Airmen disciplined for AFIM misuse

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Mitch Gettle
  • Air Force Print News
WASHINGTON --  Air Force officials are taking a hard look at the misuse of the Air Force Instant Messenger service on Air Force Portal.

Airmen were found violating standards of conduct prompting officials to clarify responsible communication over the service.

“Air Force Portal users took offense to the inappropriate comments made by 11 individuals and reported the misuse to local helping agencies,” said Maj. Anthony Sansano, Air Force military equal opportunity chief. “It’s a readiness issue. Unprofessional communication is contrary to good order and discipline and counterproductive to mission accomplishment.”

Of the 11 Airmen reported, six have received some form of administrative or disciplinary actions. One Airman received a letter of reprimand, an unfavorable information file and was removed from command on the basis of inappropriate dialogue in a chat room. Five Airmen received actions ranged from a verbal counseling to letters of reprimand, and five others are still pending actions.

The growth of the instant messenger in civilian society has developed an “anything goes” culture where people may say and do things they would not do in person, said Maj. David Gindhart, Air Staff lead for the Air Force Portal.

“As with telephone calls or e-mail, the instant messaging and public and private chat rooms are subject to limitations and monitoring at all times,” Major Gindhart said.

Also, users have a few ways to monitor and correct misuse on the messenger.

“Airmen are encouraged to deal with issues at the lowest possible level which can be as simple as (instant messaging) the individual and telling them to stop,” Major Gindhart said. “Users also have the option of clicking the ‘report misuse’ button, which prompts them to identify the offending (individuals) and the type of inappropriate use. The report and the chat room transcript will be routed to the alleged offender’s commander for action.”

In addition, while the instant messenger supports informal dialogue, the Air Force military rank structure establishes expectations for responsibility and accountability.

Two Air Force instructions govern appropriate or inappropriate use of government information systems.

Air Force Instruction 33-129, Web Management and Internet Use, covers the use of Internet resources by government employees. Military Equal Opportunity, AFI 36-2706, describes the limits of professional communication.