Marines issue comprehensive social media handbook

Two years after banning service members from using social media, the U.S. Marine Corps has published a guide for leaders, members and families.

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A lot can change in 25 months.

In August 2009, the U.S. Marine Corps issued an immediate ban on its members using social media on its network. Last week, that same Marine Corps published a comprehensive guide for commanding officers, service members and families to make use of social media sites.

The U.S. Department of Defense granted members of every branch of the military access to social media in February 2010, but this move by the Marines endorses the practice.

“The Marine Corps encourages Marines to explore and engage in social media communities at a level they feel comfortable with,” the guide states. “The best advice is to approach online communication in the same way we communicate in person—by using sound judgment and common sense, adhering to the Marine Corps’ core values of honor, courage and commitment, following established policy, and abiding by the Uniform Code of Military Justice.”

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