Social media tips for Air Force Reservists Published Jan. 26, 2010 Air Force Reserve Command Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Thousands of Air Force Reservists are among the 350 million Facebook users. The popular social media site facilitates virtual networking and communication among like-minded individuals who "friend" each other, giving Airmen multiple platforms to engage in conversations about their professional and personal interests. "Compared to their active duty counterparts, Reservists are even more likely to use Facebook, LinkedIn, blogs and other social media sites on a daily basis," said Paul Bove, a social media strategist with the Air Force Public Affairs Agency. "Many social media sites aren't accessible on Air Force networks, but most Reservists have the ability to access these sites in their civilian jobs outside the military. If Reservists mirror society, they are very likely engaged in these new communication platforms." Whether Reservists are in an active military status or civilian status, on or off duty, common sense rules still apply when they visit social networking sites. AFPAA recently updated its social media engagement guide, providing useful tips for Airmen who surf social media sites. The following tips can help Reservists avoid problems: Don't post classified info: Operational Security is crucial to the Air Force Reserve Command mission. Reservists should avoid divulging classified, "For Official Use Only" and other sensitive materials. Stay in your lane: While Airmen are encouraged to share their Reserve story, they should only talk and post about information with which they are familiar. An aeromedical evacuation nurse can informatively talk about the aeromed mission, but could be out of line talking about legal issues in the Air Force Reserve. Don't lie: Credibility is critical the Air Force Reserve. Without credibility, no one cares what we have to say. Give your opinion: AFPAA encourages Airmen to join the discussion in social media settings, but reminds them to clearly indicate that their comments are their personal opinion, and not that of the Air Force or AFR. Use common sense: Realize your words and images go out to thousands of people around the world. While it's OK to have fun, keep in mind your actions may reflect upon the Air Force Reserve. Your unit public affairs shops can provide additional advice and guidance on social media interactions. Personal information: Be careful about divulging too much personal information online. Personal addresses, phone numbers and birthdates could aid identity thieves or the enemy. Keep OPSEC in mind when deciding what to share. "Social media offers tremendous opportunity for the Air Force Reserve," said Lt. Col. Leslie Pratt, AFRC director of public affairs. "It doesn't replace traditional media relations, community relations and face-to-face communications, but social media lets us leverage our existing relationships and tell the Air Force story to millions more people. "Reservists play a special role in sharing our message because they have part of their lives invested in the Air Force, in addition to their families and civilian pursuits. Reserve duty is part of a unique lifestyle. Social media lets them tell their story as well as the Air Force story which translates into a closer relationship with the public." Visit http://www.af.mil/socialmedia.asp for links to current Air Force social media sites.
