10 Surefire Ways to Get Your MilBlog Unwanted Government Attention
April 17th, 2008 (11:00 am) by CJ-I learned an important lesson on April 1st - People are gullible!! I also learned that you can draw a lot of attention by saying the right (or wrong) thing on a military blog. Not long ago the military tried to crack down on military bloggers with new and improved regulations (we didn’t take it lying down!). In an effort to prevent drawing unwanted attention by Big Brother, I humbly offer some rules to those military bloggers concerned about crossing the line (and how to avoid it).
1. Violate OPSEC. Talking about what missions you’re going on, sharing your TTPs, telling us how many people are in your unit or posting your physical location while deployed will get the brass on your ass. Don’t assume that everyone reading your blog is doing so because they like you! Some would just as soon stab a blunt knife through your throat and saw your head off.
2. Release classified information. Come on! We’ve already got the mainstream media releasing all our secrets - they don’t like competition. Besides - it’s illegal!
3. Hide your blogging. Sure it’s easier to be open and honest when you hide behind a screenname, but as long as you’re not doing anything wrong, what do you have to worry about? I’ve kept every chain of command I’ve ever had advised of my blogging and usually don’t have any issues. Naturally, there are idiots out there, but they are few and far between - especially if you explain your purpose, motivation and intent. If you’re open and honest about it, you’re more likely to avoid problems - and probably even get help from people in high places (check out my recent posts honoring Medal of Honor recipients for proof!).
4. Violate UCMJ. Just because you’re not representing the military as a blogger, you’re still a Soldiers 24 hours a day if you’re on active status. Watch your name calling as it relates to your chain of command. That Article 89 is a career killer! You can also be charged with other violations depending on your rank and unit of assignment. It’s important that you remember that you represent your respective branch of service - even though you may not be an official writer!
5. Get invited to the White House, but RSVP that you’re washing your hair that day. It’s a great way to get raise the awareness flag. It’s also the real reason I got invited last year!
Wondering where the other five rules are? Check out A Soldier’s Perspective for the rest.
April 18th, 2008 at 4:43 am
Good advice there, CJ. What so many people don’t realize is that what goes on the internet, stays on the internet.
And I can’t imagine having the brass on ya is very much fun - nope, not at all!
PS ~ I really like the new look over at ASP.