Will social media influence how we operate as a military? How so?

2015-01-16T10:41:52-05:00

Social media is opening up an entire new world of communication. We have already seen the negative effects, as information that shouldn't really reach outside ears has been posted or shared on FB or Twitter. However sites like RallyPoint let us discuss issues as they would affect the military, or even mentor one another on different situations.

I have seen senior leaders both condemn and praise social media use. Where do you think this issue is headed?

Response by CWO3 Bryan Luciani made Jan 21 at 2015 1:52 PM

2015-01-21T13:52:34-05:00

Sad to say, it's fairly well inbedded already. Our command PAOs have to be on their toes more today than ever. Unit movements, once a very strict confidential item has gone out the window. The more senior military members (both enlisted and officers) tend to avoid social media comments regarding military issues but sadly, for many it's tough to set emotional issues aside (like not getting promoted or having your CO get relieved) and not "purge your feelings" all over the internet.

Smart social media use is a valuable tool for morale and the effective transfer of information. It boils down to how well a command instills controls (serious training) over the potential abuse of social media. It's not going away and I don't forsee anyone taking away people's cell phones.