Uncle Sam Wants You – Especially If You’re Facebook Friends or an Active Tweeter

Most users of social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook would never dream that their aptitude in social networking could mean keeping the nation secure. Yet suddenly networking savvy military men and women are being hired as intelligence officers and analysts to prevent both military and civilian casualties overseas.

Young military intelligence officers and analysts are finding that their social networking experience and ability to switch tasks efficiently are coveted by United States military corps. Each analyst sits in front of a bank of four computer monitors with dozens of “chat” windows open at a time as well as drone feeds. Large screens around the room also present feeds from remotely controlled, unmanned planes (drones).  The idea is for analysts to stay in constant contact with intelligence officers in the field overseas as well as keep an eye upon drone feeds. {New York Times}

This setup becomes quite useful when forces are moving along insurgent roads in Afghanistan or other hostile territory. If an analyst spots a suspicious object by the side of the road, supervisors verify the nature of the object. If a possible roadside bomb is confirmed, analysts can immediately chat with intelligence officers overseas, who can radio the convoy and prevent unnecessary casualties.

Analysts can also help to identify civilians in the area of combat, preventing civilian casualties which have been a point of contention between the military and Afghan leaders.

There’s one more distinctive thing that these socially savvy analysts can offer soldiers overseas: contact with the outside world. Some conversations spark friendships that continue even once a soldier’s tour is over.