Social media might have begun as the restless Internet meanderings of college-aged kids, but the 2011 U.S. Army Social Media HandBook is proof that no organization can afford to ignore what it has become.
The 2011 U.S. Army Social Media Handbook is a comprehensive guide of the Army's policies and procedures for its personnel when it comes to sites like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Tumblr. While some of its contents might seem blatantly obvious to more experienced social media users, much of its information will undoubtedly prevent a lot of less experienced socializers from compromising the safety of themselves, their friends or even their country.
Online Military Mandates
The U.S. Army Social Media Handbook Governs Internet Policies
Trend Themes
1. Military Social Media Policies - With the increasing use of social media in military communication, there is a need for effective and comprehensive policies that guide the online behavior of personnel.
2. Social Media Training for Military Personnel - To ensure that less experienced social media users in the military do not compromise the safety of themselves, their friends, or their country, there is an opportunity to offer training programs that cover the Army's policies and procedures for social media use.
3. Technology Support for Military Social Media Usage - There is an opportunity to provide technical support to military personnel when it comes to their use of social media, ensuring that they are using the platforms effectively, securely, and in compliance with policies and procedures.
Industry Implications
1. Military and Defense - The military and defense industry has an opportunity to develop and implement effective social media policies and procedures to ensure the safety and security of personnel and operations.
2. Training and Development - The training and development industry can provide social media training programs to military personnel to ensure they are informed and equipped to use social media effectively and in compliance with policies.
3. Technology - The technology industry can offer technical support to military personnel to ensure they are using social media platforms effectively, securely, and in compliance with policies and procedures.