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Squaddies Hit by Online Chat Ban
The order which is titled Contact with the Media and Communicating In Public issued on the 4th of February 2009 has
been designed to prevent army officers from using sites like myspace or facebook, to stop online chatting, using blogs or any forum discussions and even stop taking part in multiplayer games online. Online chatting is now treated like 'Public Disclosure of Information'. Some government control freaks were said to be blamed for this clampdown after some leaked videos appeared on a site recently. It is also believed that officials want to stop the negative criticism on the defence policy on millitary on forums like the Army Rumour Service. This order is very serious and strict and it does not exempt anyone. The said order also comprises of a section whereby it is stated that any general who wants to talk to the media has to take the consent from a governement minister.
However, the squaddies are very furious about it as sites like myspace and facebook help them to keep in touch with their family and relatives. They are ready to give their life for their country and they are being treated like kids - not very fair. But they will definitely defy the ruling.
An NCO in Afghanistan said: "The fun police has taken over. I can't talk to my wife or kids or even play call of Duty 5. Do they really think we're going to give away secrets?"
Another soldier said: "I am going to ignore it. A lot of other lads are going to do the same"
"It is the most offensive thing i've ever heard. We're prepared to die for the country and are treated like children"
Published: February 16, 2009