Amazing how quickly things change, two years ago, the Marines banned personnel from using social media and last week the Marines released a social media handbook detailing ways to use social media for improved communications.
Throughout the Marine Corps’ history, people have discussed, debated and embraced the United States Marine Corps and our Marines. These discussions continue today through online conversations and social networks. The Corps recognizes the importance of participating in these conversations and has a basic set of social media principles to help empower Marines and our community to participate in the discussion as better communicators and improved representatives of our Corps.
You can view the entire handbook here and can also view certain sections online at the Marine Corps blog. The handbook gives a variety of great suggestions and tips for how to use social media, even if you are not a Marine. The handbook walks you through privacy settings on Facebook and gives tips to avoid some of the common pitfalls on social media.