Marines fall in step with social networking policy

The Marine Corps has lifted a ban it imposed last year on the use of social media on its networks and issued guidance on how its personnel can use sites such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, reports Amy McCullough at Marine Corps Times.

In a March 29 directive, the service changed course by issuing guidelines that authorize official use and limited personal use of collaborative tools and social media sites via the Marine Corps Enterprise Network.

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Directive 181/10 brings the Corps into line with a Feb. 26 Defense Department policy urging the service to allow access to social networking sites on nonclassified computer networks.

"The Marine Corps understands and embraces the Internet-based capabilities,” said Maj. Gen. George Allen, the Corps' chief information officer, in a statement. “We can collaborate and enhance our business processes, and also provide a level of morale for our force that has never been seen before.”

The directive encourages Marine organizations to create a better online presence, reports Nathan Hodge at Wired. Marine recruiters already use Facebook, and Marine Corps public affairs is active on Twitter. The new guidance grants personnel and other units permission to use the same tools.

Marine officials said they plan to release additional guidelines in the near future but did not provide a specific date.