The U.S. Military and Social Media
Abstract
Although the American public has readily accepted New Media technologies, such as social networking sites, into the daily fabric of their lives both at home and at work, the U.S. military has lagged behind the public and private sectors with integrating those services as a main form of communications and exchange of information tool. Due to the serious business the U.S. military is confronted with, there are legitimate concerns and risks associated with allowing and advocating for using social media as a staple communications platform. However, the advantages it provides; to military members, their families, their units, and the American public outweigh those concerns. To change the military culture in accepting social media, it must start at the top with the senior leadership, with each service looked at independently. As social media promotes a more democratic leadership philosophy, a fundamental change needs to occur within the U.S. military where the rise of transformational type leaders, who listen to the ideas of their subordinates, is encouraged and rewarded. Social media is not a phenomenon that will go away in the near future, thus if implemented correctly, it can be a force multiplier for the U.S. military. Therefore, if the U.S. military truly wants to integrate social media into its day-to-day functions its use must be fully embraced and utilized by senior military leadership.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA626009
Entities
People
- Ryan G. Walinski
Organizations
- Air Command and Staff College