Date: Thu, 26 Jun 1997 13:44:34 -1000
From: SLDN1@aol.com (by way of lambda@aloha.net (Martin Rice))
Subject: SA 020:  Alert:  Use of Military Computers


**IMPORTANT WARNING TO SERVICEMEMBERS**
DO NOT USE MILITARY COMPUTERS TO WEB SURF

>>>If you know someone in the military, please make sure they see this.<<<

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network is aware of cases where military
investigators have pursued individuals on allegations of misuse of government
property based on visits to gay related web sites on government computers.

Be smart --  don't use the office web browser or email for personal purposes,
even if others in the unit do so routinely without punishment.  There may be
some bases/installations where local rules/regulations allow use of computers
for personal use.  Most do not and, even if they do, it is not a good idea.
 Visiting gay related sites will raise suspicion and provide fodder for
future investigations.

When you go to a web site, the text and images of that site, along with the
URL, are saved on the hard drive of the computer.  Some investigators have
reviewed these saved files and pursued individuals as a result.

Misuse of government property is a serious criminal charge.  Convictions can
result in bad conduct discharges, fines and even imprisonment.  Some
servicemembers have also faced threats of "indecent acts/language" charges
based on the content of sites visited.

If you know of any such investigations where servicemembers suspected of
being gay have been pursued based on internet/email usage, please have them
contact us here at SLDN immediately [(202) 328-3244 or sldn@sldn.org].