Social Media Up and Running at Kirtland
Kirtland Air Force Base, NM -- Kirtland AFB officially launched into the world of social media June 18 with the debut of its Facebook and Twitter sites.
Establishing a presence in these new media provides channels to communicate more effectively with Airmen, their families and the public, allowing users to follow Kirtland's latest news and activities.
The 377th ABW Public Affairs Office has overall responsibility for managing the Wing's sites with news links, photos and event information.
"Our goal in using social media is to engage Airman, families, and the local community with up-to-date information about Kirtland," said Carl Grusnick, 377th ABW public affairs media relations branch.
Anyone can access Kirtland AFB's Facebook site while in the application by entering the Wing's site name: "Kirtland Air Force Base," or directly at http://www.facebook.com/KirtlandAirForceBase
In addition to the Facebook page, Kirtland also launched its "Twitter" site, another social-networking tool where users send short messages, or "tweets" to other subscribers. As with Facebook, users can access the site from within Twitter by searching for "Kirtland377ABW" or connecting to the site by entering http://twitter.com/Kirtland377ABW into a web browser.
"Our core mission is to communicate effectively to the general public, and social media sites such as Facebook enhance other more traditional communication methods," said Mr. Grusnick. "Twitter is a great way to reach out to people and provide a greater awareness of Kirtland's mission, and we can use it to alert people in emergency situations."
The access to social networking sites and Internet-based capabilities is consistent with the Department of Defense directive published in February that recognized the capabilities of social media across the Department. The Air Force implemented the DoD policy for the responsible and effective use of Internet-base capabilities, including social-networking services, and is committed to leverage technologies that present ways for Air Force people to collaborate and communicate.
With the launch of both Facebook and Twitter, Kirtland's online presence in social networking sites will expand and provide immediate "at-your-fingertips" information about Kirtland and the Air Force.
However, Air Force people must adhere to sound operations security practices and should use good judgment about giving out information that could compromise military operations or personal security, while always following Joint Ethics regulations. All Airmen, Air Force civilians and contractors, have a responsibility to secure the Air Force Network and mission. Additionally, personal use must be of a reasonable duration and frequency that has been approved by supervisors and does not adversely affect performance of official duties, overburden systems, or reflect adversely on the Air Force or the DoD.
Access to Social Media
Communication Guidance Card
As of June 8, 2010
Background
· The Air Force opened access to Internet-based capabilities, including social-networking services, in April. The phased opening of access began April 26 and was completed in May.
· Internet-based capabilities include collaborative tools such as social-networking services, social media, user-generated content, social software, e-mail, instant messaging and discussion forums.
· 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.
Resources
· Numerous Air Force Instructions and Federal Government regulations apply to the proper usage of Internet-based capabilities, including:-AFI 10-701, Operations Security.
-AFI 33-100_AFGM 1, User Responsibilities and Guidance for Information Systems
-AFI 33-129_AFGM 1, Web Management and Internet Use
-AFI 35-107, Public Web Communications
-AFI 35-113, Internal Information, Section 15: Social Media
-Joint Ethics Regulation 2-301-Use of Federal Government Resources
Key Facts (Source: AFI 33-129_AFGM 1, AFI 33-100_AFGM 1)
· Personnel acting in a personal (non-official) capacity on non-DoD sites should include a disclaimer (e.g., "These statements are my own and do not constitute an endorsement by or an opinion of the Air Force.")
· Personnel acting in their official capacity on a non-DoD site should maintain liaison with their public affairs and OPSEC staff to ensure organizational awareness.
· Inappropriate posting of information and failure to follow established OPSEC measures are grounds for administrative and/or disciplinary actions under applicable laws and regulations.
Online Training and Tips
· National Operations Security Program --OPSEC and Social Networking Sites Safety Checklist (http://www.ioss.gov/sns_safety_check.pdf )
· DOD's Social Media Hub (http://socialmedia.defense.gov/)
· U.S. Strategic Command's Social Network Training site (http://www.stratcom.mil/snstraining/index.html)
· Social Media & the Air Force (http://www.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-091210-043.pdf)
· OPSEC should always be a consideration when engaged in social media -- there are always consequences to what is posted.
· Review appropriate Air Force instructions and guidance thoroughly before 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 firsthand knowledge.
If your unit is considering a social media site. . .
No organization is required to establish a social media site -- it is purely optional. Any organizations other than ABW HQ can set up and operate a site. Remember: Airmen have the sole responsibility for what they post. Again -- Security at the Source. When posting documents to social networking sites, "unofficial" information, such as picnic photos, chat or funny videos should not be forwarded to PA for formal clearance. However, official documents, briefings, social media, Web content, speeches, articles and other material proposed for public release must still go through the clearance process before being disseminated via any medium. Organizations uncertain about whether content needs to be formally cleared by PA before posting should contact the 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs social media contact, Carl Grusnick, at carl.grusnick@kirtland.af.mil or 846-6086. 377 ABW/PA. General guidance about use of social networking sites is available in AFI 35-113, Section 15, Social Media.