Military Monitors Blogs, Websites

The Associated Press reported yesterday that the military is closely monitoring blogs written and visited by military personnel, and is watching what websites service members are visiting.

That's an especially important warning for LGBT military personnel, who have been subjected to investigation and discharge under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" for posting online profiles and keeping blogs. Former Army Specialist Jeff Howe (pictured) was dismissed shortly after his command discovered both a blog he was keeping about day-to-day life in his unit, and a (G-rated) online profile at a predominantly LGBT website.

Service members should be especially careful about what information they post on such sites as MySpace, Friendster and other online communities.

For more information on how to protect yourself, take a look at these recent guidelines, posted by SLDN and our partners at Gay.com.

- Steve Ralls