Mission critical: Veterans urged to use intel skills to combat clickbait

Skills honed in the field—like assessing intel, verifying sources, and staying sharp under pressure—are now just as critical in the digital world, especially for military veterans navigating today’s fast-moving information landscape.

Online, information spreads at breakneck speed. While some content is accurate, much of it is misleading or designed to provoke strong emotional responses such as fear, anger, or pride. Veterans, who are trained to remain calm and think critically under stress, are being reminded to use those same instincts when evaluating what they see online.

Veterans are encouraged to take a moment before reacting to sensational content, asking key questions: Where is this coming from? Is the source credible or just pushing an agenda?

Officials suggest cross-checking information across multiple sources—just as no operation would rely on a single piece of intelligence. Avoiding echo chambers, where only one perspective is repeated, is also key to gaining a fuller, more accurate understanding of events.

When something online feels off, experts say that’s a signal to pause and take a second look. Double-checking facts, just like verifying coordinates before calling in support, ensures decisions are based on solid intel—not impulse.

Veterans are reminded that they play a crucial role in their communities, both online and off. By thinking critically before sharing information, they help foster a more informed, resilient society.