Social Media Safety for Military Members in 2025

Social media makes it easy to stay connected no matter where life takes you, and for military families, those connections mean everything. From sharing updates with loved ones to finding support through other military communities, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) can be a real lifeline.

But while social media sites can help you bridge the distance between loved ones, they can also come with risks. For service members and their families, even a small detail shared publicly could potentially reveal operational information or expose personal data.

Keep reading as we explore safe social media habits that help military families stay connected, without compromising personal security or violating OPSEC (Operational Security) guidelines.

What Not to Post During Deployments or PCS

When you’re being deployed, or your family is getting ready for a Permanent Change of Station (PCS), it’s completely understandable to want to share those updates with loved ones. After all, social media can be one of the easiest ways to keep friends and family in the loop.

That said, it’s important to be cautious about what and when you share, especially when it comes to details that could compromise Operations Security (OPSEC). Even seemingly small clues can give away sensitive information about a unit’s location, schedule, or movement.

Avoid Posting

These types of posts may seem harmless, but when combined with other bits of information, they can accidentally reveal more than intended. Avoid posting about:

• Specific deployment or return dates
• Locations related to your service member’s unit or travel plans
• Details about flight times, base transfers, or ship movements
• Photos or videos showing identifiable equipment, maps, or documents
• Any mention of mission-related updates, even in private groups

What You Can Share Safely

You don’t have to stay completely silent online; just stay general and focus on personal experiences that don’t include operational details. Here are a few safe ways to stay connected:

• Share how you’re preparing for an upcoming move, without naming the date or destination.
• Talk about coping strategies or tips for families during deployment, such as staying busy with hobbies or using video calls to stay in touch.
• Once you’re settled in your new home and there’s no longer an active movement underway, you can safely post about your new community, favorite local spots, or your family’s adjustment.

The Risks of Oversharing for Military Members

OPSEC refers to the steps military members take to protect sensitive information from unauthorized use. Something as simple as posting a deployment date, location, or reunion countdown can reveal patterns that compromise operational details. Even if your account is private, screenshots or shares can make seemingly harmless information available to a much wider audience.

Beyond OPSEC, social media posts can also make military families targets for scams, phishing attempts, and identity theft. Fraudsters often look for clues from posts, such as when someone’s away from home, to take advantage of the situation.

Then there’s also the issue of location tagging. Many platforms automatically record your coordinates when you post. Tagging your exact location while still on base or during travel can create security concerns, even when the post feels casual or routine.

And on a professional level? Posts that violate OPSEC or reveal sensitive information can have serious consequences for a service member’s career. The Department of Defense takes online activity seriously, and penalties can include reprimands or disciplinary action.

Any violation of federal law through a personal social media account, even if it’s unintentional, is subject to disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). So it’s better to be safe than sorry. To find exactly what the rules are for the branch of service you’re in, check their official social media handbook, official website, or ask your superior.

Smart Social Media Habits for Service Members and Families

Staying safe online doesn’t have to mean staying offline. With a few smart social media and Internet safety tips and a little extra awareness, military families can share their journeys confidently and securely.

The Hatch Act

When it comes to social media use, military members are bound by a few extra rules — and one of the most important is the Hatch Act. This law outlines what types of political activities are and are not allowed for federal employees and service members, even on personal accounts.

Per DoD Instruction (DoDI) 5400.17, paragraph 6.1.d.(5)(a), deployed or PCS service members cannot engage in any political activity through their personal social media profiles. In other words, even a personal post can cross the line if it’s viewed as political participation while you’re on duty, deployed, or moving.

Here are a few key rules to keep in mind:

• Military members may not knowingly solicit or accept political contributions for a political party, candidate, or campaign — and that rule applies all the time, not just during work hours.
• Service members cannot use their position, title, or rank to endorse or oppose a political candidate. This restriction applies 24/7, whether online or offline.
• Depending on rank or role, certain service members may also be prohibited from participating in partisan political campaigning or management activities.

Know Your Branch’s Social Media Policies

Each branch of the armed forces has its own set of rules around what’s appropriate to share online. And because leadership and priorities can change with new administrations, these policies often evolve over time.

The best way to stay compliant is to go straight to the source. Check in regularly with official pages, such as:

• The Department of Defense (DOD) social media guidelines and news updates
• Your branch’s Public Affairs Office or Social Media Handbook
• Official branch websites or online guides for the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard

While not complete, the specifics of the U.S. Army Social Media guide differ somewhat from the U.S. Navy’s Social Media guide, and personal use policies also differ from official use policies. These resources often break down what you can share personally versus what falls under official use, helping you spot potential red flags before you post.

Using Geo-Tagging and Location Carefully

Most social media platforms automatically include your location when you post, but you can easily turn that feature off. Before posting pictures, check your app settings to make sure geo-tagging is disabled.

If you do want to share your location, wait until after you’ve left an area. For instance, posting about a visit to a certain city after you return home is a safe way to share your experiences without revealing your real-time whereabouts.

This small habit not only protects your family’s safety but can also help maintain OPSEC integrity during deployments and travel.

Safe Practices for Sharing Photos & Family Updates

They say a picture tells a story, but sometimes, that story reveals more than we realize. Before posting pictures of a service member in uniform or on base, double-check that there’s no visible identifying information (like name tags, building numbers, or street signs) in the background.

If you’re sharing photos of family milestones, avoid showing your house number, vehicle tags, or school logos in the shot. Privacy settings can also add extra security, so make sure posts containing family images are visible only to trusted friends and relatives.

When it comes to video calls or sharing clips online, keep background details minimal and avoid discussing deployment timelines or mission details, even in private groups. Remember, “private” doesn’t always mean fully secure.

Tools To Help You Stay Secure Online

A strong social media strategy is only part of staying safe in today’s connected world. The other half happens behind the scenes on your home network and devices.

Router Privacy Settings That Protect Your Network

Your home router is the first line of defense for your Internet connection. Think of it as your household’s digital gatekeeper. Taking a few minutes to secure it with these steps can make a big difference:

• Change the default login credentials. Many routers come with preset usernames and passwords that are often easy to guess. Update them right away, and use a strong, unique password.
• Enable WPA3 or WPA2 encryption. This ensures that any data sent through your WiFi is encrypted, making it harder for anyone to intercept.
• Turn off remote management. Unless absolutely necessary, it’s best to disable features that allow outside devices to access your network settings.
• Create a separate guest network. This keeps visitors (and their devices) from accessing your main home network. It’s especially helpful if neighbors, babysitters, or visiting family often hop on your WiFi.

Review your router’s privacy settings every few months, or whenever you move and set up service again. Many Internet providers include easy step-by-step guides for adjusting these settings, so check your provider’s website for details specific to your router.

VPNs and Safe Browsing Practices

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a great way to add an extra layer of security when you're online, especially on public WiFi at airports, hotels, or base lounges.

• A VPN masks your IP address and encrypts your Internet connection, making it harder for hackers or tracking software to see what sites you’re visiting.
• Use it anytime you access sensitive info, like financial accounts or personal email, outside your home network.
• Keep your browsers and apps updated, use strong, unique passwords (a password manager helps), and avoid clicking on unknown links or attachments.

VPNs don’t just boost your privacy — they also keep your browsing secure while traveling or moving between duty stations.

Parental Controls and Monitoring Apps

If you have kids, online safety becomes a family mission. Setting up parental controls and monitoring apps can help you manage screen time and protect young users from inappropriate content or scams.

• Many Internet providers and smart devices include built-in parental control settings. Use them to filter content, block certain websites, or set daily time limits.
• Monitoring apps can help you keep track of your child's activity, ensuring they don’t share personal or location details on social media.
• Open communication is key. Talk with your kids about why these controls exist and how they help keep everyone safe online.

How Internet Providers Play a Role in Online Safety

A reliable network reduces your need to connect through public WiFi while traveling or during a PCS, helping keep your sessions private and protected. Before choosing a provider, check out their privacy options and security guarantees. The right Internet company should prioritize protecting your information as much as providing fast, consistent service.

Many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer features that work quietly in the background to block digital threats before they reach your home devices. Look for helpful tools such as:

• Antivirus and malware protection to stop harmful software from downloading.
• Spam and firewall filters that block suspicious messages or unwanted connections.
• Real-time threat alerts that warn you about risky websites or links.

Some providers take this a step further with router-level filtering, which helps limit unsafe sites for every device connected to your network. It’s a great way to set up family-friendly restrictions without managing individual settings for each phone, tablet, or laptop.

How SmartMove Helps You Stay Secure While Staying Connected

Military families have enough to juggle — finding secure, reliable Internet during a move shouldn’t add to the stress. That’s why SmartMove connects you with trusted Internet providers that offer strong privacy protections and built-in security tools. Whether you prefer a provider with router-level encryption, identity protection, or advanced WiFi controls, you can easily compare options in just a few clicks.

If you’re getting ready for your next PCS, get in touch with SmartMove to help you transfer services or set up new ones quickly, without worrying about losing your network security in the process.