Everyone and their grandmother is on Facebook it seems. Twitter is becoming one of the largest growing social media sources on the Internet. All of that is great but what does it have to do with the Navy? A lot more than you might think.

This generation of Sailors has adopted those channels of communication their preferred method and its important that Navy leadership embrace the opportunity to communicate to Sailors where they are. Thankfully Navy leadership including the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) are active participants as well as advocates.

Check out some of the creative ways Sailors are keeping informed through social media.

	Twitter:
		ADM Gary Roughead – CNO
		MCPON Rick West
		CNO’s Public Affairs Officer
	Facebook:
		ADM Gary Roughead – CNO
		MCPON Rick West
	YouTube:
		The Official U.S. Navy Channel
	Podcast:
		MCPON’s Podcast
	SlideShare:
		MCPON’s Presentation Slides
		Navy Official Social Media Presentation Slides
	Flickr:
		MCPON’s Flickr page

MCPON and the CNO understand that social media is a fantastic way to not only reach Sailors but their families too. They share about events, historic facts, new accomplishments and just about what’s going on in the Navy today. It’s a real-time path to disseminate information to the deck plates. That’s pretty progressive thinking by ANY enterprise.

Does your employer embrace social media? If so, how has it impacted your professional and personal life?