, but they must follow strict guidelines to avoid disciplinary action. The US Army encourages soldiers to use social media to stay connected with their loved ones and to share their experiences. However, soldiers must be aware of the security risks and regulations associated with their online activity.
Soldiers are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and can face disciplinary action if they violate the rules of conduct, even when off duty. Disciplinary actions can include corrective or punitive measures. This means that soldiers must be cautious about the content they post on social media, as they are personally responsible for their online activity.
Some examples of violations that can result in disciplinary action include:
- Releasing sensitive information: Soldiers must be careful not to reveal sensitive information about missions, units, or other soldiers. This includes details such as deployment dates, locations, security measures, and troop movements.
- Insulting the chain of command: Soldiers should avoid talking negatively about their supervisors or posting discriminatory statements.
- Inappropriate material: Sharing or linking to inappropriate or unprofessional content is prohibited. This includes posting content that violates the UCMJ or basic rules of soldier conduct, such as hazing, bullying, harassment, or discriminatory harassment.
- Political activity: Soldiers are prohibited from engaging in certain political activities on their personal social media while in the federal workplace or while on duty. This includes participating in partisan political activities, advocating for or against a specific party or candidate, and communicating contemptuous words against public officials.
To avoid disciplinary action, soldiers are advised to maintain professionalism at all times and be vigilant about the content they post on social media. They should also be mindful of their privacy settings and the information they reveal about themselves and others. By following these guidelines, soldiers can safely use social media while adhering to the rules of conduct.
Afghan Exodus: Tracking the Flights Out
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, US soldiers are allowed to use social media in Afghanistan. However, they must be mindful of what they post online to avoid sharing sensitive information that could endanger themselves or their fellow soldiers.
Social media posts by soldiers can reveal sensitive information such as locations, security measures, mission operations, or troop movements. This information can be used by terrorists or media organizations to harm the US military.
US soldiers in Afghanistan must follow the US Army's Social Media Handbook, which provides guidelines on what is acceptable to post online. Soldiers must not share sensitive information, insult their chain of command, post discriminatory statements, or share inappropriate material. They should also avoid using DoD titles, insignia, uniforms, or symbols in a way that implies endorsement of their personal content.
Soldiers who are on duty or in uniform are prohibited from participating in partisan political activity on social media. This includes advocating for or against a political party, candidate, or cause. However, soldiers who are off duty and not in uniform are generally allowed to express their personal political views online, as long as they do not violate Army values or conduct themselves as representatives of the US Army.
Misusing social media can result in corrective or disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). Soldiers who release sensitive information, insult their superiors, or engage in online bullying, harassment, or discrimination may face punishment. Additionally, sharing sensitive information could put themselves and their fellow soldiers at risk.
