With great (social) power, comes great (social) responsibility

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andria J. Allmond
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Air Force Reserve Command began access to social media sites April 26 ushering in a new era of networking and entertainment between Airmen and the electronic world.

But, with this newly allocated privilege comes a whole new set of rules of engagement.

That ROE is in the form of Air Force Instruction 35-113, Internal Information, Chapter 15: Social Media.

The AFI states that the Air Force views personal Web sites and weblogs positively and respects the right of Airmen to use them as a medium of self-expression. However, Airmen must abide by certain restrictions to ensure good order and discipline.

Currently, most unit social media sites are monitored by the associated Public Affairs offices. Therefore, these sites run under the parameters that apply to other forms of media, as addressed in Air Force Instruction 35-107, Public Web Communications, and AFI 33-129, Web Management and Internet Use. Under these guidelines, PA Airmen assess the need, requirement and suitability for release of information to both internal and external audiences.

The 512th Airlift Wing Facebook page lays out posting guidelines under the "info" tab. Failure to comply with these guidelines could result in the post being removed by the site moderator. The guidelines are as follows:

-No graphic, obscene, explicit or racial comments or submissions, nor do we allow comments that are abusive, hateful or intended to defame anyone or any organization.

-No solicitations or advertisements. This includes promotion or endorsement of any financial, commercial or non-governmental agency. Similarly, do not defame or defraud any financial, commercial or non-governmental agency.

-No comments that suggest or encourage illegal activity.

-Users are responsible for their comments, their username and any information they post.

-While the Air Force respects an individual's right to practice or not practice any religion, comments supporting an individual's religion may be perceived as indirect support by the 512th AW, AFRC, or the Air Force. Therefore, these comments are subject to removal based on the site manager's judgment of propriety and how a user's posts relate to the mission.

"While the Air Force believes in religious tolerance -- respect for one's faith and beliefs -- an organizational Web-site is not an appropriate platform to voice those opinions if they are unrelated to site content," said Phil Rhodes, AFRC social media strategist. "(The Facebook) site is intended to promote the organization's mission and accomplishments of its people."

Although parameters exist, the site encourages it's "fans" to get involved, post and share Users have the power to control the product on the site, publicize comments on the wall, share photos and get involved with discussions.

Tech. Sgt. Della Miller, 512th Maintenance Squadron, posted on the 512th AW Facebook page that she would like to see more pictures from around the wing of members both on and off duty.

"I would like to see posts on what the units are doing together," she said. "I would like for fans or 512th members to do more posting. I like the updates on goings on at the base, (but) maybe add travel and leisure updates?"

So far, Sergeant Miller is one of 280 people who are "fans" of the 512th AW Facebook page. The 512th AW Public Affairs office is actively striving to increase that number.

Our Facebook page provides an avenue for unit members to interact directly and build relationships with other wing members," said Capt. Marnee A.C. Losurdo, 512th AW Public Affairs chief. "It can also keep reservists informed about wing events, news and unit member's accomplishments and provides a forum to voice opinions. Ultimately, every reservist is an Air Force Reserve spokesperson, and social media provides the platform to inform various audiences about the great things we do every day in defense of our nation."

To check out the 512th Airlift Wing Facebook page and become a member, go to: http://www.facebook.com/512aw

(For Facebook newbies, here's how to make the 512th Airlift Wing a Facebook friend: Go you your personal Facebook page and type: 512th Airlift Wing in the search box located in the blue banner at the top of the page. When the 512th Airlift Wing appears, click "Add as Friend." A pop-up will appear asking if you want to add the 512th Airlift Wing as a friend. Click the box that says "Send Request." After your request has been sent, it will be confirmed by stating that the request has been sent.)