The National Guard Bureau wants guardsman to think twice about what they're sharing on social networks but nonetheless does not have a specific policy on guard members' use of social media, says its top spokesman.

"Setting a rigid policy would be anti-social media," said Jon Anderson, in an August 21 interview. The bureau has recently addressed the subject of social media policy in an article on its website, but the article falls short of an official policy, Anderson said.

The article was meant to encourage conversation on the topic, as the National Guard Bureau can only set an example for each state, he added. Each division can make a separate policy if they wish.

Guard members, the article states, are welcome to engage in unofficial interaction about the National Guard, so long as they make clear that their opinions are their own and not official. Posting internal documents and information is prohibited, the article adds.

The bureau prefers that Guardsman engaging on social networking sites identify themselves as such and include their rank, military component and status, rather than disguise their identity.

"Guard members are in the best position to share factually the National Guard's story," the article quotes Bureau Director of Public Affairs Jack Harrison as stating. But, the article encourages guardsmen to include a disclaimer such as "The postings on this site are my own and don't represent the National Guard's positions or opinions."

"They must also be mindful of the content not related to the National Guard that they post, since the lines between a Guard member's personal and professional life are often blurred," Harrison added.

"Remember, what happens online is available to everyone, everywhere," Harrison said.

For more:
- see this post from the National Guard Bureau

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