From CNN and USA Today
The U.S. Army is tightening restrictions on soldiers' blogs and other Web site postings to ensure sensitive information about military operations does not make it onto public forums.
Soldiers in war zones are already subject to restrictions on blogging and public posts. But the Army's new regulation could affect service members who have returned from war zones and started blogs about their combat experiences.
Under a new directive issued in April, soldiers must consult with their immediate supervisor and an officer responsible for what's known within the military as operational security, or OPSEC, for a review of planned publications.
Reviews will be needed for Web site postings, blog postings, discussions on Internet information forums and discussions on Internet message boards, according to the Army directive.
E-mail that will be published in a public forum is also subject to review under the regulation. But Army officers said personal e-mails will not be reviewed, calling that impractical.
"We're not asking that people not blog but that people be cognizant of OPSEC," said Army spokesman Paul Boyce.
The rules say solders can be charged with violating a lawful order under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
Army Maj. Ray Ceralde said unit commanders have the authority to establish more restrictive requirements — such as requiring that individual postings be reviewed — if they deem it necessary.
As before, the regulations require that soldiers tell their family members and friends to protect sensitive information.
The blog rules were part of a larger update to regulations governing operational security.
It is unknown how many soldiers have violated blogging rules.
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