[thebiggestdog]

The internet has provided troops a quick and cheap way of sending information to anyone around the world, but should any and all forms of free speech be allowed? Find out what happened to a California National Guard Unit who set up a website for friends and family.

[DTogo]

Too bad, but I guess the checks and balances necessary to keep sensitive info (tactical, personal, etc) from being posted would be too daunting, especially 24/7 and the instantaneous nature of the internet.

[Icthus]

Unfortunately, we can't assume that everyone will abide by the rules. Military members routinely give up their rights while protecting the rights of the many.

[Conservative Canuck]

Welcome to the military. This is just another example of how the troops sacrifice their liberties and rights to protect the rest of us. I know it seems harsh, but the reality is that there are many occupations which, for various reasons, require that people not discuss their work or, in extreme cases, are isloated from contact with their loved-ones. It has also been the practice of the military for decades to control the flow of information to and from its people, for very obvious reasons.

While terrorists may be able to obtain reams of info. from the internet, we don't need to give them any help. I can tell you from experience, though it is extremely hard on those serving, it's much better than the thought that some careless remark might give the terrorists information which could lead to many deaths, both military and civilian. It's also for the serving-members' and their families' saftey: if terrorists are monitoring these communications, they could obtain info on where the soldiers and their families' live.

[Yo-Yo]

When you're in the Military, you're defending everyone else's rights. You don't have any yourself.

During WWII, letters home were all routinely opened and censored. Why would today's Army do any differently with e-mail?

[jackbob]

All enlisted personnel have full first amendment rights as any other citizen does. Officers rights are restricted. Also the service cannot afford the risk to morale by providing a stage to either. A few VFW and American Legion organizations campaigned against the Vietnam war, during the war. It would have been a disaster if a view military units had joined the campaign while serving in Vietnam. The same would hold true to Army units today.