Just Released: Official DoD Social Media Policy to “provide access to Internet-based capabilities” http://bit.ly/aEHMP8
So basically, it’s now official that DoD folks can access Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, etc. and establish official presences on these websites. What to expect:
- CIO: Will provide implementation guidance. After all, there is some tech involved in the proper use of each tool.
- USD (Intelligence): Estimate threats, develop guidance to maintain operational security. Makes sense, they probably know best!
- ASD for Public Affairs: Provide policy for the information and multimedia distributed. Very important mission!
I’m just excited at this point, others’ thoughts on the matter? Looks like we can move forward, if you haven’t already, in doing the following:
- Get leadership buy-in for external presences.
- On your profiles, add links to, and short summaries of records management and policy disclaimers.
- Define the intended use of your presence, your leadership might need language to send on up the chain.
- Determine the proper use of your logos/DoD seal on these sites.
Cheers!
Dave
I’ll admit I haven’t read too much about the background of this decision. What are the reasons given for allowing access to personal Facebook pages during work hours? I can see the disadvantages through distraction, but what are the advantages?
It’s clear that there should be an official presence on Facebook and MySpace for recruiting purposes and public affairs. It’s also clear that soldiers deployed overseas need access to social networks to stay in touch with their friends and family (operational security training becomes even more important now).
I’m a big fan of social media, but there is value to keeping personal Facebook communications out of the workplace. I did spend 9 years in the Army and the office work environment in the Army isn’t that different from office work out of uniform– everyone is probably in agreement that distractions take a toll on the quality of work we produce.
Perhaps something deeper is going on. Perhaps workplaces, including the military, are seen as out-of-touch if they don’t let people socialize online during work hours. Or perhaps we have become so accustomed to being connected that we cannot be comfortable if we’re not.
Any thoughts?
I think this is great, and I do also agree with Lucas as far as having something “deeper” going on. However I discussed this with our intel head here at the Los Angeles Air Force Base, and this is what he had to say:
“You may have already read through this, however, I would like to point
out Attachment 3, section 2, directs that Intel (and other such agencies in
their respective lanes) “Develop procedures and guidelines to be implemented
by the OSD and DoD Components for OPSEC reviews of DoD information shared
via Internet-based capabilities. Etc….
MY interpretation of this from the Intel perspective would mean that this
has NOT been done yet and would have to be accomplished prior to initiation
of systems. This appears to be a “go forth” order, not a “go” order, that
does not have all the ducks in line for action yet. It quacks but does not
swim.
IF there is further documentation or completed threat assessments in support
of immediate action, please let me know.
IF this is true, then we are still waiting for all appropriate agencies to
weigh in with solutions to network and security issues as well as threat and
impact analysis prior to launch and compliance. ”
Any thoughts? How can I justify the need to proceed? THanks!
So here’s more info directly from the top:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bloggersroundtable/2010/03/01/dodlive-bloggers-roundtable-with-mr-price-floyd
Mr. Price Floyd clearly states that the purpose of the directive is to open the flood gates and reduce restrictions on the use of social media. So, I wouldn’t hesitate to get things rolling.
@ Lucas, good running into you yesterday! As I mentioned, the services are excited to have their soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines tell their stories. Blocked or not, people will find a way to update their facebook status – we just need to ensure they are doing that intelligently. As you mention, OPSEC is a major concern. With proper education, we can reduce inappropriate postings.
Also see:
http://socialmedia.defense.gov/index.php/2010/03/03/what-the-dod-newsocial-media-policy-means/