Jihadist Threats Prompt MacDill to Ask Troops to Downplay Military Ties

As the Islamic State and other jihadist groups turn to the Internet to find American military targets, officials at MacDill Air Force Base are asking troops and their families to downplay military connections online.

An internal email was sent out to personnel on the base earlier this week, warning soldiers about “an aggressive social media campaign by terrorist organizations that intends to obtain large amounts of military related information they can use to target DoD (the U.S. Department of Defense),” ABC Action News quoted the base email as saying.

While no specific threats have been made against MacDill personnel, officials on base don’t want to take any chances. They’re asking troops and families to downplay military ties on social posts, avoid large-crowd settings and stop wearing military-themed clothing, according to The Tampa Tribune. In addition, troops have been urged to use caution when showing military ID cards.

Other bases across the country have issued similar warnings, The Tribune reported, including Camp Pendleton in California.

While the Tribune reports reactions among troops and families has ranged from appreciative to outraged, Senior Chief Darrell Brown told Channel 10 News, the advice makes sense.

“It’s always better safe than sorry,” he told the station.

The Islamic State group, also known as ISIS, has been responsible for several highly publicized beheadings of Americans and other prisoners released via YouTube. In September, the group beheaded Florida journalist Steven Sotloff.

What are your thoughts on this? Should military families downplay their ties in light of terror threats? Share your opinions by commenting below.

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See Also:

• Florida Remembers Slain Journalist Steven Sotloff
• ISIS Reportedly Beheads Florida Journalist Steven Sotloff
• ISIS: Floridian Steven Sotloff is Next