U.S. Soldiers in Fear of Domestic Invasion

U.S. soldiers must now be fearful of invasion, even when back in the comfort of their own homes.

Unlike the fears of physical invasion experienced on the battlefield, soldiers must now be weary of an invasion of privacy coming from the very same military they represent during times of war.

A Virginia-based military surveillance company, Army Web Risk Assessment Cell, is monitoring all soldier blogs and Internet posts to avoid the leaking of vital information that may jeopardize the security of the U.S. military.

Among the most detrimental items being pursued are official military documents, military contacts and photos of any weapons or guarded posts. (Source: cbs2chicago.com)

Spokespeople for the monitoring company justify the need for surveillance in response to the information already divulged thus far. In one instance, a soldier went into great detail describing his normal functions while on duty and scanning several photos of his post.

If an enemy were to intercept this information, they would have a better understanding of the U.S. military strategies. The company maintains that they do not wish to act as law enforcement officials nor infringe on the fundamental freedoms of each soldier. The company will only notify soldiers to take down their blog if they fail to comply with the guidelines given at the time of registration. (Source: chinadaily.com.cn)

While no specific details are being disclosed as to the exact measures of surveillance while soldiers are at home on relief, soldiers wishing to access or establish any blogs or Internet postings must register the website with their commanding officers. Also, anonymous blogging continues to be a significant problem that the company must contend with. (Source: cbs2chicago.com)

Some soldiers are still skeptical about being monitored when on the Internet. Most now have to limit stories about their duties and experiences when talking to friends and family while overseas. Some also feel as though the guidelines are too ambiguous, which has forced pre-emptive shut downs of rather harmless information. (Source: (Source: chinadaily.com.cn)

One military commander was demoted from his position as sergeant and given a heavy fine for reposting a blog that he created while employed overseas.