AF launches program on MySpace.com

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Janet Haliburton
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The Air Force is joining the Internet's largest social networking site and entered the "MySpace" race by launching its own user profile Monday. 

"Websites like MySpace.com have become popular among many military members as a way to keep in touch and make new friends, but military members may subject themselves to various punishments under the UCMJ if they make improper postings," said Capt. Michael Kerr, 56th Fighter Wing Judge Advocate. "We want to educate Luke Thunderbolts on the limitations imposed on military members' ability to make certain postings on public domain web pages such as MySpace.com." 

Military members should not post pictures of the military uniform that would bring discredit upon the Armed Forces, he said. 

Pictures that may bring discredit upon the Armed Forces include pictures where a military member is: 

-- Making offensive gestures while in uniform 

-- Conducting suggestive activities, or engaging in vulgar behavior while in uniform. 

Military Equal Opportunity rules apply to military members' websites, according to Captain Kerr. 

"All written and verbal communications come under the purview of MEO and Websites should not contain sexually or racially disparaging remarks," he said. 

Websites may not violate OPSEC and should not disclose or display any information on impending deployments or aircraft movements. 

"It is generally permissible to take pictures of military aircraft in a public forum; however, military members have access to aircraft in ways the general public does not. Military members should speak with their chain of command before photographing aircraft in a non-public forum," said Captain Kerr. "Military members should contact the Maintenance Operations Center at (623) 856-5784 to take pictures on the flightline." 

Military members must also avoid the appearance that the Air Force endorses their personal web pages, said Captain Kerr. 

"Actions that may present this false appearance include posting Air Force symbols or insignia, and using duty titles or organizational names," he said. 

MySpace.com is a free internet service and can be searched by anyone who registers.