NAS FORT WORTH JRB, Texas -- Young children are often frightened by an imaginary monster under their bed. They fear the monster might get them without a light on to keep it away. Children may not be sure what would happen if the monster got them, but they know it would be bad.
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a monster is, "a strange or horrible imaginary creature, extremely or unusually large; a powerful person or thing that cannot be controlled and that causes many problems."
Horrible, large, and uncontrollable can easily define situations Airmen face when social media goes wrong.
Airmen caught in disciplinary action for inappropriate use of social media might find themselves facing a horrible, large, and uncontrollable situation - a monster. Air Force Instruction 1-1; Air Force Standards states, "You are personally responsible for what you say and post on social networking services and any other medium. Regardless of the method of communication used, Air Force standards must be observed at all times, both on and off-duty."
High standards of conduct, performance, and discipline apply to all members of the Air Force, including the Air National Guard and Reserve. The social media monster does not discriminate who it goes after. To prevent attacks, follow applicable AFIs and Air Force guidance.
AFI 1-1 further instructs to avoid offensive or inappropriate behavior on social networking platforms or other forms of communication which could bring discredit upon the Air Force or you as a member of the Air Force.
Air Force guidance acts as a light in the room to keep the monster away. However, unlike children, Airmen should know what to expect if instructions are violated.
AFI 1-1 is directive in nature, and failure to adhere to its standards can form the basis for adverse action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
The repercussions for a lapse in judgment on social media are serious. What starts out as cute or funny can quickly grow into a "viral" monster misrepresenting the Air Force and ruining active duty, National Guard or Reserve careers.
To keep the social media monster at bay, simply follow these instructions from AFI 1-1:
· Do not post anything which violates operational security.
· Classified, For Official Use Only, and other official Department of Defense information and documents are prohibited from being posted on social networks or transmitted via non-government email accounts without proper authority.
· Maintain appropriate communication and conduct with civilian, officer, and enlisted personnel, peers, superiors and subordinates.
· Avoid offensive or inappropriate behavior on social networking platforms and through other forms of communication.
· Do not post commentary or opinion on internet blogs which can be perceived or intended to degrade morale, good order and discipline of members or units in the Armed Forces, are service-discrediting, or would degrade the trust and confidence of the public in the Air Force.
· Avoid speaking on behalf of the Air Force; make it clear the Air Force does not sanction or endorse any personal opinions expressed on social media sites.
· Realize social media contacts indicate relationships which could affect the outcome of security clearance investigations.
· Airmen are subject to disciplinary action if federal laws, state laws, regulations or policies are violated through inappropriate personal online activity or any other forms of communication.
Airmen are not children, but the social media monster is real. There should be no fear in using social media to stay in touch with family and friends as long as Airmen follow applicable instructions and guidance.
Think carefully before posting photographs or comments from a party, complaining about being in the armed forces, or impulsively posting "edgy" photos. Information shared on the internet remains accessible forever, even if deleted.
Once the monster has been fed, it will consume lives and careers. It is waiting and it is watching. Keep the light on.