Social media access open to AETC users Published April 30, 2010 MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Starting this week, members of Air Education and Training Command are able to access 29 social networking websites from their government computers. Beginning May 15, users will have access to almost 85 social media sites. This change in policy stems from a Department of Defense directive published in February as officials recognized the capabilities of social media across the DOD. Some of the most popular sites cleared for access are YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Flickr and LinkedIn. "Access to social networking sites and internet-based capabilities opens up a new avenue to improve our processes and continue to better educate and train the best Airmen in the world," said Col. Mona Lisa Tucker, AETC Communications director. "The DOD and the Air Force view the use of social media sites as a positive way to communicate more effectively to all personnel, their families and external audiences. As this new technology affords us a new means of communication, users must continually be aware that access to social media websites must be conducted in a professional and responsible manner." Squadron Officer College is at the forefront of the social media revolution at Air University, with an established Facebook page for the Squadron Officer School program. SOS shares course tips, schedules, and advice for students. "Facebook is a great way for students - current, former and future - to connect and learn from each other as they build their professional networks," says Lt. Col. Mike Hower, commander of SOS's 31st Student Squadron. "It also provides us a great way to get immediate feedback on our courses and events." Air University and Maxwell AFB are jointly using social media for strategic communications through Twitter, along with many other university programs. Initial testing to allow access to social media sites was accomplished within Pacific Air Force Command prior to opening access to the remainder of the Air Force, said Senior Master Sgt. David Gorham, AETC Communications Infrastructure Branch superintendent. "During this test period, several assessments were completed in order to see how and when users were accessing social media sites," he said. "The initial testing also gave Air Force officials an idea of the associated risks, and if any additional guidance would be necessary governing access to these types of sites." Access to social media sites remains the responsibility of the individual, and users must be cognizant of the websites they are accessing and of the information being shared, according to Air Force Instruction 33-129, Web Management and Internet Use. "Our government systems are targeted by threats daily," Sergeant Gorham said. "Users accessing social media sites must keep operational security at the forefront at all times and be aware of the information being shared in order to not adversely affect the mission." The Air Force views the access of social media sites positively; however, as representatives of the Air Force and the DOD, users must abide by certain restrictions to ensure good order and discipline. The following tips are provided for users accessing social media sites: OPSEC should always be a consideration when engaged in social media. There are always consequences to what is written. Review appropriate Air Force instructions and guidance thoroughly prior to posting content on social media sites. Users have the sole responsibility for what they post. Users must not post any defamatory, libelous, vulgar, obscene, abusive, profane, threatening, hateful, racially, ethnically, or otherwise offensive or illegal information or material. Users must not post classified or sensitive information. Users must not post any information that would infringe upon the proprietary, privacy or personal rights of others. Airmen discussing issues related to their career field or personal experiences is acceptable, but they should not discuss areas of expertise of which they have no first-hand knowledge. Some of the social media sites at Maxwell include: Twitter: @MaxwellAFB - Joint Maxwell AFB/Air University feed @AirForceForums - Air Force Forums feed @AFCLC - Air Force Culture and Language Center feed @AFsymposiums - Air Force Research Institute symposium series feed @ASPJEnglish - Air and Space Power Journal