Ellsworth emphasizes social media awareness

  • Published
  • By Airman Hrair H. Palyan
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  With social media websites like Facebook and Twitter becoming a dominant form of communication around the globe, it's more important than ever to be aware of information we share online.

Airmen and civilian employees should consider each post they make to be a public statement.

"Since social media sites are truly public, no matter how private they feel, base personnel should not share things on these sites that they wouldn't share with the general public," said Capt. Heather Alwin, 28th Bomb Wing assistant staff judge advocate. "This includes operational security info, but also extends to political statements and unprofessional statements about coworkers."

The public use of political statements is governed by two different regulations. AFI 51-902 governs the engagement in political activities for servicemembers and the Hatch Act of 1939 does the same for civilian employees.

For example, if Airmen or civilians decide to post political statements on their Facebook pages, they need to make sure information they post has no military affiliation, or they risk violating AFI 51-902, Political Activities by Members of the U.S. Air Force.

"Violations of AFI 51-902 can result in disciplinary action such as letters of reprimand, Article 15s, and even courts-martial for military members," said Alwin. "Violations of the Hatch Act can result in reprimands or dismissal for civilian employees."

Alwin added that if Airmen use social media sites to vent about a work situation, they may be subjected to disciplinary action just as if they had said those words directly to coworkers or supervisors.

"If you wouldn't say it to your supervisor, it's best not to say it on Facebook," said Alwin.

For more information on political statements, servicemembers should consult AFI 51-902. Civilians should consult the Hatch Act for guidance. For statements regarding coworkers or supervisors, servicemembers should refer to the Uniform Code of Military Justice, particularly Articles 89, 91, 92, and 134. Civilians should consult AFI 36-704, Discipline and Adverse Actions, and the Civilian Code of Conduct.