Communicating the AF Reserve mission with the help of social media

  • Published
  • By Capt. Jon Quinlan
  • Chief, 507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
The ways that we communicate have changed drastically over the last few years. From the telegram to social media sites like instagram, new online and emerging technologies have given us opportunities to communicate with ease. New social media mediums such as Facebook, Twitter or YouTube, which are now allowed in the Air Force, help us all communicate our Air Force Reserve mission. Harnessing these tools is now not just the role of Public Affairs but a responsibility for all Airman. But remember, while we provide information via social media it must be done carefully.
 
Airmen and Department of Defense civilians must protect sensitive information and ensure our network is secure and avoid revealing any information that could cause harm to our Air Force resources according to Gen. C. Robert Kehler, the Air Force Space Command commander.

"All Airmen must take appropriate operational security measures and remember that we are all bound by the Joint Ethics Regulation," said General Kehler. "Commanders and supervisors must do their part by providing good leadership and oversight to ensure all personnel conduct themselves professionally; and ensure each Airman understands their personal responsibility to observe applicable rules of engagement for appropriate social media use."

I, as a Public Affairs practitioner really believe social media is a great tool, especially for Air Force Reservists. While we must be careful what we share, I strongly encourage Reservists to actively get involved in social media and tell your Air Force story to family, friends and co-workers. If you ever have a question on what you can talk about, please contact us in the Public Affairs Office. Every Airman can be a spokesman for the Air Force Reserve.
I also encourage all members to "Like" the 507 ARW facebook page. This site is a great way to get information about the wing, and share stories or photos. We try to post content nearly every day.

As social media continues to evolve, so will we. Expect to see more 507th involvement in social media sites in the future. Also tell us what you would like to see from the 507th on social media sites. Feedback is key to communication, so send us a message with your thoughts via e-mail or through our Facebook site.

Also, please enjoy our new version of the 507 Air Refueling Wing and 513th Air Control Group "On-final" newsletter at http://www.afrc.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-130106-005.pdf We've made great strides to produce this product for you and hope you enjoy it. If you have story ideas or want to send us any feedback, please contact us from any of the sources below.

507th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
7435 Reserve Road Suite 9
Tinker AFB Ok, 73145
Call us at: 405-734-3078
Email us at: 507ARW.PA2@tinker.af.mil
Go visit our facebook site at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/507th-Air-Refueling-Wing/457927390281