You are looking at it and yes, it is printer friendly. The previous PDF handbook was transformed to a website in 2016. Updates can be made more frequently, keeping the field current and targeted information sought out easier to access.
ARMY SOCIAL MEDIA
Policies and Resources
Social media is a powerful tool we use to communicate on a daily basis to tell the Army's story. It offers an opportunity to inform, influence and engage your audience with content that communicates the values of your organization.
This website will acquaint you with your role in Army social media and provide you with policies, guidance and recommendations on how you can become a more effective communicator and representative of the U.S. Army – creating an environment where trusted information is disseminated to the Army Family and the public.
Policies and Guidance
- NEW — DODI 5400.17: Official Use of Social Media for Public Affairs Purposes
- Social Media Protection: A Handbook for Privacy & Security Settings
- HASC Hearing on Social Media Policies
- Tri-signed Letter: Online Conduct
- Social Media and the Hatch Act
- DODI 8170.01 – Online Information Management and Electronic Messaging
- Paragraph 3.24. OFFICIAL USE OF NON-DOD-CONTROLLED ELECTRONIC MESSAGING SERVICES
Do not use non-DoD-controlled electronic messaging services to process nonpublic DoD information, regardless of the service’s perceived appearance of security (e.g., “private” Instagram accounts, “protected” tweets, “private” Facebook groups, “encrypted” WhatsApp messages). In addition to approving the establishment of EOPs, in accordance with Paragraph 2.7.d., and consistent with United States Office of Government Ethics Legal Advisory 15-03, the DoD and OSD Component heads may approve the establishment of non-DoDcontrolled electronic messaging services accounts by authorized users for public communication related to assigned duties (e.g., recruiting) or any other purpose determined necessary and in the interest of the USG.
- Disposition of Official Social Media Accounts
- DOD 1344.10 – Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces
- DODI 1300.18 – Personnel Casualty Matters, Policies, and Procedures
- Guidance on Transition and Archiving of Official Social Media Accounts
- Army Regulation 360-1
MANDATORY TRAINING
RECOMMENDED SOCIAL MEDIA TRAINING
FAQs
Delegated release authority is from the commander. Social media managers are not authorized to speak on behalf of the unit, the commander or the Army without delegated release authority. The commander’s release authority is usually equal to his or her authority in other matters. Just because a commander has command and control of his installation in such matters as personnel, housing and operations, it doesn’t always mean he is authorized to release information about events that happen on or near his installation.
Yes. However, It must be approved by the commander and it still must follow DOD and U.S. Army requirements. Please refer to requirements on the "managers” page. Without a releasing authority reviewing all content before it is published, it cannot qualify to be registered in the social media directory.
Each platform has different requirements in obtaining a badge:
- Facebook: Request a badge at https://www.facebook.com/help/media/ or contact a member of the social media team.
- Twitter: Not accepting any public submissions for verification and have introduced new guidelines for the program.
- Instagram: Right now, only some public figures, celebrities and brands have verified badges. It's not currently possible to request or purchase a verified badge.
Please refer to the “Scams” page on how to report to each platform. For Facebook, please contact OCPA DMD to gain access to the media support portal. You must be the admin of your senior leader’s page.
U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) receives hundreds of reports a month from individuals who have fallen victim to a scam perpetrated by a person impersonating a U.S. Soldier online. For more information, visit our “Scams” page.
If the Soldier was photographed in his or her uniform while performing official duties, then no, the photo cannot be removed. Soldiers do not have an expectation of privacy rights when photographed in uniform while performing their Army duties. In certain cases, the photo can be removed if an official letter is presented from the Soldier’s commander or U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) demonstrating that the continued presence of the photo or photos would constitute an unwarranted invasion of the Soldier’s privacy, violates OPSEC, or endangers safety.
You must attend an in-person three-day OPSEC Level II course. You can sign up for the course at: https://www.1stiocmd.army.mil/home/osetraining, contact your OPSEC Program manager, or training coordinator.
Yes, however, there are strict restrictions such as written permission to use the content and more. Learn more at: https://www.army.mil/article/228502/
No, the only Army assets that are authorized to use money on social media ads are recruiting organizations and the Army Marketing Group. Learn more at: https://www.army.mil/article/228502/
Pro Tips
-
- Seven Social Media Tips For Becoming a Thought Leader in Your Market
- Supercharge Your Social Media Marketing Strategy
- Important Social Media Trends for 2021
- Social Media Strategy
- Ways to Use Data to Create Better Social Media Content
- Best Mobile Photo Editing Apps
- Social Media Marketing Tips for Every Platform
- Social Media Guidelines to safeguarding personal & unit information
- Understanding the Social Media Algorithm
- Adobe Education Exchange
- Tips for Creating Quick and Easy Social Media Graphics
- Easily Design Social Media Images
- Social Media Marketing Tips From the Pros
External Links Disclaimer: The appearance of hyperlinks to external sites does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the Army of the linked website or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Morale, Welfare and Recreation sites, the Department of the Army does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this DoD website.
CONNECT WITH U.S. ARMY ON SOCIAL MEDIA