Misawa breaks down social media barriers

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  With the widespread use of social networking sites, such as Facebook, Myspace and Twitter, the lines between computing at home and work have become blurred. Social media, bloggers and forums have grown past their infancy and now provide an ever-expanding wealth of information on nearly any topic.

In February, the Department of Defense released a new policy opening non-classified networks to social media and networking sites. Pacific Air Forces became a test bed making social media accessible on the military's unclassified network. In a phased approach, Misawa Air Base joined the social media revolution April 29.

"Internet-based social networking services have become integral tools for all manner of operations," said Master Sgt. Thomas Parker, 35th Fighter Wing information assurance office NCO in charge.

Putting social media in the hands of Airmen reflects a growing trend in how the Air Force communicates to the public, a paradigm shift from talking to the public to talking with the public in an interactive, open forum.

"Many of today's issues are discussed online through blogs, chat rooms, social networks, and video hosting sites," said Gen. Gary North, PACAF commander, in a memorandum to PACAF Airmen. "These tools allow Airmen to communicate with today's audiences. This affords both an unprecedented opportunity and a critical individual responsibility."

Leadership at all levels has encouraged Airmen to communicate across the broad spectrum of social media about their Air Force experiences in a positive, truthful and credible way. A publication sent out by the Air Force Public Affairs Agency said to take calculated risks but also use common sense, stating, "If you wouldn't say it in front of your mother, you probably shouldn't say it."

"All Airmen have a role in promoting public understanding of our service," said General North. "U.S. citizens need this perspective to appreciate our service, commitment and sacrifice and to allow them to understand our Air Force, so they can make informed decisions."

General North also reminded Airmen to abide by operational security guidelines and to protect critical information when posting to social media sites. He said not to divulge classified, official or sensitive material, which could jeopardize the Air Force mission.

"As the Air Force begins to open our networks to social media sites," said Tech. Sgt. Felicia Radaker, 13th Air Force cyber operations manager, "it's important to stress the need for everyone to practice online security, operational security, and report any suspicious activity."

For more information on social media, visit the DoD Social Media Hub at http://socialmedia.defense.gov.