Proper photo release ensures operation security Published March 13, 2010 By Senior Airman Spencer Gallien 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Editors note: This is the second of a three-part series. Packages, letters and e-mails from deployed servicemembers often include photos of friends, and places and people they've met during their journeys. Photos are a common way deployed members show people they care about where they've been and what they're doing. However, at the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing, there are policies in place to protect servicemembers from releasing information that may be damaging to the mission or themselves. Currently, any photography outside the Blatchford-Preston Complex or the Coalition Compound must be approved through Public Affairs via a photography authorization letter. To take photos on the flightline, you must submit a flightline photography authorization request. "All requests require a specific need for the authorization as well as your commander's signature prior to submission to Public Affairs," said Capt. Patrick Cordova, 379th AEW Public Affairs chief. "A flightline photography authorization request is more involved. It requires a need, your commander's signature and the 379th Expeditionary Operation Support Squadron commander's signature. "All authorization requests require you to read AUAB Instruction 35-101, which gives guidance on taking photography and video here. When you sign the authorization, you are stating that you have read and understand this document," he added. The main elements Public Affairs Airmen look for when evaluating photography for release can also be used by Airmen taking imagery for personal use. The four elements used to review each image are security, accuracy, policy and propriety. Security - is the photo violating operations security or does it contain classified information? Accuracy - does it tell the right story, does the photo accurately portray the subject? Propriety - is the photo appropriate? Policy - is everything and everyone in the photo adhering to Air Force policy? It's important to adhere to the rules of photography release, however, the 379th AEW PA office does not discourage people from taking photos, said Senior Master Sgt. David Byron, 379th AEW PA superintendent. "We just want people to take the appropriate steps when taking or releasing their photography," said Sergeant Byron. "Once a photo is posted online, it can go from being a harmless, funny memory to a photo that unintentionally releases information to our enemies. Also, it could be used as evidence against you or your friends. "If you have some buddies who had a little too much to drink that evening, you may want to refrain from posting pictures of it around the internet," he added. "Just because you had a fun night, doesn't mean it's appropriate for world-wide distribution. Our enemies can use those photos as propaganda against us." Once Airmen receive their authorization letter to take photography outside of the BPC and CC, they must also get each picture they intend to send out approved for public release by the Public Affairs office. "If the picture was taken in the CC or BPC area and does not violate security, propriety or base policy, you are good to go," said Captain Cordova. "However, if you're not sure if an image is good or not, assume it isn't. You can always have me take a look at it. I'll clear it for posting if I am able." He also said all photography taken outside the CC or BPC must be sent to him for public release. There are potential consequences for releasing photography or video containing OPSEC violations. "Anyone who is here has had briefings or courses on proper OPSEC. So what members should consider is not how this will affect them, but how this will affect their Wingmen, the mission and the Air Force," Captain Cordova said. The Public Affairs officials both echoed the same words of caution; if people have questions about any photos, bring them by PA for a look. It's better to be told no, than to get in "hot water" after the fact.