HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla -- What does being a Citizen Airman mean to you?
Does it mean that you will uphold the principles and standards of the military only on Unit Training Assembly weekends? Or, that you exemplify these standards in your life on and off the base?
A Citizen Airman is a reservist who has other civilian or government employment during the month and comes in “one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer” to train. He or she is an integral part of this nation’s security and force protection--ready to deploy at a moment’s notice to defend their country.
A Citizen Airman also must uphold the highest of standards in their behavior, deportment, and attitude to not only display professionalism, but embody it.
As a Citizen Airman, part of this professionalism includes your presence in the social media domain.
Social media is an excellent way to connect with friends and family, to share personal views, and to follow trends. However, social media is also an unpredictable conduit that could jeopardize your military career.
You are in uniform even when you are not in uniform. Everything you do reflects on your military and your nation. Therefore, before you post anything, or like anything, or follow anyone, ask yourself, “How will this reflect on my military identity?”
Participation in websites and/or any activities that victimize or otherwise disparage others is completely unacceptable and in direct conflict with Air Force core values.
These behaviors, and the attitudes that inform them, are incompatible with military service. Leaders and Airmen are expected to create and maintain a healthy environment free of discriminatory, inappropriate practices, both on and off duty.
Air Force Instruction 1-1: Air Force Standards states that, “Airmen do not tolerate bullying, hazing, or any instance where an Airman inflicts any form of physical or psychological abuse that degrades, insults, dehumanizes, or injures another Airman. It is the obligation of each Airman in the chain of command to prevent such conduct.”
At the 482nd Fighter Wing, our virtues of love, care, and respect are not compatible with the kinds of social media behaviors that are bringing careers to an end in the Air Force today.
Remember, you are personally responsible for what you say and post on social networking services and any other medium. Regardless of the method of communication used, Air Force standards must be observed at all times, both on and off duty.
Before you post; stop, and recall who you are and what you stand for. Remember to:
◾treat people with respect
◾think before posting information online and/or sending to friends
◾be cautious of unintended consequences of information sharing and privacy settings
◾avoid actions that could bring discredit upon you, your unit, or the Air Force
Not only will you not stand for inappropriate social media behavior, but you will not tolerate it in others. Contact the 482nd Public Affairs Office at (786) 415-7330 if you see potential violations from anybody in the military.
You not only represent your family and community when you wear the uniform. You represent your family, your community, AND your country even when you are not in uniform.
Continue to set the high standards in your professional, personal, and social media spheres that bring credit to yourself and your nation.