The Use of Social Media in the Military
Syndicate B
Military
• Social media have many aspects
• Model in our thinking
Model
SOCIAL MEDIA OPERATIONAL NON OPERATIONAL
ORGANISATION 1 2
USERS 3 4
1 Organization / Operational• INTEL
– Support the intel by Situational Awareness– Monitor Social Media (marketing software tools)– Ready to use platforms
• eg USHAHIDI project and LRA Tracker
– What is in the mind of the people– What is there opinion towards us (military)
• Information / Influence – Public Affairs– PSYOPS– Shaping the battle field– Civ –Mil coms
2 Organization / Non Operational
• Recruiting • Branding of the organization• Metrics (easy to measure, indicators)• Politics / Key opinion makers• Publics • Media (bypass,target)
3 Users / Operational
• Warning / Reporting (Crisis situation)• Feedback loop (instantaneous, cuts filters)• Knowledge development and sharing
(Sharing Lessons Learned - faster and richer)
4 Users / Non Operational
• Knowledge development and sharing• Family / Social life• Personal admin
• MORALE BOOSTER !
Risks• OPSEC• INFOSEC• Redundancy (eg Blackberry)• Overflow of information could lead to micro
management• Undermining C2 Structure (hierarchy)• No NATO Standard (Nations)– Platforms / legal
• We are influenced!
Social Media
• Fact • Potential powerful, could replaces the
military– ARAB SPRING• Planning supported by
• C2 supported by
• PA supported by
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