Civilian Law Military Law and Codes - Military Law and Codes

1. Service and MOD civilian personnel are encouraged to talk about what they do, but within certain limits to protect security, reputation and privacy.  An increasingly important channel for this engagement, and to keep in touch with family and friends is social media (such as social networking sites, blogs and other internet self-publishing).  Personnel may make full use of these but must: 

• Follow the same high standards of conduct and behaviour online as would be expected elsewhere;
• Always maintain personal, information and operational security and be careful about the information they share online;
• Get authorisation from their chain of command when appropriate (see para 2 below);

2. Service and MOD civilian personnel do not need to seek clearance when talking online about factual, unclassified, uncontroversial non-operational matters, but should seek authorisation from their chain of command before publishing any wider information relating to their work which:

• Relates to operations or deployments;
• Offers opinions on wider Defence and Armed Forces activity, or on third parties without their permission; or
• Attempts to speak, or could be interpreted as speaking, on behalf of your Service or the MOD; or,
• Relates to controversial, sensitive or political matters.

3. If in doubt personnel should always seek advice from their chain of command / line management.

4. Service and MOD civilian personnel are encouraged to operate “sponsored” online presences to help communicate their work, including as part of their official duties, as long as these are authorised in advance, registered with MOD London (CIO and DMC), and support Service or Defence communication objectives.  Commanding Officers, supported by Media and Communication staff, are responsible for clearance and oversight and should look for suitable opportunities.