What must be practiced whenever using social media, as indicated for Service members?

The primary reason that Operations Security (OPSEC) must be practiced whenever using social media for Service members is due to the need to protect sensitive and critical information from adversaries. OPSEC involves identifying and protecting unclassified information that could be used to piece together and infer classified operations, intentions, or capabilities. Social media platforms often facilitate the unintentional release of such information, through postings, comments, or shared images that may reveal a Service member's location, missions, or other operational details.

Understanding OPSEC is essential for maintaining the security of military operations and ensuring that adversaries do not gain a tactical advantage. By emphasizing the principles of OPSEC, Service members are trained to recognize the potential risks of sharing details on social media, reinforcing their role in safeguarding national security. Such vigilance is crucial in an era where information can be easily disseminated and exploited by threats.

The other options, while important in their own contexts, do not specifically address the unique risks associated with social media usage that OPSEC aims to mitigate.