Pentagon debates future of social media

A debate is rumbling inside the Pentagon over the proper role of social media in military affairs. While certain officials are calling for a total ban of social media tools like Facebook and Twitter, other insiders are proposing a more moderate policy. Amid reports that the Defense Department was considering banning social media over security concerns, Price Floyd, DOD social media czar, clarified the Pentagon’s position by saying he is reviewing the options. Since Floyd was appointed to bolster DOD’s social media profile and robustly engage Secretary Robert Gates with the public, his future in the Pentagon hinges on the outcome of this debate. So far, Floyd has signed DOD up for a Twitter account and synchronized blogs with the military’s “Early Bird” news service. He also plans on launching a revamped DOD website later this month.