Air Force-wide social media access begins

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  • By 439 Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. --  Air Force Reserve Command gained access to social media sites May 1.

The phased progression of access to social media sites Air Force wide began in late April with the final phase granting access to Air National Guard bases slated for May 6.

According to AFRC, "it will take up to five business days to open up every base in each major command because technicians in the Integrated Network Operations and Security Centers responsible for opening social media access must account for the different major command network infrastructures."

Brig. Gen. David B. Warner, AFSPC communications and information director and chief information officer stated in an AFRC article: "Twenty-Fourth Air Force (officials) determined the best way to implement access to Internet-based capabilities was to follow the standard practice of allowing the 624th Operations Center, working in conjunction with the INOSCs, to determine who gets the upgrade first based on mission requirements. The INOSCs have the most in-depth knowledge of the network infrastructures within each MAJCOM and thus can initiate changes in the most efficient way possible."

Active duty components were among the first to receive access in late April, with AFRC following shortly thereafter.

According to AFRC, "Providing access to social media sites from Air Force government computers meets the intent of Department of Defense Directive-Type Memorandum 09-026 -- Responsible and Effective Use of Internet-based Capabilities, issued Feb. 25."

Air Force leaders across components of the branch stressed the importance of operational security, as well as appropriate use of the social media sites when on duty.

"As we leverage these new technologies, it is imperative that all Air Force personnel practice safe online activity to protect the network," said Gen. C. Robert Kehler, Air Force Space Command commander. "The Air Force views the use of social media sites as a positive way to communicate and conduct business. Social media and other emerging technologies provide an increasingly important means of communication and collaboration. Providing more open access will allow the Air Force to communicate more effectively to all Air Force personnel, their families and external audiences."

Various Air Force and DOD regulations provide guidance for Airmen using social media on government networks. Personal use of social media sites must be of reasonable duration and frequency that have been approved by supervisors and do not adversely affect performance of official duties, overburden systems or reflect adversely on the Air Force.

Air Force personnel cannot post any classified or sensitive information and must follow the guidelines for appropriate social media and Internet use. The inappropriate posting of information on the AF network and any OPSEC violations are punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Editor's Note: An Air Force Reserve Command article was used to produce this news story.