FEWL.NET

As the title implies, this is by no means a comprehensive list of don’ts when it comes to MilBlogging. In fact, I can’t even guarantee this will apply to all MilBloggers, but I at least hope it applies to those in my situation. That is, blogging from the FDNF (forward-deployed Naval forces) in Japan. A few more blogs from people serving in Japan have come to my attentions, and since I’ve been blogging for nearly six years, on this site and others, I think I have enough experience to offer a few words of advice.

• Always think OPSEC: OPSEC or Operations Security is the number one reason why the powers that be don’t like MilBlogs. Well, I believe it’s more because they’d like to portray a certain image of the military and its involvement in various situations, but they say it’s because of OPSEC. “Loose Lips Sink Ships” is an old Navy slogan used to remind Sailors that they shouldn’t blab about their various doings. Saying anything, absolutely anything, about what you’re doing job-wise, or where you’ll be going, no matter how far into the future, is a big no-no! We tend to get complacent when we hit the same ports over and over, but we have to remember that we are the Sailors, and there are enemies watching us all the time. You don’t want to be that guy who ends up getting your buddies killed.
• Don’t get personal: I’m all for using a blog as a means to vent, but when it comes to particular people, you need to check your emotions at the keyboard. There’s quite a few things I’d like to say to my chain-of-command, but I won’t while I’m still enlisted. Realize that anything you say on your blog is readable by anyone, and that includes your bosses. I found this out the hard way when I called my boss a colorful expletive and he found out about it. (I swear it was a typo, Sir!) You can still be sent up to see the man for disrespect, or other charges, stemming from calling people out on your blog. If you have to vent, then be very very vague and general.
• Don’t incriminate yourself: This goes back to the idea that what you blog about can be read by anyone. I’ve been involved in some sticky situations, that I had I been caught, could have caused me a lot of problems. Sure they make for some funny sea stories, but I’d rather just count my blessings and leave them in the past. Resist the urge to tell everyone about how to dirty-dicked your Chief’s coffee cup, or about your latest conquest from Hook-Alley. The disclaimer on your site is a good addition to promote your free speech, but it won’t help you if you break a law or Naval regulation. What you blog can, and most certainly will, be used against you when standing tall in front of The Man.
• Be conservative with pictures: We all love pictures, but in our line of work, perception is everything. Pictures might show something that can be taken the wrong way, which is something we should all avoid. Don’t take pictures of your work spaces, you and your buddies breaking any laws or regulations, and basically anything you wouldn’t want your chain-of-command to see.

Well, that’s about it. What, you were expecting more? I told you it was a half-assed list. It’s not a lot, but it’s a good start for anyone who’s in the military and wants to start a blog.