Live From the Front: Operational Ramifications of Military Web Logs in Combat Zones

摘要

Military web logs (online journals written by service members serving in combat zones) began appearing on the Internet shortly after the start of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM. Their firsthand accounts of action on the front lines provide the public with a perspective that cannot be gained from the mainstream media. Their instantaneous nature and widespread reach create unique operational concerns not experienced with other forms of communication. This paper examines these operational concerns, with a particular focus on operational security, while also examining the positive aspects of military web logs. Legal implications and the military's efforts to manage risks associated with military web logs also are discussed. Using parallels found in civilian web logs, business sector web log management techniques are discussed as they relate to military web logs. Finally, the paper concludes that military leaders must allow a permissive military web log environment, framed with sound operational security guidance and training, if they are to leverage the benefits that military web logs can provide to the operational commander.