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

Questions