MARINE CORPS AIR STATION YUMA, Ariz. -- The Marine Corps released updated guidelines regarding chain e-mails received on the Navy/Marine Corps Intranet Jan. 29, 2010.
Marine Administrative Message 61/10 provides guidance for Marines to properly handle chain e-mails and guard against spamming.
The message defines chain e-mails as messages requesting forwarding to multiple people, usually including good tidings for the senders depending on how many people they forward the e-mail to. Some e-mails include too-good-to-be-true sales pitches or hoaxes. These e-mails are considered a security and privacy risk.
The Corps considers spam distracting and derogatory toward both network and personnel performance, as well as costly.
The current policy prohibits the creation or forwarding of such e-mails.
If a chain e-mail is received, the message directs NMCI users to notify their chain of command and then delete the e-mail.
The message further directs unit commanders to take immediate action by using the local information assurance manager to lock the account of chain e-mail senders. Before reinstatement, the offending individual must complete the Department of Defense Information Awareness Training and present the completion certificate as evidence.
For more information, see MarAdmin 61/10.