Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs

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Use of Interactive/Social Media – TAG Policy Memorandum 17

21 April 2025

MEMORANDUM FOR Department of Military Affairs
SUBJECT: Use of Interactive/Social Media – TAG Policy Memorandum 17

  1. References,
    1. AR 530-1 (Operations Security), 26 September 2014
    2. AFI 10-701 (Operations Security (OPSEC)), 24 July 2019
    3. DoDD 1344.10 (Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces), 19 February 2008
    4. DoDI 5400.17 (Official Use of Social Media for Public Affairs Purposes)
    5. Wisconsin Human Resource Handbook, Chapter 480 (Social Media Usage in State Government), March 2021
    6. Wis. Stat. §§ 238.80-238.83 to the References section (Section 1)
  2. This policy applies to federal and state employees (herein after referred to as “DMA employees”) and Wisconsin National Guard (WING) Servicemembers (both M-day and AGR) herein after referred to as “Servicemembers”).
  3. Interactive and social media is integral to modern communication. Department of Military Affairs (DMA) employees and Servicemembers will presumably use these online tools, in a non-official capacity, to create and publish their own content.
  4. However, when engaging in online forums, texting among friends, or talking on a cell phone, personnel should never have an expectation of privacy. Every DMA employee and Servicemember must ensure that our mission is not adversely affected by his or her online engagement. Personal information shared with friends or family may end up in the public domain and be used in unintended ways.
  5. All DMA employees and Servicemembers are responsible for operations security. The disclosure of critical and unclassified but sensitive information, or any non-public information, in any public domain, including our not limited to social media, the internet, open-source publications, and traditional media is prohibited. Do not publicly disseminate or publish photographs displaying critical or sensitive information. Do not publicly reference, disseminate, or publish critical or sensitive information that has already been compromised. Seeing classified information on open-source media does not necessarily indicate the information was officially released. When in doubt, check with your chain of command or supervisor.
  6. Social media provides a platform for people and organizations that may pose a threat to the WING. DMA employees, Servicemembers, Civilians, and family members. Any information shared on social media can be used to target individuals.
  7. Notwithstanding any provision in this memo, DMA employees and Servicemembers retain First Amendment rights and, as to DMA employees, rights given by sections 238.80-238.83 of the Wisconsin statutes in any online environment. However, WING servicemembers always represent tell service branch and the WING in all online conduct, to include all social media posts. Furthermore, if a Servicemember identifies as part of the organization through pictures in uniform, mention of organization affiliation in postings, or profile updates (for example, identifies the WING as employer), the member must understand they are overtly representing the WING. DMA employees and Servicemembers must follow the guidelines below, respectively:
    1. Servicemembers may identify themselves as members of the military on social media, but should avoid sharing specific details about their unit, location, or mission that could compromise operations security. General identifiers such as ‘Member of the Wisconsin National Guard’ or ‘US Military Servicemember’ are recommended.
    2. When expressing personal opinions, DMA employees or Servicemembers should state that they are speaking for themselves and not on behalf of the DMA/WING. Use a disclaimer such as: “The postings on this site are my own and do not represent the National Guard’s positions or opinions.” Do not represent an official WING or DMA position unless authorized to do so. A violation may result in any action authorized by federal and State of Wisconsin law or regulation.
    3. As with other forms of personal public engagement, DMA employees and Servicemembers must avoid offensive and inappropriate behavior that could bring discredit upon themselves and the National Guard or DMA. Examples include posting defamatory, libelous, obscene, abusive, threatening, racially or ethnically hateful, otherwise offensive, or illegal information or material at any time.
    4. Correcting errors and misrepresentations made by others about the National Guard, State of Wisconsin, or DMA should he done professionally and respectfully, not emotionally. DMA employees and Servicemembers should contact their chain of command or public affairs office for guidance if they are uncertain about the need for a response.
    5. When posting political content, Servicemembers and federal employees must adhere to policy in DoDD 1344.10. They should also not imply National Guard endorsement of any opinions, products, or causes other than those officially endorsed by the National Guard.
    6. DMA employees and servicemembers should use privacy settings on social networking sites. Note that social network “friends” and “followers” could affect determinations in background investigations for security clearances.
    7. Use of the National Guard, Army, or Air Force logo and other symbols should not be used in unofficial posts.
    8. DMA employees and Servicemembers should not release personally identifiable information, such as social security number, home address, or driver’s license number, which could be used to distinguish their individual identity.
    9. When sharing photos or videos on social media, Servicemembers should be cautious not to reveal sensitive information about their location, unit, or mission. This includes avoiding the use of geo-tagging. refraining from sharing any images or videos from deployed locations, and being mindful of the content and context of each photo or video being shared.
    10. DMA employees and Servicemembers are prohibited from releasing any official WING or DMA information such as email addresses, telephone numbers, or fax numbers not already authorized for public release. By piecing together information provided on different websites, criminals can use information to impersonate DMA employees and Servicemembers to steal passwords.
    11. DMA employees and Servicemembers should not post information that would infringe upon the privacy, proprietary or personal rights of others or use any words, logos, or other marks that infringe upon the trademark, service mark, certification mark, or other intellectual property rights of the owners without the owners’ permission.
    12. DMA employees and Servicemembers should review their accounts daily for possible unauthorized use and should install and maintain current anti-virus and anti-spyware software on their personal computers.
  8. The Adjutant General retains the right to restrict social media use while Servicemembers are on state active duty or Title 32 status. Commanders will ensure Soldiers and Airmen are briefed on the social media posture as part of in-processing procedures when activated or during muster briefings at the initiation of training.
  9. DMA employees and Servicemembers interacting on social networking and internet sites are reminded to comply with the organization’s Information Assurance Policy regarding access and usage of internet sites from Department of Defense networks and information systems. Access to these sites is limited to those directorates and individuals with an official purpose.
  10. Public Affairs and the Provost Marshal will conduct periodic reviews of interactive internet activities within the scope of this policy. Units that are considering creating social media pages must contact the WING Public Affairs Office (PAO) for coordination, guidance, and approval. If approved, commanders are responsible for the content of unit pages.
  11. Commanders, directors, and supervisors are responsible for ensuring their personnel comply with this policy. Leadership at all levels will take every opportunity to educate and train personnel on operational security and information assurance to mitigate threats.
  12. Direct all questions on content to the point of contact for this policy: WING PAO at (608) 242-3048 or (608) 242-3050.

Matthew J. Strub
Major General (WI)
The Adjutant General