Brass blogs

I was reading an article the other day, from the Christian Science Monitor, stating that more and more of the 'military brass' were starting to use the technology of blogs to communicate with their troops.  According to the article, the concept is that in order to stay connected with their troops and get their thoughts out quickly and to a wider audience, more general officers were taking advantage of such sites as Facebook and creating their own blogs.  I've not been able to shake this article and wondered what all this would really mean and if it would work.

Would people really want their commanding officer to have access to their personal Facebook page?  Would the idea of spreading their communication by these means really bring the troops closer?  Really help bond troops?  I've not been able to decide how I feel about this and thought I'd bring it to the spouses for consideration and comment.

What do you think about this?  Is use of the internet going to help communication between the 'brass' and the troops?  Is a blog or Facebook a better methodology of getting the message to the troops?  As I've been thinking about this for a few days, I'll tell you what I think...I think blogs are a better way.  They are less personal and you can post at will to get your message out. Troops can comment if they like with at least some anonymity, although I wouldn't count too heavily on that.  Hard to imagine too many people being comfortable letting others on their Facebook pages, but I may be wrong here.  It would be tough to give up the illusion of privacy. 

I think people would read the blogs.  In fact, I think it's a great idea for showing a desire to connect with troops via the web and a great use of technology.  But what are your thoughts?

What's your take?

Comments

[Meghanlomaniac]

You know, I'm not sure... Part of me is going "Wow! That's a really good idea, that way families can stay connected with loved ones and have an idea of what's going on," but another part of me questions not only the security of it (whether families are able to be "friends" on the pages or not, it's easy to hack into a profile), but also the personal touch... Can you really bond like that? Can there be a real 'family' connection just by using Facebook? And wouldn't that then give an opportunity to the higher-ups to sit back and, while not really slack off, but not be as involved?

[Erin]

I wouldn't agree with Facebook. If your CO has access to your personal FB page, then you'd have to censor your status updates (no more complaining about work in your status) or photos (limiting those crazy pictures with friends). It's a little too close for me.

Blogs (with access only to memebers via email) would be a better option, but security preventions would prevent the ability to post anonymously.

[Kanani]

First of all, I think the shift to online communications is inevitable.

Facebook and Blogging serve two different purposes. And then there's Twitter --which is basically for brain farts.

Facebook is great for short messages. Blogs are better for lengthier insights into important matters.
Fortunately, you can have 2 different Facebook accounts using 2 different email accounts.

One could be set up just for the military, the other for your personal life. This would allow a person to add the CO as a "friend" or join his group page.

The blog --same thing. One can have as many blogs as one wants. I think at last count, I manage 10. All you have to do is make sure on the military blog you only discuss what's necessary, and it is possible to manage who reads it.

[Megan@fortdrum]

Actauly they cant use public blogging site like Facebook, it would be a security breach. They have created secure military ones. I knew about the one they made for FRGs but I didn't not know that brass were using it also. I like it for FRGs because good or bad FRGs you can get the information fast without attending meetings esp during deployments when people move back home. Our BN uses the vFRG site and each unit has one. I am the FRG leader and its great because I can post all the activities on and off post on the calender and not send multiple emails out or print a gazillion handouts for meetings. It also allows families of single soldiers to see what is going and view pictures from company events.

[Erin]

Megan, that's great if your FRG uses it. Our Battalion is in charge of ours and it goes completely under-utilized. This is the third unit we've been attached to that does NOTHING with their vFRG site, other than a picture and some outdated info. It's frustrating to someone who is internet savvy like myself.

[LAW]

we can't even have a vFRG, because our CO won't agree to sponsor it... he'd never agree to be on Facebook or anything... his OPSEC meter is set on "lets say nothing at all".

LAW

[Leofwende]

I think that actual use of the vFRG websites is probably the best way to go about this. There is an area for COs at both Battalion and Company level to leave a statement or comments, which can be changed at will, and there are definitely ways for involved FRGs to post activity info, etc. And a good thing about the vFRGs is that a person has to be approved by the unit (which I believe includes verification of their SSN) in order to have access to the site, which is best for any security concerns that may arise.

I'm treasurer for our FRG as our unit is prepping for deployment this year, and our FRG leadership is working toward getting more spouses and families involved, not only on an informational level, but also on a social level, to easier facilitate friendship support for those that need it, especially once the guys deploy.

Unfortunately not all FRGs and not all commands (as LAW has mentioned) are as interested in involving spouses and families and in getting info out there. Therein lies the biggest hindrance in communication.