What Does Your Online Reputation Say About You?

Did you know that what you post online can affect your standing within the DoD? The DoD is beginning to integrate publicly available social media information as a data source for initial background investigations and as a periodic data source for continuous vetting. In fact, recently the Army suspended a retired general from a consulting position and put him under investigation after he posted a tweet appearing to mock a member of the white house.

The DoD does not condone the use of unofficial personal social media accounts for its military, civilian and contracted employees, however there are some guidelines governing their use. If you choose to use social media, you must ensure that all your personal social media accounts are clearly identifiable as personal accounts. Avoid use of DoD titles, insignia, uniforms, or symbols that could imply DoD endorsement of any posted content. Always use personal, non-official contact information such as personal telephone numbers, postal and e-mail addresses, to establish personal accounts. If you post something online and have doubts about how your status is perceived, you should include disclaimer clarifying that your social media communications reflect only your personal views and do not necessarily represent the views of your agency or the United States. Using a disclaimer does not allow you to accept compensation that is prohibited by DoD instructions or other applicable regulations.

You are prohibited from disclosing non-public information to further your private interests or the private interests of others. Additionally, you must adhere to Operations Security (OPSEC) and unit-level directives, including while in forward-operating environments. Release of unauthorized content through any means, including social media, may be a hazard to DoD individuals, units, and their missions.

Your Online Reputation should say that you behave with Integrity and that you don’t embarrass yourself, the DoD, or the United States. Furthermore, it should show that you keep your emotions in check and that you fact-check information before posting so that you never post or share misinformation. Your reputation is consistent with regards to you never posting anything defamatory, obscene, abusive, racist, bullying, offensive, or illegal.