Ramstein joins Facebook

  • Published
  • 86th Airlift Wing public affairs
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  Team Ramstein joined a multitude of Air Force bases and Department of Defense organizations in the social media world with the recent launch of its Facebook page.

Recognizing the capabilities of social media, DOD officials changed the policy in February to allow social media access. U.S. Air Forces in Europe followed suit in May and authorized access to more than 80 social media sites on government computers.

"Social networking sites like Facebook open up a new avenue to improve our processes and communicate with our Airmen and their families," said Brig. Gen. Mark Dillon, 86th Airlift Wing commander. "But the reach of these sites goes beyond our personal relationships. Airmen scattered around the globe can also use them to tell their story to millions, helping to enhance public support and understanding of our Air Force mission."

Announcements, articles, photos and videos placed on the base's official Web site, www.ramstein.af.mil, are fed onto the Facebook site allowing another avenue for Ramstein and the community to stay informed of what's going on around the base. The wing's page also serves as a networking hub where fans are encouraged to post discussion topics, leave comments and even post their own fan photos and videos. To access the fan page, go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ramstein-Air-Base-Germany/129358620440768.

When looking for the page on Facebook, individuals should type in "Ramstein Air Base, Germany," and look for an image of C-130s on the flightline. There are many other pages that use the "Ramstein" moniker; some of those are affiliated with the base and some are not. Users will need to look carefully at what is official. Most Facebook sites that are "official" will state that on the main page and will be registered with the Air Force. Units interested in standing up their page should also be registered and linked to the base's main page.

"We realize this is a social environment, and a lot of groups and organizations will want to have their own pages -- many have already started doing so," said 2nd Lt. Christopher Diaz, 86th AW public affairs. "We're not looking to control everyone's efforts, but we do want to help and make sure they're properly registered. If people work with us, we can help network their information and pass along a lot of lessons learned."

Though the base waited to jump into the social media realm, it wasn't for lack of interest in the platform.

"We've been monitoring other Air Force pages and social media platforms for a while to see which might be the most value-added for us to invest in," Lieutenant Diaz said. "At the same time, we've been testing other tools we can bring to the page, versus just repurposing content from other sites. In the end, we hope it's a site that is useful to our community and families."

In addition to the base's Facebook page, Col. Stephen Lambert, 86th AW vice commander, has also launched his own page as another way to communicate directly with Airmen.

"Feedback is important, so we want Airmen to know they have a way to reach out to leadership on issues important to them," Colonel Lambert said. "This doesn't circumvent the chain of command, but it's another way to gauge the climate here and be able to share information quickly. This will allow us to focus on other aspects of life that includes families as well."

Issues of note include providing a mechanism for incoming personnel to connect with Team Ramstein members.

"We're working to enhance our sponsor program and the information available to incoming personnel on our public Web site," Colonel Lambert said. "But we also know that every one's situation is unique, so by connecting newcomers to our Facebook page, we can link them with other people who've already made the transition here and can interact with them on a more personal level."

In addition to assisting newcomers, officials believes the page will serve as a great way to share experiences, alert the community of issues and share events and stories to those who have an interest in the base. They also remind Airmen and their families to practice good operations security when posting on the page, and other social media sites.

"The Air Force has made it clear that this social media path is one that will continue," General Dillon said. "However, we should be deliberate, and careful in our use of this technology. We want our Airmen to represent the Air Force in a professional manner, and while doing so - keep OPSEC and Force Protection concerns in mind when posting information."