Seems like the White House got the memo on the importance of social media to national security.
While I was discussing the National Defense University's report on social media and national defense with former Defense new media chief Jack Holt, he mentioned that his title recently changed to senior strategist for emerging media. The reason for the new business card? Apparently, the White House has a job description out for his former position as chief of new media operations at Defense. More interesting, the position will be politically appointed.
So it looks like the Obama administration not only recognizes the strategic importance of social media at the Pentagon, but they view as politically sensitive enough to warrant having their own person in charge rather than a career official.
If you're wondering what exactly that person will be doing, check out our lead article on the NDU report, which details the various ways in which social media can be used to support national security. The NDU report itself should be released later this week.
COMMENTS
Ron, I think it likely this Administration finds itself with a surfeit of "senior career" personnel who intend, without a qualm, to continue representing the highly politicized and partisan perspective of the previous administration.
I don't see how the Administration of a President, who is a political representative, rationally could be expected to act in a non-politicized manner. Which is not to say that all appointments, such as to public attorney, should represent one political perspective, but there is a difference between positions intended to present the policies of the President and those representing the people. Defense IMO, as an agency, should pursue policy established by the President.
Margaret 04/18/09 04:45 am ET
Too bad the Administration made this position political--it means that they will use it to push propaganda for their radical agenda. A senior career post would provide more balanced leadership and continuity. This Admininstration seems to be politicizing everything it can.
Ron 04/17/09 10:01 am ET