Base opens network to social media

  • Published
  • By Josh Aycock
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Base network users will gain access to social media websites beginning June 14.

With the additional access to social networking sites, base officials want to stress that users will need to practice good operational security and remember "security at the source."

"This is a great thing for our Airmen because it gives them the opportunity to tell their story," said Col. Michael Stinson, 88th Communications Group commander. "At the same time, our Airmen have to be responsible and OPSEC is a big part of that."

Colonel Stinson further explained the base is facing outbound and inbound challenges. On the outbound side, OPSEC could be a risk based on what information base users choose to access and disclose. Bandwidth is also an issue because the base network, like all networks, can only access and transfer a certain amount of data at once.

Inbound challenges include the inherent risk of introducing malicious logic to the network while using social networking sites. Malicious logic is a catch-all phrase encompassing viruses, worms, Trojans and a number of other computer based threats.

"Our users are the first line of defense and must be as cautious as they have been trained to be when opening e-mails. Don't trust every link that is out there," Colonel Stinson said.

The base-wide rollout of the initiative will begin by allowing access to 29 of the more popular sites, like Facebook, MySpace, Hotmail, Twitter, YouTube and others. Approximately two weeks later an additional 40 plus sites will be accessible by network users.

Personal use of social media sites must be of reasonable duration and frequency as approved by supervisors and must not adversely affect performance of official duties, overburden systems or reflect adversely on the Air Force, according to the Directive-Type Memorandum 09-026 published in February.

"We want everyone to stay engaged with the community, but it is important to realize that it's a global community," said John Klemack, 88 ABW Public Affairs director. "If you click the 'post' button, you are responsible for that information."

Air Force personnel cannot post any classified or sensitive information and must follow the guidelines for appropriate social media and Internet use. The inappropriate posting of information on the Air Force network and any OPSEC violations are punishable under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and other applicable law.