Social media websites have long been a point of conflict in the military. On the one hand, they would allow deployed service members to stay in touch with their loved ones back home, as well as allow commanders to spread information quickly.
But then there's the issue of security. What if someone hacked into the military's Twitter account to spread malicious information? What if a deployed soldier accidentally gave away too much information about his location or battlefield plans?
For a while, the Department of Defense blocked social media sites from its networks but largely left its social media policy ambiguous.
"Do it if you can get away with it, and don't make a website crash," said Michael Kilpatrick, director of strategic communications for the Military Health System, of the military's former attitude.
But last month -- with more than 800 military accounts already on Twitter -- Defense officials released a directive-type memo that "recognizes that Internet-based capabilities are integral to operations across the Department of Defense" and sets up rules for the new Internet privileges.
The new policy says nonclassified networks should be reconfigured to allow access to social networking sites, but that commanders may temporarily limit access if operational security is at risk.
Right now, the services don't seem to be able to agree on implementation from base to base. While limitations are occasionally imposed for OPSEC reasons (and after the Israeli Operations Facebook, everyone is concerned about this), there are times when access needs to be limited because of bandwidth constraints. That's the one that's hardest for the troops to understand.
By: Brant
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1 comment:
I think this is great how soldiers can now express themselves through social media. This is also a good way for them to keep in touch with their families and supporters of the men and women out there at war.
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