Social Media - Defense and Security

The U.S. government has embraced social media on a number of new federal website projects. The new DoD website is a great example of utilization of new media, on a rather sensitive issue of Defense and Security. It may come as a surprise that organizations as such are engaging through social media. Read the DoD Special Report: Social Media @ DoD. The new public affairs chief, Price Floyd, has revolutionized the way the Department of Defense is communicating with the public but also with people in the military, Floyd said he plans to expand efforts already under way at the Defense Department to tap into social media outlets to reach audiences not reachable through other, more traditional, means. The DoD launched into twitter, facebook, YouTube, flickr, Ustream, Blog, Podcasts, and created a number of Widgets. Even the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Mike Mullen has a twitter account. It is this openness in communications that gives the opportunity to everyone to connect and interact with the DoD, not just consume press releases and mainstream media coverage, but actively engage in two way communications. Will this be a beacon example for other military departments and ministries around the world?
And furthermore, on the theme of Social Media in Defense and Security, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (the world's largest regional security organization) has also launched into social media. Follow the OSCE on facebook, twitter and YouTube.