People need to take a sensible view. Public Access websites are a potential hazard to military security . I do think though that the Pentagon should set up some secured alternative for the men and women serving at the sharp end.

Richard Nolan, London, UK

sounds like a hitler state all over again. they control all the propaganda, speeches, and other promotions...now the poor indeviduals they send out there cant have the simple comfort of seeing and knowing the rest of thire family is safe. its all so ridiculous!

Samantha, Birstall, England

Here Here! The Pentagon have taken a wise move, integral to the SECURITY and SUCCESS of military operations in Iraq. Communication between soldiers and their families has not been terminated, but until the media agree to act in a responsible, appropriate and "impartial" manner, these restrictions should remain in place.

Jennifer Henry, Yorkshire,

Sounds like state censorship to me, the sort of control you have in some middle east countries, china and the former soviet union. So much for the land of the free !

Mike, Alicante, Spain

Unless one has seriously studied the history of OPSEC and COMSEC, it is not possible to appreciate how much real damage can be done by seemingly innocent and unclassified postings and communications. I personally know of situations where casual speculation and "what if" stories eventually were reported as fact by legitimate main-stream news sources. There is a whole lot more to morale and welfare than just the ability to post pictures on a website.

Kenneth Benesh, Colton, California`

This ban is the work of bureaucratic minds, censor whatever you can get your hands on, nothing more. Mindless bureaucrats exist everywhere, especially the military.

Specialist, ISAF, Afghanisan,

As a former army officer who served in Iraq with the US military, I am saddened at this decision. It truly demonstrates a lack of understanding about the nature of warfare in the modern age and a disregard for the welfare of the soldiers who are serving in war zones.

James Swanston, Brisbane, Australia

omg...It's myspace.. Can we grow up now?

Cerge, OP Fl, US

so much for the "land of the free"

Akram, London,

you can do anything under the cloak of security and suppression of so called sensitive information. The fact is that te Pentagon is afraid that the families might see the reality of the war in Iraq and force the government to bring the troops home..

Hamad lone, Thornton Heath, England

I think it's wrong for them to ban use of myspace and other similar websites. My husband isn't in a cushy area of iraq and sometimes the only way we know he's alive is because he can type two second myspace messages to his family and friends. He doesn't have the option of a laptop or cellular phone. With this ban I won't be able to hear from him as often... a long with his other family and friends. I think the DoD should think about the impact.... now we get to deal with an extension along with losing a valuable form of contact... to me this is punishing the troops for defending freedom.

Debbie, Fort Hood, Texas