Resolute Support Social Media – Everyone knowledgeable about counterinsurgency recognizes the importance of winning the media battle. Unfortunately, it seems the insurgent and terrorist groups like ISIS, the Taliban, and others seem to be way out in front of the U.S. and its coalition partners in the information operations (IO) and social media fight. But things seem to be getting better.
CJTF-OIR is setting a high bench mark for successfully using social media in the IO war against ISIS in the Syrian – Iraq area of operations. CJTF-OIR’s use of Twitter and other social media avenues is fairly consistent and rings of accuracy (to an extent). Resolute Support Social Media staff workers in Kabul seem to be a step behind CJTF-OIR but it isn’t for lack of trying. The strategic communications (EF8) and PAO advisors get high marks for working with the Afghan institutions in developing their IO organizations. The use of social media in Afghanistan is just as important as in the Middle East region (Iraq and Syria).
Take a look behind the scenes of one ‘social media operator’ who just completed a tour in Kabul with Resolute Support HQs managing the Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and YouTube accounts for Resolute Support. Megan Gully, a member of the U.S. Army Material Command Public Affairs office, deployed to Kabul for an extended tour. Read her story “Commentary: My Deployment to Afghanistan”, DVIDS, July 28, 2017.
