While some may believe that a warning regarding posts on social network sites it a bit paranoid, professionals in our field know it is a problem. Now don't get me wrong. Sites like Facebook have great potential to help us network and get the word out about training and even problems. The problem rests with those who are generally less professional and thoughtful about what they are posting. I have seen shocking posts from police officers, military personnel and private contractors. These posts range from obsenity riddled tirades to absolute violations of operational security.
For those working in a hostile environment, this trend poses a very real danger to people who are deployed with these "Chatty Cathies". Most professional companies have strict restrictions on access and use of social media and even e-mail during operations. Some however people can not resist the temptation to say "look at me". At a minimum theses postings generally cost them their job and a swift ticket back to the states. At worst it can get someone killed or injured.
The dangers of social media are seen in law enforcement as well. There is a well documented story of an officer posting photographs he took while on patrol of suspects and people that had been arrested. He added his own commentary and was promptly fired and sued by everyone short of Tattoo from Fantasy Island. This is a major problem for law enforcement and many trial attorneys are now surfing the web looking for "ammunition" to use against arresting officers. Many friends I have in the law enforcement community simply refuse to even enter the social website arena because of perceived liability.
I will not even begin to try and understand why people do what they do in this regard. What I do understand is that words have consequences. Both positive and negative. People will read what you write. For your sake, I encourage you to take care with what you write. Professionalism at all times ladies and gentlemen.
Stay Safe!
Fred Mastison
President - Force Options Tactical Training Solutions
