Leveraging Social Networking in the United States Army
Abstract
In 2007, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) began blocking social networking sites, such as YouTube and MySpace, from its computer networks based on concerns for bandwidth, network security, and posting of personal and operational information. In February 2010, the Department issued a memorandum that set a new policy allowing access to social-networking services (SNS) from its networks. The policy allows all users of unclassified computers in the .mil domain access to some of the more popular SNSs, including Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and YouTube. The Army issued its own policy immediately afterwards, requiring all Army Commands to configure their networks to allow for the full range of social networking capabilities. This paper briefly defines social networking, studies the history of social networking, speaks to how social networking can serve as a change agent within the Army, analyzes the risks and challenges of lifting the ban on SNSs, and finally, states the benefits of leveraging social networking within the Army. Leveraging social networking is a good idea. Social networking will continue to provide an indisputable influence on the Army's organizational beliefs and values, and will have a positive effect on soldier moral, unit climates, information sharing, collaboration, and crisis and strategic communications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 16, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA559960
Entities
People
- Jimmy L. Hall Jr.
Organizations
- United States Army War College