FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- An Airman deployed to a forward operating base supporting Operation Enduring Freedom posted his weekend plans to Facebook while tweeting his excitement over being selected for an upcoming special operations convoy. Similarly, he added a photo to Instagram of his living quarters revealing key operations information seen in the photo's background. His wife shared his posts with all their family and friends. From there, it spread like wildfire.

While this fictional scenario may seem trivial, it happens, unfortunately, and stems from a misunderstanding of social media in the military with special regards to information and operations security.

According to the Air Force Social Media Guide 2013, the Air Force views social media sites positively and respects Airmen's rights as Americans to use them to express themselves. However, by nature of the profession, Airmen are always on the record and must represent the Air Force's core values. Per the social media guide, here are a few things to remember when communicating via social media as an Airman:

1. Airmen are personally responsible for what they say and post on social networking services and any other medium.
2. Consider how a post can be interpreted by the public. Be cautious about crossing the line between funny and distasteful. If doubtful about whether something should be posted, err on the side of caution. If the post in question concerns the Air Force, discuss the proposed post with supervision or the local public affairs office.
3. Maintain appropriate communication and conduct with officer and enlisted personnel, peers, superiors and subordinates, including civilian superiors and subordinates.

Air Force Instruction 1-1, Air Force Standards, outlines how Airmen should conduct themselves on social networking websites.

"Airmen and their families need to realize whatever they put out on social media is out there for good and isn't able to be pulled from the world wide Web," said Herb Henderson, the 92nd Air Refueling Wing OPSEC program manager and chief of strategic combat operations. "They need to think about how what they share today could impact their lives and careers in five to 15 years from now. You could have anyone from prospective employers to identity theft criminals looking into your information."

Henderson said personnel should reference the Joint Fairchild Critical Information List that can be acquired from their squadron OPSEC coordinator for further instructions on what is and isn't acceptable releasable information.

"We are at a heightened period of international tension and that, by itself, should make someone think twice about putting information out in the public domain," he said.

The Fairchild public affairs office is also a great resource.

"Social media provides a great platform for Airmen to share their personal stories," said 1st Lt. Matthew Sanders, the 92nd ARW chief of public affairs. "Airmen and families are encouraged to use social media and to engage in support networks, such as spouse's clubs, event committees, child care groups or local civic activities. These are effective tools for obtaining information, so users should ensure they aren't sharing anything that can be detrimental to themselves, the Air Force or the mission."

Understanding the appropriate use of social networks as Airmen is important, but it's important for families to grasp these concepts as well.

The Air Force stories shared on social media help maintain the morale of Airmen and educate the public about the Air Force. Families are encouraged to use social media to talk about the Air Force and keep in contact with the Airmen in their lives. However, it should be used safely and effectively.

"It's important for Airmen and their families to identify and safeguard critical information about military operations," said Henderson. "Be cautious about sharing personal information or communicating with people over social media. Posting too much information could jeopardize the security of Airmen and missions. If you wouldn't want to see the information on the news, do not post it on the Web."

Social content shared by Airmen and families is a major target for those looking to gain access to sensitive information in order to impersonate, blackmail or intimidate.

There are five steps in the OPSEC process including: identifying critical information, analyzing threats, analyzing vulnerabilities, assessing risks and applying countermeasures. OPSEC incidents are not limited to on-duty work environments and military tactical operations. Even posting about a current location inadvertently through a geo-tag could be informing potential criminals of their absence, Henderson said.

"The OPSEC program encompasses the entirety of military operations that can be affected by military members, civilian workers, friends or family," said Henderson. "Understanding what is and isn't an acceptable social media post is paramount for safe operations into the 21st Century."

For more information on how to play it safe on the Web, check out the Air Force Social Media Guide at http://1.usa.gov/Y79V9c.

[Editor's note: The Air Force Public Affairs Agency contributed to this article.]