Social Media

Comments from Others are not Endorsed

We do not endorse, support, sanction, encourage, verify or agree with the comments, opinions, or statements posted on social media platforms. Any information or material placed online, including advice and opinions, are the views and responsibility of those making the comments and do not necessarily represent the views of the DOD, the United States Government, the MHS or its third party service providers. By submitting a comment for posting, you agree that the DOD, USG, MHS, DHA and its third party service providers are not responsible, and shall have no liability to you, with respect to any information or materials posted by others, including defamatory, offensive or illicit material.

• Feel free to post comments, links, pictures, video, etc. but understand that we do not allow graphic, obscene, explicit or racial comments or submissions nor do we allow comments that are abusive, hateful or intended to defame anyone or any organization.
• We do not allow spam, solicitations or advertisements. This includes promotion or endorsement of any financial, commercial or non-governmental agency. Similarly, we do not allow attempts to defame or defraud any financial, commercial or non-governmental agency.
• We do not allow comments that suggest or encourage illegal activity. Please DO NOT post personal information such as social security numbers, phone numbers, addresses etc.
• You participate at your own risk, taking personal responsibility for your comments, your username and any information provided.

The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute endorsement by the MHS of the linked websites, or the information, products or services contained therein. We do not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. All links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of these websites.

Reference to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the USG. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. With respect to documents available from this server, neither the USG nor any of its service members or employees, makes any warranty, express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights.

Facebook, X, Instagram, etc. are third-party websites and applications that are not owned, operated, or controlled by the DOD or MHS. Some third-party websites may collect PII; however, PII is not collected on behalf of, nor is it provided specifically to the DOD.

We hope to receive submissions from all viewpoints, but we ask that all participants agree to the following Terms of Participation:

• Please post only questions directly related and relevant to the MHS.
• Refrain from posting questions that contain threats, obscenity, material that would violate the law if published here, abusive, defamatory or sexually explicit material.
• Submissions containing the following content will be deleted:
  • Obscene or threatening language or discrimination (hate speech) based on race, sex, gender, religion, national origin, age, or disability.
  • Promotion of services or products (including non-commercial links that are relevant to the topic).
  • Any personal or sensitive information (phone numbers, email or postal addresses).
  • Spam comments (multiple, repeated, and non-related) to public posts or as direct messages on our platforms.
  • Operational security (OPSEC) violations. All personnel (including families and friends of service members) have a responsibility to ensure that no information that might put our military members in jeopardy or would be of use to our adversaries is posted to websites that are readily accessible to the public. Not surprisingly, that information includes, among other things, technical information, operation plans, troop movement schedules, current and future locations of military units and ships, descriptions of overseas bases, details of weapons system, or discussions of areas frequented by service members overseas. Other information that's not as obvious but should also not be discussed in an open forum includes daily military activities and operations, equipment status, unit morale, and results of operations. Any of these topics, if released in an open medium, have the ability to provide our adversaries opportunities to harm our military members.

DODI 5400.17 – Official Use of Social Media for Public Affairs Purposes

DODI 8170.01 – Online Information Management and Electronic Messaging

DODI 5230.29 – Security and Policy Review of DOD Information for Public Release

DODI 5230.09 – Clearance of Information for Public Release

DODI 1304.35 – Military Marketing

DODI 5410.20 – Public Affairs Relations with For-Profit Businesses and Business Industry Organizations

Office of Personnel Management Social Media Policy

opens a PDF for OPM Social Media Policy

Procedures for Archiving Social Media Accounts of OSD Components 

DOD Social Media Hub

Hatch Act Guidance on Social Media

In addition to DOD guidance, the Services have established Component-specific guidance for social media activities.

• Army Social Medial Policies and Resources
• Navy Social Medial Directory and Guidance
• U.S. Marine Corps Social Media Handbook
• Department of the Air Force Social Media Guide
• National Guard Social Media Directory