MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- Whether you're part of generation X, Y or Z, you're probably hard pressed to think of life before the World Wide Web. It's become our way of life. We can search for an out-of-print novel, store operating hours at a local mall, or even a home remedy to cure the family's pet - without ever leaving the comfort of the home or office.
However, according to Marine Administrative Message 162/00, examples like the ones above may or may not be authorized, as regulations vary from command to command.
"When you come into work - work. But, if you take a break and surf the Internet for educational Web sites because you have college or something, that's what the computer is there for. It's there to make your life easier," said Staff Sgt. Jefferson Mass-Rodriquez, Information Systems Section Officer, G-6, Headquarters Bn., MCB Hawaii.
"The problem is when people start abusing it instead of doing their job. They're surfing the Internet on the government's dime, surfing useless sites that tie up the network and ultimately charge Uncle Sam bandwidth time."
Use of government information technology resources is for official and authorized purposes only. Office computers are for projects that serve the best interest of the federal government and the Marine Corps.
Other official uses exist, such as to enhance the professional skills of Marine Corps personnel, and to obtain information to support DOD, Department of the Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps missions.
According to the directive, Marines, Sailors and civilian employees cannot use the GITR if it adversely affects the performance of official duties. As well, users must not to adversely reflect upon the Marine Corps. Personal use that complies with these procedures must be kept to a minimum frequency and duration, and must occur during an individual's personal time.
"The biggest problem I see at MCB Hawaii, is abuse," said Mass-Rodriquez. "I've seen chain letters, spamming and surfing the net for adult material."
Spamming from off base advertisers is a major problem for network users. It causes slow downs of the servers by flooding them with useless emails. The user may spend all day deleting useless emails and tying up the server.
Other more serious problems have caused a rash of nonjudicial punishments proceedings. Surfing the Internet for adult material is prohibited.
Users may surf the Internet and find these illegal sites, but once they hit the screen, "Warning Banner" pops up. It signals to browse away from the site.
"The computer is not there to look at porn or any illegal Web site that deters from the standards of the Marine Corps. The moment a person hits a site that is unauthorized, the "Warning Banner" tells him he is about to look at unauthorized material and asks if he is sure he wants to do this." explained Mass-Rodriquez. "If you see the banner, you need to re-evaluate what you are surfing."
Examples of prohibited use include, but are not limited to, illegal, fraudulent or malicious activities, partisan political activities, and political or religious lobbying or advocacy of activities on behalf of organizations having no affiliation with the Marine Corps or the DoD.
Also unauthorized for use is fundraising; accessing, storing, processing, displaying or distributing offensive or obscene material such as pornography or hate literature; the creation and forwarding of chain letters; and obtaining, installing or using software obtained in violation of the appropriate venders' permit, copyright, trade secrets or license agreement.
Day-to-day Internet functions have proven to be a valuable tool in the Marine Corps. It enhances proficiency of units and quality of life.
Nonetheless, the reality is that MARADMIN 162/00 specifies appropriate Internet uses and G-6 will make sure you remain compliant.