The U.S. Northern Command, which is responsible for defending the homeland, has cautioned its personnel to downplay their Department of Defense affiliation so as to minimize the chances of being targeted by Islamic State militants,
The Washington Times reported.
It also advised soldiers that exposure on social media is a potential security hazard, the Times said.
"These organizations are attempting to use our own personal information against us to create fear and anxiety among our ranks and within our families," a memorandum issued by the command stated. "We all have a responsibility to protect ourselves and our fellow service members and their families.
"We must reduce our vulnerabilities through active and vigilant monitoring of the information provided via the Internet and social media sources," the Times reported.
A group calling itself the Islamic State Hacking Division claimed it has put out a list containing contact information on 100 members of the U.S. military and urging jihadis to target the troops,
Military.com reported last month.
The threat against the homeland's military community has been explicit at least since December 2014, when the FBI and Department of Homeland Security warned military personnel and former service members to exercise "operational security" in their social media activities to avoid tracking by the Islamic State, according to
ABC News.
The Northern Command memorandum offered concrete suggestions for troops: "Minimize your profile by blending into the local community. Limit outward signs of DoD affiliation."
It warned that "vehicle stickers, home decorations, using military slang in public" could also increase risks, the Times reported.
The command urged uniform service members in public venues to exercise vigilance.
Personnel should also be "on the lookout for geo-tracking features and disable them."
"Do not share private information such as where your children go to school," the memo said. "Or other information that allows someone to track your routines and possibly guess when and where you or your family might be."
An earlier Army memo had urged soldiers to secure their homes and create a safe haven in the event of an attack, the Times reported.
According to the newspaper: "The memos show that, while the Pentagon has publicly downplayed the danger to personnel and their families by the Islamic State, behind the scenes commanders are deeply worried about attacks on bases, homes and personnel in public."
Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, warned last month that Islamic State sympathizers might try to attack U.S. military personnel in the homeland,
Bloomberg reported.
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