New policy outlines JBM-HH’s social media, photography policy

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, VA, UNITED STATES

11.20.2014

Story by Guv Callahan 

Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall

JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, Va. - Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Commander Col. Mike Henderson earlier this month signed a memorandum establishing the joint base policy for using social media and taking photographs and video.

According to the policy, which was signed Nov. 3, all personnel who “live, work or visit” any portion of the joint base (Fort Myer, Fort McNair or Henderson Hall) are prohibited from divulging any images, either still or motion, of any military operations not intended for public display. For example, personnel are allowed to post photos of parades and ceremonies, but may not disclose images from patrols, exercises, meetings, formations and more.

Additionally, personnel cannot take pictures of classified or sensitive areas, including in “front of structures whose location is commonly known or can be quickly identified through computer searches,” reads the policy.

According to the policy, taking photographs of the following areas is prohibited: Gates or access control points; quarters, without the consent of the resident; motor pools; arms, ammunition and explosives; utility systems and communication facilities.

“Classified/Sensitive pictures must never be placed on personal automation systems or unclassified military systems for any reason,” according to the policy memorandum.

The policy also details proper procedures for using smartphones and other digital photography devices capable of recording location data with photos.

“Personnel must turn off any GPS (Global Positioning System) functionality to digital cameras or smartphones when taking pictures of any military activity,” reads the policy memorandum. Photographs of locations taken with smartphones have the capability to “encode physical locations within the picture themselves and then become decoded, mapping the location,” according to the policy.

Individuals found taking photographs, making drawings or violating the guidelines in a different manner may be subject to administrative or criminal action, reads the policy. The policy details procedures for identifying and coordinating specific photographic requirements of joint base facilities needed for contractor work, such as reparations to joint base buildings or infrastructure completed by a contracted company.

The policy also clarifies procedures for proper reporting and coordination of media requests to photograph on the joint base: Any requests by media to photograph or conduct other news gathering activities on any portion of the joint base must be forwarded to JBM-HH public affairs at 703-696-4979.

For clarification on any part of this policy, please contact the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security (DPTMS) at 703-696-7568.

Reviews of joint base policies are conducted annually to ensure each policy’s components are still valid and ensure compliance with current laws and regulations, according to Susan Mitchell, JBM-HH’s chief of administrative services. She said there are two occasions when joint base policies are reviewed: Annually and when a new commander assumes command.

To read the policy in full, or to view other JBM-HH policy memorandums, visit http://goo.gl/9QiZwr.

• Date Taken: 11.20.2014
• Date Posted: 11.21.2014 18:30
• Story ID: 148560
• Location: JOINT BASE MYER-HENDERSON HALL, VA, US