The DoD and Social Networking

SOCIAL NETWORKING/DOD: "Pentagon Uses Facebook, Twitter to Spread Message," by Sagar Meghani, Associated Press, 1 May 2009

But for Lt. Gen. Benjamin Freakley and other Army brass, a new era has brought a new language - and new tools like online social networks Twitter and Facebook - for seeking out young recruits and spreading the military's message.

I found this article encouraging because it highlights the fact that at least some DoD entities are beginning to exploit the powerful nature of social networking tools. I'm okay with the fact that it's the recruiters that have initially jumped on MySpace, Facebook and Twitter. It's only natural because these tools are second nature for the candidates the recruiters are targeting -- the 18-24 year-old crowd who know nothing else. But, I would like to see social networking incorporated into the operational aspects of the DoD. In other words, the daiily interaction of DoD employees.

From an operational standpoint, I think we are falling behind the power curve in the implementation of these tools. There are many recent examples of social networking tools playing a significant role in global events -- the Mumbai terrorist attacks in 2008 and the recent election protests in Moldova are two of the more high profile examples.

The sad fact of this story is that these tools are blocked on most DoD networks. There are many reasons for this, but I would lump them all under a lack of understanding of the tools and a fear of losing control. Many decisionmakers see these tools as time-wasters, or purely social in nature. Failing to recognize that there is much more to them than just organizing happy hours. While the social aspect is definitely one of the key aspects of social networking tools -- hence, the name "social" networking -- it's very difficult to separate the social nature of work and the social nature of play in today's workforce. The line between work and play has significantly blurred because we are constantly connected to the network, and arguably both working and playing.

Security also factors in to the equation. The DoD network is under constant attack from foreign governments trying to steal American secrets. And there is no doubt that this is a serious threat. But, if we have deemed network connectivity to be a mission essential task, than we must educate the force about the threat and ultimately assume some risk.

Again, it's encouraging to see entities of the DoD utilizing social networking tools, but as an organization, the DoD is moving too slowly to adopt this technology, while those that would do us harm continue to improvise and adapt methodologies around these tools.

Also see:
Cyber Attacks on Government Networks and Web 2.0
Thinking About Gov 2.0

The '10 Minute Rule'

As I've said before on this blog, I'm an avid user of technology. I use Web 2.0 tools to organize most facets of my life -- from calendars to task lists and email to social networking -- and I'm not afraid to experiment with new technology. However, I have developed some self-regulated rules for using new technology tools.

The above cartoon articulates one of my technology rules, the '10 Minute Rule.' The 10 Minute Rule states:

If you can't intuitively learn the basics of a new technology in 10 minutes or less, it's probably not worth learning

If I am unable to immediately start using the basics of a new technology with minimal direction/instruction, and don't feel comfortable with its basic function(s) within ten minutes, I'm already looking to move on.

I developed the 10 Minute Rule in a previous job where I was responsible for reviewing and introducing new technology tools for a government organization that had an already established, and very successful, set of processes and procedures. Endeavoring to improve upon those successful processes and procedures, I found a ton of great tools, however, most of those tools came with a steep learning curve and a long training tail, which I found unacceptable.

That steep learning curve and training tail are designed to fleece organizations when they purchase the tool. It's a double whammy -- you spend a bazillion dollars buying a tool only to spend even more to learn how to operate it, and then usually find out that it's obsolete or does not really satisfy the original requirement you purchased it for.

While working that previous job, I found the 10 Minute Rule to be an invaluable way of keeping software vendors honest, and I incorporated it into my personal practices to keep focused.

As with most things on the Internet, it's so easy to run down a rabbit hole, and before you know it you have blown a few hours and have nothing to show for it.

There are many smart folks developing great tools. If they keep the 10 Minute Rule in mind as they develop those tools, life for everyone will be a lot easier.

Cartoon is the property of the Random Thoughts blog.